23 Soup Recipes to Carry to the Office Potluck Before Thanksgiving Break

An office potluck before Thanksgiving break calls for something easy to portion and hearty enough to share. These soups cover creamy classics, vegetable-forward bowls, chili, chowder, and noodle favorites, with options that simmer on the stove or cook in a slow cooker or pressure cooker. Choose a familiar crowd-pleaser or bring something with a little more spice, then pack it hot for the trip to work.

From Mandy's kitchenThe Everyday Dinner Book · easy meals the whole family will actually eat

Get your copy →

Close-up of a plate of pasta topped with a red tomato-based sauce, grated cheese, and garnished with chopped parsley. — Spicy Lasagna Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Taco Soup

A bowl of red soup topped with avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro, sliced onions, corn, and shredded cheese. — Taco Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Warm spices give Taco Soup brings ground beef, tomatoes, corn, black beans, and taco seasoning together in a Mexican-style broth. It takes about 1 hour 15 minutes and makes four servings, so it suits a smaller team or a potluck with several dishes. The thick, filling texture holds up well in a covered container, and bowls can be finished with shredded cheese, tortilla chips, or a spoonful of sour cream.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup

Vegetable Soup

Colorful vegetables, cannellini beans, spinach, and peas make Vegetable Soup a lighter option that still eats like a full meal. It takes 55 minutes and serves four. The one-pot method works well when there are assorted vegetables to use, while the beans add staying power without meat. Bring it with crusty bread for an office lunch, or make it ahead and reheat gently before filling a thermos or insulated pot.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Soup

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

A bowl of creamy soup topped with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and crispy bacon pieces. — Loaded Baked Potato Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

The familiar toppings of a baked potato turn Loaded Baked Potato Soup into a creamy, hearty bowl with russet potatoes, bacon, cheddar, and sour cream. It takes 55 minutes and serves six. Keep the bacon and green onion toppings separate until serving so they stay distinct. This rich soup is easy to ladle into individual cups at a potluck and pairs well with a crisp salad or rolls.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Baked Potato Soup

From Mandy's kitchenStuck on what is for dinner? The Everyday Dinner Book is the one I open for easy meals the whole family will eat.

Cheesy Broccoli Soup

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

Velvety broth, roasted broccoli, garlic, ricotta, cheddar, and cream give Cheesy Broccoli Soup its smooth texture and savory flavor. It comes together in 30 minutes and serves four, making it a practical choice when the potluck table already has plenty of mains. Pack croutons separately to keep them crisp, then scatter them over each portion at work. It also goes nicely with sourdough or a simple sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Broccoli Soup

Corn Chowder

Silky and filling, Corn Chowder combines sweet corn, potatoes, everyday vegetables, and a little cream in one pot. The recipe takes 50 minutes and serves four. Its mild flavor makes it easy to pair with sandwiches, biscuits, or a green salad at a shared lunch. The potatoes give each bowl enough substance to stand on its own, and a covered insulated container helps keep it warm on the way to the office.
Get the Recipe: Corn Chowder

Turkey Chili

A close-up of a pot of chili with beans, avocado slices, red onion, sour cream, and garnished with chopped cilantro. — Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Gentle spices season the tomato broth that carries ground turkey, kidney beans, bell pepper, onion, and garlic through Turkey Chili. It takes 45 minutes and yields eight servings, which makes it especially handy for a larger office potluck. Set out avocado, sour cream, cilantro, or red onion for individual toppings. The chili can be cooked ahead, chilled, and reheated before leaving, freeing up time on the morning of the gathering.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili

Cheeseburger Soup

A pot of cheesy potato and meat stew garnished with chopped parsley and crispy bacon. — Cheeseburger Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy broth with ground beef, tender potatoes, and sharp cheddar gives Cheeseburger Soup its familiar diner-style flavor. It takes about 35 minutes and serves six, with one pound of beef stretching across the pot. The smooth texture and mild seasoning make it approachable for a mixed group at work. Bring toppings such as extra cheese or chopped green onion on the side, and serve with crackers or soft rolls.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Soup

White Bean Soup

Bright lemon and parsley lift White Bean Soup, where cannellini beans simmer with carrots, celery, spinach, and vegetable broth. Parmesan adds a savory finish, and the recipe takes 45 minutes to make six servings. The beans give the broth enough body for a satisfying meatless lunch. It reheats well, so cook it the day before and warm it through just before packing for the office potluck.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Pumpkin Soup

Smooth pumpkin with carrots, onion, saffron, and orange zest gives Pumpkin Soup a mellow sweetness and a subtle citrus note. It takes about an hour and makes eight servings, with crème fraîche stirred in for a creamy finish. Roasted pumpkin seeds add crunch when sprinkled on top at the table. This fall-friendly pot is easy to share before the holiday break and pairs nicely with toasted bread or savory rolls.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

A bowl of creamy soup with gnocchi, spinach, carrots, chicken pieces, and shredded cheese, garnished with herbs and black pepper. — Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Tender chicken and pillowy potato gnocchi make Chicken Gnocchi Soup a substantial meal, with carrots, celery, cream, and Parmesan adding richness. It takes about an hour and serves eight. The filling gnocchi and chicken give each portion plenty of heft, so it works well as the main dish at an office lunch. Pack grated Parmesan and herbs separately for a fresh finish after the soup has been reheated.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Bowl of creamy chicken soup topped with tortilla strips, sliced green jalapeños, cilantro, corn, and a dollop of sour cream. — Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Low, steady cooking softens chicken with white beans, corn, green chiles, and broth in Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili. The total time is about 4 hours 25 minutes, and the batch serves six. Cream cheese and milk or cream go in near the end for a smooth finish. The slow cooker makes it convenient to prepare ahead, then keep warm for serving at an office potluck with tortilla chips or cilantro.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Hamburger Soup

