Every Christmas season, there’s something special about gathering around a warm bowl of soup with family and friends. A cozy soup can bring comfort and joy on chilly winter days, making it the perfect addition to holiday meals.

I chose these 15 soups because each one has a unique flavor that suits the festive season, from hearty classics to light, refreshing options.

These soups are easy to make, and they include a variety of ingredients that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy like Broccoli Cheddar, spicy like Taco Soup, or classic like French Onion, there’s something here for every taste. Some of these recipes are rich and filling, while others are light and healthy, so you can mix and match them based on your holiday plans.

So, try these soups if you’re looking for something warm, delicious, and comforting this Christmas. They’re perfect for big gatherings, small family dinners, or even a cozy night in by the fire. Each recipe brings its festive touch, making them a wonderful way to celebrate the season. Enjoy!

1. Sausage Kale Soup

A hearty soup filled with savory sausage, tender kale, and creamy white beans. It’s warm and comforting for a chilly winter evening.

Time: 35 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups chopped kale
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Brown the Sausage: In a large pot, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove it from the pot and set aside.
Cook Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until it softens (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, add the sausage back in, and stir in the white beans and kale.
Simmer and Serve: Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes until the kale is tender. Add salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm.

2. Italian Wedding Soup

This classic Italian soup is made with tiny meatballs, tender pasta, and fresh spinach for a cozy and nourishing dish.

Time: 45 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef or pork
1 egg
¼ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup small pasta (like orzo)
2 cups spinach or escarole

Instructions

Prepare Meatballs: In a bowl, mix together the ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan. Shape the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs.
Cook Meatballs and Broth: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil. Add the meatballs and pasta, cooking until the meatballs are fully cooked and the pasta is tender (about 10 minutes).
Add Spinach: Stir in the spinach and let it wilt for a minute. Serve the soup warm.

3. French Onion Soup

This classic French onion soup is deeply flavored with caramelized onions and a savory broth. The addition of apple cider gives a slight sweetness, which balances the rich flavors beautifully. Topped with a toasted baguette slice and melted Gruyère cheese, it’s a warm, comforting bowl for the holiday season.

Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Ingredients

3 tbsp butter
4 large onions, thinly sliced
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp flour
4 cups beef broth
1 cup apple cider (non-alcoholic)
4 slices baguette, toasted
1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with sugar. Cook the onions slowly, stirring often, for about 30 minutes until they are deeply golden brown and caramelized. Be patient – this step builds the soup’s flavor.
Add Flour and Broth: Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions, stirring well to coat. This will help thicken the soup slightly. Gradually pour in the beef broth and apple cider, stirring to combine.
Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve with Cheese Topping: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl and sprinkle with shredded Gruyère cheese. Broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Carrot Ginger Soup

A simple, smooth, and slightly sweet soup with a hint of ginger for extra warmth.

Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 lb carrots, chopped
4 cups vegetable broth
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook Onion: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
Add Carrots and Ginger: Add the carrots, vegetable broth, and grated ginger. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, until the carrots are tender.
Blend and Serve: Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, then serve.

5. Tomato Basil Soup

A classic tomato soup with a touch of basil for extra flavor. This soup is smooth, rich, and perfect for the holiday season.

Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Ingredients

2 lbs tomatoes, halved
1 onion, quartered
4 garlic cloves, peeled
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup fresh basil leaves
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Roast the Vegetables: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the tomatoes, onion, and garlic on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and roast for 30 minutes.
Blend with Broth and Basil: Transfer the roasted vegetables to a pot, add the vegetable broth and basil, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Blend and Serve: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Butternut Squash Soup

This creamy butternut squash soup has a hint of spice from ginger and nutmeg, making it smooth and cozy.

Time: 45 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
4 cups vegetable broth
1 tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Onion: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened.
Add Squash and Broth: Add the cubed butternut squash, broth, ginger, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the squash is tender.
Blend and Serve: Puree the soup until smooth, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

7. Potato Leek Soup

This creamy potato leek soup is a classic winter favorite that’s rich and velvety.

Time: 40 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients

2 tbsp butter
3 large leeks, white and light green parts sliced
4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Leeks: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook until they’re soft (about 5 minutes).
Add Potatoes and Broth: Add the potatoes and broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
Blend and Add Cream: Puree the soup until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

8. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Soup

This nourishing soup combines sweet potatoes and black beans for a filling, flavorful dish with a touch of spice.

Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 sweet potatoes, cubed
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook Onion and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large pot. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
Add Sweet Potatoes and Broth: Add the sweet potatoes, vegetable broth, black beans, and chili powder. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Serve: Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

9. Lobster Bisque

This creamy and luxurious lobster bisque is a special treat for the holidays, perfect for a cozy and elegant dinner.

Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Ingredients

2 tbsp butter
1 onion, chopped
2 cups lobster stock
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup lobster meat, chopped
1 tbsp tomato paste
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook Onion: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it’s soft.
Add Stock and Tomato Paste: Stir in the lobster stock and tomato paste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add Cream and Lobster: Stir in the heavy cream and lobster meat, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

10. Beef Barley Soup

This hearty beef and barley soup is rich, filling, and perfect for a cozy holiday meal.

Time: 1 hour 30 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients

1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cups beef broth
½ cup pearl barley
1 tsp thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Cook Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Add Broth, Barley, and Beef: Add the beef broth, barley, and browned beef. Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper.
Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the barley and beef are tender. Adjust seasoning and serve warm.

11. Turkey Carcass Soup

This soup makes delicious use of leftover turkey bones to create a savory and comforting broth, perfect after a holiday feast.

Time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Ingredients

1 turkey carcass
8 cups water
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Make the Broth: Place the turkey carcass in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour.
Strain and Add Vegetables: Strain the broth to remove bones and return the liquid to the pot. Add onion, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper.
Simmer and Serve: Simmer for an additional 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Adjust seasoning and serve warm.

12. Stuffed Cabbage Soup

This hearty soup has all the flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls, with ground beef, cabbage, and a flavorful tomato broth.

Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups beef broth
2 cups chopped cabbage
1 can diced tomatoes
1 cup cooked rice
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Brown the Beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Cook Onion and Garlic: Add the onion and garlic to the beef, cooking until softened.
Add Broth, Cabbage, and Tomatoes: Stir in the beef broth, cabbage, diced tomatoes, and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper, then serve warm.

13. Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

This creamy, cheesy broccoli soup is warm, rich, and perfect for a cold winter day.

Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

2 tbsp butter
1 onion, chopped
2 cups broccoli florets
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook Onion: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened.
Add Broccoli and Broth: Add the broccoli and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
Blend and Add Cheese: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Stir in the milk and cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper, then serve warm.

14. Sausage Potato Soup

This creamy soup combines sausage, tender potatoes, and a flavorful broth for a deliciously hearty dish.

Time: 35 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken broth
4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Brown the Sausage: In a large pot, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
Cook Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
Add Broth and Potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth, add the potatoes, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
Add Cream and Sausage: Return the sausage to the pot, stir in the cream, and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

15. Taco Soup

This fun and flavorful taco soup is filled with beans, tomatoes, and spices for a deliciously zesty meal.

Time: 30 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes
4 cups beef broth
1 packet taco seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips

Instructions

Brown the Beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Cook Onion: Add the onion and cook until softened.
Add Broth, Beans, and Tomatoes: Stir in the beef broth, black beans, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Serve with Toppings: Season with salt and pepper. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips if desired.