13 Comforting Holiday Soup Recipes That Gather Everyone Together

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Gathering around a pot of soup during the holidays is a cherished tradition. The comforting aromas wafting through the kitchen create an inviting atmosphere, bringing family and friends together. These 13 cozy holiday soup recipes are perfect for cold evenings, encouraging laughter and connection at your dining table.

1. Classic Chunky Chicken Soup

Warm up with the nostalgia of this timeless dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
2. Add chicken and broth, simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Season with salt and pepper.

Make it Unique:
Add noodles for a heartier option or toss in some spinach for extra greens.

2. Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Indulge in this rich and cheesy delight that warms the soul.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream

Process:

1. Cook broccoli, onion, and carrot in broth until tender.
2. Blend until smooth, then stir in cheese and cream.
3. Heat gently, stirring until cheese melts.

Make it Unique:
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a kick or substitute cream with coconut milk for a vegan version.

3. Spicy Butternut Squash Soup

Enjoy the warm flavors of the season in this spicy twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

1. Sauté onion until translucent, then add squash and broth.
2. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25 minutes.
3. Blend until smooth and stir in spices.

Make it Unique:
Try adding apple for sweetness or top with pumpkin seeds for crunch.

4. Hearty Beef and Barley Soup

Fall in love with the rich, meaty flavor of this filling soup.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced

Process:

1. Brown beef in a large pot, then add onion and veggies.
2. Pour in broth and add barley; simmer for 1 hour.
3. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Make it Unique:
Add mushrooms for depth or use lentils instead of barley for a gluten-free option.

5. Tomato Basil Bisque

Savor the rich and tangy taste of this classic bisque that never disappoints.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped

Process:

1. Sauté onion and garlic until softened, then add tomatoes.
2. Simmer for 20 minutes, and blend until smooth.
3. Stir in cream and basil just before serving.

Make it Unique:
Try adding roasted red peppers for depth or serve with croutons for extra crunch.

6. Creamy Wild Mushroom Soup

Indulge in the earthy flavors of mushrooms brought to life through creamy goodness.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed wild mushrooms, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter

Process:

1. Sauté mushrooms and onion in butter until tender.
2. Add broth and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Blend, stir in cream, and heat through.

Make it Unique:
Add cooked bacon pieces for a smoky flavor or use coconut cream for dairy-free.

7. Vegetable Minestrone Soup

This robust, veggie-packed minestrone offers hearty sustenance.

Ingredients:

• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup small pasta

Process:

1. In a pot, combine all ingredients except pasta; bring to a boil.
2. Simmer for 15 minutes, then stir in pasta.
3. Cook until pasta is tender.

Make it Unique:
Add pesto for a flavor boost or replace pasta with quinoa.

8. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Soup

This soup combines sweetness with heartiness for a delightful taste.

Ingredients:

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

Process:

1. Cook sweet potatoes and onion in a pot with broth until tender.
2. Stir in black beans and cumin; warm through.
3. Blend partially for a creamy texture.

Make it Unique:
Top with tortilla chips for crunch or swap black beans for chickpeas.

9. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Satisfy your taste buds with the bold flavors of this favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• Corn tortilla strips

Process:

1. Sauté onion in a pot, add tomatoes and broth, and bring to a boil.
2. Stir in chicken and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Serve with tortilla strips on top.

Make it Unique:
Add black olives for flavor or use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.

10. Italian Sausage and Lentil Soup

This dish brings bold Italian flavors to your holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced

Process:

1. Brown sausage in a pot, then add onion and carrots until softened.
2. Pour in broth and lentils, simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Season with herbs if desired.

Make it Unique:
Swap out green lentils for red lentils for a quicker-cooking version.

11. Split Pea Soup with Ham

Enjoy a fulfilling and fragrant soup perfect for chilly nights.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups split peas, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, diced
• 4 cups ham or vegetable broth
• 1 cup diced ham (optional)

Process:

1. Sauté onion and carrot in a pot until soft, then add peas and broth.
2. Simmer for about 1 hour until peas are tender.
3. Blend partially for texture and add ham if desired.

Make it Unique:
Use smoked turkey instead of ham or add spinach for vitamins.

12. Coconut Curry Pumpkin Soup

This spicy and sweet soup is an unexpected holiday treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 can pumpkin puree
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

1. Combine all ingredients in a pot, and heat on medium, stirring occasionally.
2. Simmer for 15 minutes until heated through.
3. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Make it Unique:
Add some diced apples for sweetness or serve with a dollop of yogurt.

13. Curried Chickpea and Spinach Soup

This delightful recipe offers a hearty and nutritious choice.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 2 cups spinach, fresh
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp curry powder

Process:

1. Sauté onion in a pot, add chickpeas and broth, and bring to a boil.
2. Stir in spinach and curry powder, simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Season with salt and serve warm.

Make it Unique:
Add coconut milk for creaminess or swap spinach for kale.

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These holiday soup recipes are more than just meals; they’re a way to share warmth and joy during the festive season. Whether you choose a classic or a twist on something familiar, each bowl promises comfort. Gather your loved ones, pick a recipe (or a few), and enjoy the togetherness that comes with nourishing food. Happy cooking!