A bowl of ground meat stew with potatoes, peas, carrots, and herbs in a rich broth, garnished with chopped parsley. — Hamburger Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Tomato broth, browned ground beef, potatoes, and frozen mixed vegetables make Hamburger Soup an easy, hearty choice. It takes about 50 minutes and serves six, stretching a pound of beef into several bowls. Worcestershire and Italian herbs add savory depth without making it too spicy for a group. Because the vegetables cook right in the pot, it is a handy way to turn a bag from the freezer into a shareable lunch.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup

Light and lemony broth surrounds shredded chicken, egg noodles, and everyday vegetables in Chicken Noodle Soup. It simmers for about an hour and serves four, making it a good fit for a smaller potluck or a table with many dishes. The familiar flavors travel easily in a sealed insulated container. Bring crackers or sliced bread for serving, and keep extra broth nearby if the noodles absorb more as the soup sits.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup

Vegetable Beef Soup

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

Chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and peas turn Vegetable Beef Soup into a filling bowl with a savory broth. It takes about 1 hour 15 minutes and makes six servings. The mix of meat and vegetables is substantial enough for lunch on its own, especially with dinner rolls or crackers alongside. Make it ahead so the flavors have time to settle, then reheat and transfer to a lidded pot for the office.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Beef Soup

Ham and Potato Soup

A bowl of creamy chicken and vegetable soup with potatoes, corn, carrots, and fresh parsley, served with a metal spoon. — Ham and Potato Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Leftover ham finds a second use in Ham and Potato Soup, simmered with potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, milk, and broth. The recipe takes 45 minutes and serves six. Its creamy texture makes it comforting for a chilly workday, while the diced vegetables help round out each bowl. Pack chopped parsley separately for serving, and bring bread for dipping so the pot can anchor a simple shared lunch.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Potato Soup

Gnocchi Soup

A bowl of creamy soup with gnocchi, spinach, carrots, celery, chunks of chicken, and black pepper, with a spoon inside. — Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pillowy potato gnocchi, tender chicken, spinach, and carrots fill Gnocchi Soup, which gets its creamy broth from half-and-half. It takes only 30 minutes and serves eight, so it offers a quick way to make a generous pot before a busy office day. The gnocchi make it more filling than a light starter, and extra herbs or grated cheese can be added at the table for individual portions.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Shredded chicken, tomatoes, corn, and a lightly spiced broth make Chicken Tortilla Soup a bright, savory potluck option. It takes 55 minutes and serves eight, and the recipe can use cooked chicken already on hand. Crisp tortilla strips go on at serving, with avocado, cheese, lime, or cilantro available as toppings. Keep those add-ons separate during transport so each bowl keeps its crunch and fresh contrast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

A bowl of rotini pasta soup with chunks of chicken, carrots, and herbs, with a spoon resting inside. — Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Fast pressure cooking brings chicken thighs, carrots, celery, fusilli, and broth together in Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup. The recipe takes about 14 minutes total and serves six, making it useful when the potluck date sneaks up. Bone-in thighs add flavor as they cook, and the meat can be pulled from the bones before serving. Pack an extra splash of broth for reheating, since the pasta continues to absorb liquid.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Ham and Split Pea Soup

A bowl of split pea soup with chunks of ham, diced carrots, and herbs, with a spoon resting inside. — Ham and Split Pea Soup. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Smoky depth from a ham bone seasons Ham and Split Pea Soup as green split peas, carrots, celery, and onion cook down to a thick consistency. It takes about 1 hour 40 minutes and serves six. The soup is a smart way to use leftover ham after a holiday meal and can be made ahead or frozen. Bring crackers or crusty bread for dipping at the office potluck.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Split Pea Soup

Roasted Tomato Soup

Roasting tomatoes, onion, garlic, and thyme gives Roasted Tomato Soup a concentrated, mellow flavor before the vegetables are blended with broth and half-and-half. It takes 55 minutes and serves eight. The smooth texture is easy to portion, and a few toasted bread slices or grilled cheese triangles turn it into a more substantial lunch. Keep croutons or herbs separate until serving so the toppings stay fresh.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup

Gumbo

A plate of white rice topped with chunks of chicken in a yellow curry sauce, garnished with chopped green onions and herbs. A black fork is placed on the side. — Gumbo. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Dark roux, andouille sausage, chicken, and the onion, pepper, and celery combination make Gumbo a deeply savory pot for a crowd. It takes about 1 hour 50 minutes and serves six. Cajun seasoning brings warmth, while parsley and green onions add freshness. Serve it over rice in bowls at the office, with the rice packed separately if you want to keep the grains from soaking up too much broth during transport.
Get the Recipe: Gumbo

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.

Deep potato flavor and crispy bacon shape Hearty Potato Soup, finished with sour cream and herbs. It takes about 1 hour 50 minutes and serves four. The baked-potato method gives the soup a deeper flavor, and the thick texture makes it satisfying with just crackers or bread on the side. This smaller batch is convenient for a potluck with several other dishes, and extra bacon can be set out as a topping.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Potato Soup

Spicy Lasagna Soup

Spicy Italian sausage, broken lasagna noodles, tomatoes, bell pepper, mozzarella, and Parmesan turn into a one-pot meal in Spicy Lasagna Soup. It takes 35 minutes and serves six, offering the familiar flavor of lasagna without layering or baking. A little heat makes it stand out among milder soups at the office potluck. Pack parsley and extra cheese separately, then spoon them over each bowl just before serving.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Lasagna Soup