13 Christmas Soup Ideas Perfect for Guests Who Like to Ease Into Dinner

Dinner gatherings can run smoothly when there are 13 Christmas soup ideas ready to go. Many hosts find that offering soup first gives guests time to chat and unwind. Starting the evening with a warm bowl can turn any holiday meal into a relaxed event. A good soup collection allows you to switch things up for each occasion.

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.

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.

A cool December evening feels gentle once this Creamy Leek and Potato Soup fills every bowl. Smooth texture and light flavors get people curious for the recipe after their first spoonful. Guests relax as they dip bread or crackers alongside. I always enjoy this soup when the holiday crowd needs a cozy, mellow start.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Leek and Potato 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.

Meatballs and greens float together in this Hearty Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup to make a cheerful holiday dish. Friends often comment on the filling taste and how it feels like comfort in a bowl. The slow cooker takes care of dinner, while chatter flows freely around the table. I use wedding soup when guests want something classic without any fuss.
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.

Full bowls of this Comforting Turkey Soup calm any holiday rush. Warm broth and tender bites build the kind of meal that lets everyone settle in for the evening. Smiles float around as the group enjoys each spoonful. I reach for turkey soup once I want dinnertime to feel simple and familiar after a big Christmas day.
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.

A pop of rich red color draws people for seconds with this Roasted Tomato Soup. Toasty edges and bright flavors shake off chilly winter nights. Friends soon ask for extra bread to leave nothing behind in their bowls. I love how tomato soup starts holiday dinners on a cheerful and inviting note.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup

Hearty Lentil Soup

A hearty bowl of savory lentil soup, beautifully garnished with fresh cilantro, a swirl of cream, and an aromatic blend of spices.
Hearty Lentil Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Soup lovers will appreciate the filling power behind this Hearty Lentil Soup. Layers of warmth keep the cold away, while veggies and pulses carry the meal from start to finish. Diners compliment the hearty base as they reload their bowls. I bring out lentil soup for holiday gatherings where everyone hopes to linger over dinner.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Lentil 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.

Hearty spoonfuls loaded with veggies make this Chunky Vegetable Soup hard to forget. Even picky eaters find something to love once they dig in. Friends and family share stories while sampling each bite. I always find this vegetable-packed dish brings color and comfort to Christmas tables.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Vegetable 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.

Lively chatter starts up when bowls of this Creamy, Cheesy Broccoli Soup are passed around at dinner. Each bite mixes coziness with a cheesy kick and smooth finish. Compliments about the texture start as soon as the first bowls go out. I keep broccoli soup on repeat for guests who love comfort food that’s extra creamy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy Broccoli 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.

Winter nights become warmer once this Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup arrives at the table. Everyone settles in when big scoops of beef, potatoes, and vegetables fill their bowls. Warm smiles appear as the group enjoys the meal together. I prep this soup ahead to make hosting big crowds feel relaxed and easy during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup

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.

Creaminess and gentle sweetness weave together in this Velvety Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. Holiday guests often linger, admiring the color and smooth texture before tasting. The dish soothes chilly hands and provides a light yet festive start. I serve squash soup at Christmas dinners where a touch of elegance feels right.
Get the Recipe: Velvety Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Clam Chowder

A bowl of creamy soup with clams, bacon, chopped green onions, and parsley, placed on a pink surface next to a spoon and some fresh herbs.
Clam Chowder. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Steamy bowls packed with flavor invite everyone to slow down with this Clam Chowder. The comfort of this traditional soup always brings back memories of cozy winter evenings. Conversations pick up as soon as the ladle dips out the first bowl. I make chowder for holiday dinners that need a warm, crowd-pleasing beginning.
Get the Recipe: Clam Chowder

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.

Thick and creamy, every spoonful of this Hearty Potato Soup delivers joy as December winds blow. No one can resist another helping, especially with toppings on the side. Contentment grows as the bowls are scraped clean. I rely on this recipe for evenings that demand both warmth and easy meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Potato 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.

Earthy aroma and comforting taste make this Creamy Mushroom Soup stand out every Christmas season. Friends indulge each spoonful, guessing the secret to its rich flavor. The blend of mushrooms and silky broth is always a conversation starter. I pick mushroom soup to add a cozy, inviting feeling to my dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom 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.

A big pot of this Hearty Ham and Bean Soup makes any holiday meal feel loving and complete. Smoky, rich flavor brings everyone together, with seconds scooped up soon after the first bowls. The memories stick long after dinner is over. I choose ham and bean soup for easy gatherings where comfort takes center stage.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Ham and Bean 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.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *