14 Festive Christmas Soup Ideas That Keep Guests Warm

---

As the temperatures drop and the holiday season approaches, there’s no better way to keep your guests warm than with a comforting bowl of soup. From hearty bisques to light broths, these 14 festive Christmas soup ideas will not only warm their bellies, but also fill your home with delightful aromas and cozy holiday cheer. Let’s dive into these delicious recipes that pair perfectly with a chilly winter night!

Creamy Pumpkin Soup

A classic fall favorite that’s perfect for the holidays!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

1. In a pot, sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
2. Add pumpkin puree and vegetable broth and heat through.
3. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
4. Blend until smooth and serve.

Make it Unique:

Add a pinch of nutmeg for a warm spice kick or top with crumbled bacon for a savory twist!

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

This soul-soothing soup warms both heart and home!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup egg noodles
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 tsp thyme

Process:

1. In a pot, bring chicken broth to a boil and add carrots and celery.
2. Cook for 5 minutes, then add noodles and cooked chicken.
3. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Stir in thyme before serving.

Make it Unique:

Add fresh spinach or kale for extra nutrients or swap chicken for turkey leftovers!

Spicy Tomato Basil Soup

A zesty twist on a traditional favorite!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• Fresh basil for garnish

Process:

1. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, and red pepper flakes; bring to a simmer.
3. Cook for 20 minutes, then blend for a smooth texture.
4. Serve garnished with fresh basil.

Make it Unique:

Add a splash of cream for richness or a sprinkle of goat cheese for tang!

Creamy Potato Leek Soup

This classic is as comforting as it gets!

Ingredients:

• 2 leeks, chopped
• 4 cups potatoes, diced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste

Process:

1. Sauté leeks in a pot until soft.
2. Add potatoes and broth; cook until potatoes are tender.
3. Blend until smooth, stir in heavy cream, and season to taste.
4. Serve warm, garnished with chives.

Make it Unique:

Incorporate some crispy bacon on top or use sweet potatoes for a twist!

Butternut Squash Soup

The creamy texture and sweetness of squash are perfect for Christmas!

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tsp ginger, minced

Process:

1. In a large pot, sauté onions and ginger until soft.
2. Add butternut squash and vegetable broth; bring to a boil.
3. Cook until squash is tender, then blend until smooth.
4. Stir in coconut milk and serve.

Make it Unique:

Add a dash of curry powder for a spicy kick or top with toasted coconut flakes!

French Onion Soup

This classic is a must-have for any festive gathering!

Ingredients:

• 4 onions, thinly sliced
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 cup white wine
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 baguette, sliced
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated

Process:

1. Caramelize onions in a pot until golden brown.
2. Add white wine and cook until reduced, then stir in beef broth and thyme.
3. Simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Top soup with baguette slices and cheese, then broil until bubbly.

Make it Unique:

Swap Gruyère cheese for mozzarella for a milder taste or add a hint of balsamic vinegar!

Italian Wedding Soup

A festive dish bursting with flavor!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup small meatballs
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 1 cup pasta (orzo works well)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Process:

1. Cook meatballs in a pot until browned; set aside.
2. In the same pot, add broth and bring to a boil.
3. Add pasta and cook until tender; stir in kale and meatballs.
4. Serve sprinkled with Parmesan.

Make it Unique:

Mix in some spinach for additional greens or swap out meatballs for turkey versions!

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Soup

A technically easy and healthy option that’s filling!

Ingredients:

• 2 sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin

Process:

1. Sauté onions in a pot until soft, then add sweet potatoes and broth.
2. Cook until sweet potatoes are tender.
3. Stir in black beans and cumin; gently mash some beans for thickness.
4. Blend for smooth texture or leave chunky.

Make it Unique:

Top with avocado slices for a fresh touch or sprinkle with cilantro!

Beef and Barley Soup

A robust soup perfect for a filling meal!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup barley
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 tsp thyme

Process:

1. Brown the beef in a pot, then add broth and bring to a simmer.
2. Stir in barley, carrots, celery, and thyme.
3. Cook until barley is tender, about 30 minutes.
4. Serve hot.

Make it Unique:

Add mushrooms for an earthy flavor or use quinoa instead of barley!

Chili Con Carne

Perfect for a casual gathering, this soup is hearty and satisfying!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp chili powder

Process:

1. Brown ground beef and onion in a pot.
2. Add tomato sauce and bring to a simmer.
3. Stir in kidney beans and chili powder; cook for 15 minutes.
4. Serve with toppings.

Make it Unique:

Incorporate corn for added sweetness or switch the beef for turkey!

Lobster Bisque

Impress guests with this elegant seafood delight!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lobster meat, chopped
• 4 cups seafood stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tsp paprika

Process:

1. Sauté onion in a pot until soft, then add stock and lobster meat.
2. Simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Blend until smooth, stir in cream and paprika.
4. Heat through and serve.

Make it Unique:

Add a splash of sherry for depth or garnish with chives for a pop of color!

Curried Carrot Soup

A unique flavor profile that your guests will love!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 tsp curry powder

Process:

1. Sauté onion in a pot until soft, add carrots and broth.
2. Cook until carrots are tender, then blend until smooth.
3. Stir in coconut milk and curry powder.
4. Serve warm.

Make it Unique:

Top with roasted chickpeas for crunch or add a squeeze of lime!

Gazpacho

A refreshing option for those holiday parties that dance lightly!

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups tomato juice

Process:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
2. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
3. Serve cold with toppings of your choice.

Make it Unique:

Add jalapeños for heat or blend in some avocados for creaminess!

Split Pea Soup

Comfort food at its finest, with a splash of nostalgia!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups split peas, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 ham hock
• 8 cups water

Process:

1. In a pot, combine peas, onion, carrots, ham hock, and water.
2. Bring to a boil then simmer until peas are soft, about 1 hour.
3. Remove ham hock, shred meat, and return to soup.
4. Blend if desired for a creamy texture.

Make it Unique:

Add a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or garnish with crispy croutons!

Spiced Lentil Soup

A satisfying and healthy choice packed with flavor!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 tsp cumin

Process:

1. Sauté onions and carrots in a pot until tender.
2. Add lentils and broth; bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender, about 30 minutes.
4. Season with cumin and serve.

Make it Unique:

Add spinach for additional greens, or include diced tomatoes for acidity!

Mushroom Barley Soup

A nourishing option that’s perfect for winter gatherings!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tsp thyme

Process:

1. Sauté onions and mushrooms in a pot until soft.
2. Add broth and barley; bring to a boil.
3. Lower heat and cook until barley is tender, about 30 minutes.
4. Season with thyme and serve.

Make it Unique:

Incorporate a splash of sherry for depth or add peas for sweetness!

---

Enjoy diving into these festive soup recipes! Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a glamorous holiday party, these warm bowls are sure to create delicious memories. Try one, or make them all!