Christmas soup? Is that really a thing? I see you over there with your prime rib and your mountain of mashed potatoes, and to be honest, soup is probably the last thing on your mind.
But guys. BE RATIONAL for two seconds. What if I told you soup could be the cozy, comforting, life-giving superstar of your holiday? Think about that glorious, steamy bowl welcoming everyone in from the cold. Perrrrfection.
1. Curried Cauliflower Apple Soup
I know, I know. Curried cauliflower and apple? It sounds a little out there. But just trust me on this one. For those cold winter months, you are not going to find a better soup that hits all the notes: warm, creamy, sweet, AND spicy.
It’s a total flavor-texture-color rainbow of delight. And get this: it’s also low in fat, but packed with nine grams of protein and six grams of fiber. It’s a feel-good, hearty soup that everyone is going to love.
2. Borscht
Okay, borscht. Some people are all in, some are all out. But you can’t deny it is perfect for Christmas. First off, that bright red color is just so festive. It’s loaded with big chunks of beets and potatoes, making it extremely filling.
Honestly, it’s just a really nice, cozy soup for the holidays. It has this deep, earthy flavor with a little pop of sharp sourness. It might not be your thing, but if it is? It hits just right.
3. Christmas Soup
Yep, you read that right. There is literally a soup called Christmas Soup, so obviously it has to be on this list. It’s this rich, flavor-packed tomato and cheese soup, kind of like a thin queso. Total yum.
It’s vegetarian and loaded with pasta to make it nice and filling. Best part? It’s just 5 minutes of prep and then 2 hours in the slow cooker. We love a hands-off recipe!
4. Sweet Potato Soup
Can I just say, I adore sweet potatoes. You can do anything with them, including making this absolutely scrumptious, spiced soup. This stuff is fantastically creamy.
We’re talking velvety, rich goodness. It’s a perfect match for a fresh green salad and a glass of white wine.
5. Chestnut Soup with Bacon and Chives
Forget roasting chestnuts on an open fire this year. Let’s put them in a soup instead! This one is loaded with bacon, chives, carrots, celery, leeks, nutmeg, and shallots.
All those ingredients come together to make a lovely, flavorful, and perfectly salty bowl that is just made for a Christmas lunch.
6. Easy Tomato Soup
Need a quick-win recipe? This tomato soup is ridiculously easy and comes together in just 25 minutes. And I’m telling you, it’s one of the best you’ll ever have. It’s got that perfect balance of tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and salt.
I love to top it with Parmesan and croutons for a little cheesy, crunchy action. And just trust me on this: serve it with a buttery, gooey-delicious grilled cheese. It’s a must. Your tastebuds will be so happy.
7. Chocolate Soup
Oh, and who said Christmas soup has to be savory? Enter: Chocolate Soup.
This is the perfect option if you want something sweet that tastes like dessert. It’s got this delightfully smooth, silky texture—think a cross between thick chocolate pudding and rich hot chocolate.
Some people think it looks like chocolate gravy, but it’s not. The taste is just spectacular, PURE CHOCOLATE. If you’re a fan of hot chocolate or pudding, you are going to love this.
8. Lentil Soup
If you’re like me and want a soup that’s thick and hearty, this lentil soup has your name written all over it. It’s totally vegan with a delicious base of vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Then we load it up!
We’re talking onions, carrots, garlic, lentils, red pepper flakes, curry powder, thyme, cumin, collard greens… the gang’s all there. It is extremely filling.
9. Stuffed Pepper Soup
Please imagine this: your favorite stuffed pepper recipe, but in soup form. That’s this. It keeps all the best chunks of the good stuff. It’s loaded with rice, beef, and just tons of herbs and spices.
This is one of the most flavor-packed options you can make, with big, big, happy flavor. And it takes less than an hour. WINNING.
10. Spinach Artichoke Soup
Calling all spinach artichoke dip lovers! This soup is 100% for you. The two taste so, so similar. Really, the only difference is the consistency. It’s all that dip flavor you love, just in a cozy soup bowl.
11. Czech Christmas Pea Soup
I know, this pea soup is a… funky shade of green. It’s kind of the ugly duckling of soups. But please, I beg you, do not leave based on looks! It is so-super-yummy.
It takes about 90 minutes, and it’s filled with peas, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, marjoram, and split green peas. Definitely top it with homemade croutons. That just feels like such a treat.
12. Mushroom Soup
Let’s be real: homemade cream of mushroom soup is a total game-changer. It is nothing like that stuff from a can. This one is made with tender chunks of real mushrooms, diced onions, minced garlic, a splash of red wine, and fresh herbs.
It’s so good, you won’t even believe they share the same name. If you want a soup that’s mild but so tasty and super satisfying, this is the one.
13. Christmas Cabbage Soup
This one takes over 4 hours to cook, but it’s so low-maintenance and the ingredient list is nice and simple: green cabbage, baby carrots, onions, potatoes, cooked ham, broth, and pineapples.
It has this really interesting, complex savory flavor that’s hard to describe. Even if you’re not a big cabbage fan, don’t run away! The crushed pineapple does this magic trick where it mellows out any bitterness.
14. Scandinavian Sweet Soup
Here’s another amazing soup that tastes like dessert! The gang’s all here: dried apples, raisins, dried apricots, prunes, pearl tapioca, and cinnamon. (You can add star anise if you want a bigger, more complex flavor.)
You just boil all that in water, then add apple juice. The result is this just delectable, deliciously sweet and fruity soup. It’s almost like a lighter mulled wine, but with zero alcohol.
15. Christmas Tortellini Soup
This soup might have a thin broth, but it is loaded to the max with pure yumminess to make up for it. We’re talking bacon (or pancetta!), onions, cheese tortellini, tomatoes, and spinach.
Just add some Italian seasoning and garlic for flavor. It’s basically a super tasty, cheesy Italian dish, but as a soup. Yes, please.
16. Acorn Squash Soup
This thick, yellow soup is so pretty and just fun to look at. It’s also meatless! Don’t let the bright, sweet look fool you; it has a rich, big, deep, earthy flavor.
There’s a little, barely-sweet note from the honey and squash, but I’m telling you right now, this is a savory, herb-filled soup.
17. Turnip Soup
A 30-minute soup with just a handful of ingredients? Sign me up. It’s just onions, turnips, potatoes, Granny Smith apples, broth, salt, curry powder, olive oil, and light cream.
It’s lush, hearty, and oh-so satisfying, kind of like a pumpkin soup but with a totally different flavor. It’s super mild and easy to digest, which is perfect for when your stomach is feeling a little off.
If you want to kick it up a notch, add fresh herbs and croutons when you serve it.