23 Thanksgiving Soup Ideas That Feel Like A Family Tradition

Thanksgiving feels incomplete without something warm that brings everyone together before the feast begins. These 23 soup ideas carry that kind of comfort that’s been passed around family tables for years. Each one feels like it belongs in a big pot on the stove while relatives swap stories nearby.

A bowl of beet soup is garnished with a dollop of cream, black pepper, and fresh rosemary, with a gold spoon resting inside the bowl.
Vibrant Beet Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Velvety Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Close-up of a bowl of creamy butternut squash soup garnished with herbs, seeds, and two slices of seasoned bread. The soup has a swirled texture and a vibrant orange color.
Velvety Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Big meals feel more like family when they start with something smooth. Velvety Roasted Butternut Squash Soup gives a creamy base that’s easy to serve in big or small bowls. This bowl always sets a welcoming mood when everyone’s just getting cozy. Its mellow bite can please even those who skip soup.
Get the Recipe: Velvety Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Creamy, Cheesy Broccoli Soup

A close-up of a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup garnished with croutons, a sprig of mint, and grated cheese.
Creamy, Cheesy Broccoli Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Family tables light up when a bowl can mix comfort with crunch. Creamy, Cheesy Broccoli Soup makes even picky eaters grab a spoon when it hits the table. The cheesy twist is a sure crowd favorite at any get-together. Easy to pair with bread or just by itself for a warm start.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy Broccoli Soup

Hearty Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

A close-up of soup with meatballs, carrots, celery, spinach, slivered almonds, and fresh herbs in a clear broth.
Hearty Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Traditions stick around when meals feel filling and packed with good stuff. Hearty Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup is a loaded bowl where every dip of the spoon brings a new surprise. It’s great for long chats before the main meal begins. This one keeps everyone happily waiting for what’s next.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

Comforting Turkey Soup

A bowl of chicken soup with rice, carrots, celery, herbs, and pepper sprinkled on top.
Comforting Turkey Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Nothing says “home” quite like a bowl that brings back memories. Comforting Turkey Soup uses up leftovers so nothing goes to waste and everyone gets a second helping. Family members keep coming back for more thanks to the simple flavor. It works well with extra rolls or spicy sides.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Turkey Soup

Roasted Tomato Soup

Close-up of a bowl of roasted tomato soup topped with toasted bread chunks, fresh thyme, and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Roasted Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Old memories show up quickly when a red bowl comes out warm and steamy. Roasted Tomato Soup slides across the table fast since it pairs well with crispy add-ons. Its rich color brightens plates and feels like something that should always be there. Guests dip right in and start the conversation early.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup

Hearty Potato Soup

Close-up of a bowl of creamy soup topped with grilled bacon pieces and chopped parsley.
Hearty Potato Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Some bowls just remind people of gathering with family even on busy days. Hearty Potato Soup always gets a buzz going with a thick scoop and plenty to share. It fits right next to your big plate of seconds or goes solo for a quick fix. There’s never any awkward pause since it’s easy to like.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Potato Soup

Creamy Pumpkin Soup

A mouthwatering close-up of pumpkin soup garnished with a swirl of cream, crunchy pumpkin seeds, a crispy slice, and aromatic sage leaves.
Creamy Pumpkin Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Every big meal could use something smooth and orange to pass around. Creamy Pumpkin Soup brings out that special “family gathering” mood with its soft texture and color. Steaming bowls get empty fast since they work with almost anything else. Sometimes folks come early just to grab a bowl of this.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Comforting Cabbage Soup

A close-up of a steaming pot of hearty cabbage soup in a tomato-based broth, garnished with fresh herbs.
Comforting Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Shared stories have a way of appearing when something simple is in the bowl. Comforting Cabbage Soup feels like a nod to the past with every bite being chunky but not too heavy. Usually someone smiles and asks for seconds before the meal even ends. No fussing means more time for hanging out together.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Cabbage Soup

Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with pieces of ham, garnished with chopped parsley, and a spoon resting in the bowl.
Hearty Ham and Bean Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Classic favorites hang around because they fill plates and bring people closer. Hearty Ham and Bean Soup is one where every spoonful packs a punch so no one leaves hungry. The mix in this bowl means every family member finds what they like. It just makes long dinners go a bit smoother.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

Creamy Leek and Potato Soup

A bowl of creamy soup garnished with sautéed green onions and herbs.
Creamy Leek and Potato Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sometimes the best start comes from something plain but rich. Creamy Leek and Potato Soup calms everyone down before dinner so no one feels rushed. It’s a smooth bowl that brings out old jokes and laughter. No table feels complete without a pot of this being passed around.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Leek and Potato Soup

Rich French Onion Soup

A savory dish of French Onion Soup, topped with melted cheese and garnished with sprigs of fresh thyme.
Rich French Onion Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Timeless gatherings always get that “old world” vibe with deep flavors. Rich French Onion Soup has a thick top and strong body that gets talked about right away. People love grabbing a spoonful of the gooey topping and working toward the soft finish. It sets the tone for slow happy eating together.
Get the Recipe: Rich French Onion Soup

Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup

A bowl of beef stew with chunks of meat, potatoes, carrots, and peas in a brown broth, garnished with chopped parsley.
Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Filling forks and spoons at the same time gets everyone into the party mood. Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup packs enough to keep the biggest eaters happy all through dinner. Every spoonful has a little surprise that keeps things lively. It makes for great leftovers the next day too.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup

Comforting Chicken Soup

A pot of soup with sliced carrots, potatoes, and herbs floating in a seasoned broth.
Comforting Chicken Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Everyone opens up when there’s a classic bowl at the center of the table. Comforting Chicken Soup gives families something to chat over with every serving. Extra portions disappear before anyone even thinks about leftovers. It’s one of those dishes that always brings people together.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Chicken Soup

Chunky Vegetable Soup

Close-up of a bowl of vegetable soup with spinach, peas, carrots, celery, and large beans, topped with grated cheese. A spoon rests in the bowl.
Chunky Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes eating together works best with something everyone can dig into easily. Chunky Vegetable Soup stacks the bowl so high guests want seconds right away. It also works for mixing in bread or crackers if the meal goes long. People always notice when this one is missing from the table.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Vegetable Soup

Hearty Tortellini Soup

A close-up of creamy tortellini with spinach and fresh basil leaves.
Hearty Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Family dinners feel bigger when every bowl has a surprise inside. Hearty Tortellini Soup gives a chewy bite that’s just fun to eat over stories. It pairs well with salads or bread for an even fuller feel. Gatherings last longer when this one is on the stove throughout the afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Tortellini Soup

Comforting Chicken Pot Pie Soup

A pot of creamy vegetable and chicken soup with mushrooms, corn, peas, carrots, and herbs.
Comforting Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A bowl that brings a pie feeling is always a crowd-pleaser at big family events. Comforting Chicken Pot Pie Soup has a creamy body with familiar soft bites waiting in every spoonful. You can watch people dip bread or rolls every time they pass by. Old favorites return with a soup like this.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Hearty Red Lentil Soup

A bowl of lentil curry garnished with chopped cilantro and a swirl of cream, with a spoon in the bowl.
Hearty Red Lentil Soup. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Even the quietest get-togethers brighten up with something filling in hand. Hearty Red Lentil Soup has a thick texture that keeps seats warm and bellies full. Guests love the deep spoonfuls as they help themselves. There’s always a debate about whether it’s too thick but no one leaves a drop behind.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Red Lentil Soup

Creamy Mushroom Soup

Mushroom soup that's delightfully creamy, adorned with sautéed mushrooms, a dollop of cream, red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of parsley.
Creamy Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Foggy evenings with family need a bowl that feels rich and warm. Creamy Mushroom Soup brings everyone close because it gives a calm start to any busy dinner. Quiet nods go around as soon as the pot gets ladled out. It’s a comfort dish that sets the mood just right for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Soup

Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup

A close-up of a bowl of hearty Chicken Noodle Soup, showcasing shredded chicken, egg noodles, chopped carrots, celery, and garnished with fresh parsley.
Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Generations make a habit out of warm welcome starters like this. Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup has a slurpable body with thick noodles that keep spirits bright. New faces always ask for a second bowl when they join the table. Long chats and laughter go with every serving like it’s part of the plan.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup

Chunky Minestrone Soup

A bowl of hearty minestrone soup packed with green beans, pasta, zucchini, tomatoes, and herbs, served with crusty bread slices.
Chunky Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Mix-ups at the table never last long when each scoop is something new. Chunky Minestrone Soup offers a mix that lets everyone taste something different with each bite. It’s perfect for groups who like passing bread baskets and little bowls around. The pot empties before dessert every single time.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Minestrone Soup

Fresh Pea and Mint Soup

A bowl of creamy green pea soup garnished with mint leaves, black pepper, and pieces of crusty bread.
Fresh Pea and Mint Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fun colors on the table help spark memories and laughter. Fresh Pea and Mint Soup gives a pop of green with cool bites so everyone’s got something to remember. It’s light yet keeps the party from feeling rushed or heavy. Side conversations pick up as the bowls get passed on down the line.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Pea and Mint Soup

Hearty White Bean Soup

A bowl of hearty white bean soup topped with melted cheese and a slice of toasted bread, garnished with fresh parsley.
Hearty White Bean Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

No big spread feels right without something thick and plain in the mix. Hearty White Bean Soup lands right in between familiar and new with each bowlful. Load it up with extras or eat it plain for long talks at the table. Friends usually want this again next year after one quiet bowlful.
Get the Recipe: Hearty White Bean Soup

Vibrant Beet Soup

A bowl of beet soup is garnished with a dollop of cream, black pepper, and fresh rosemary, with a gold spoon resting inside the bowl.
Vibrant Beet Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Eye-catching bowls bring out new stories at reunions. Vibrant Beet Soup gives a strong color that draws everyone’s attention and keeps dinner looking fun. The smooth pour calls for pairing with bread or crackers nearby. It’s the kind of soup that gets photos taken before a single spoon is picked up.
Get the Recipe: Vibrant Beet Soup

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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