17 Christmas Soup Recipe Ideas For When You Want Something Cozy Before the Main Meal

ByMandy

Christmas meals always improve with this Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup as an opener. Chunky vegetables and beef make each bowl filling yet still light enough for extra room after. People trade stories over soup, reaching for more as conversation picks up. Guests agree it’s a comforting choice before a festive meal.

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.

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.

Piping hot bowls of this Ham and Split Pea Soup have a way of making everyone settle in and relax. The smooth texture fills the kitchen with that old-fashioned winter feeling. Guests always come back for a second helping on frosty nights. After a busy day, there’s comfort in having a pot of soup as the opener for Christmas dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Split Pea 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.

Friends start talking as soon as this Clam Chowder hits the holiday table. Creamy comfort and gentle seasonings keep people reaching for one more bowl. I enjoy making extra so there’s always plenty for everyone. Each spoonful brings a little taste of winter magic to busy gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Clam Chowder

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.

Holiday mealtime buzz grows with this Hearty Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup in the bowl. Tiny bites surprise guests while fresh greens break up big Christmas flavors. I keep a slow cooker going so there’s always more on hand for seconds. Unexpected smiles appear every time this soup brings warmth to a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Penicillin Soup

A bowl of chicken and rice soup with chunks of chicken, diced carrots, celery, and parsley garnish, served with a spoon.
Italian Penicillin Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cold weather calls for this Italian Penicillin Soup every year. Each bowl seems to make everyone feel just a little bit better and brighter. I enjoy how it helps the group slow down and unwind before the holiday chaos begins. The classic Italian flavors never get old—especially before the main Christmas feast.
Get the Recipe: Italian Penicillin 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.

Warm bowls of this Creamy Mushroom Soup turn a regular meal into something memorable. Earthy flavors and silky texture calm nerves before the main course. I often see guests spooning up every drop and chatting about the flavors. A soup like this truly makes the holiday evening feel extra special.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom 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.

Christmas meals always improve with this Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup as an opener. Chunky vegetables and beef make each bowl filling yet still light enough for extra room after. People trade stories over soup, reaching for more as conversation picks up. Guests agree it’s a comforting choice before a festive meal.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Vegetable Beef 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.

Leftover turkey finds new life in this Comforting Turkey Soup. Friends are always amazed that a simple bowl can keep you so warm on the coldest days. I love how the mix of tender bites and broth brings stories to the table. Soups like this mean no one leaves hungry before the next course even arrives.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Turkey 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.

Festive get-togethers always get off to a good start with a bowl of this Hearty Ham and Bean Soup. Blended flavors create comfort in every spoonful, welcoming friends and family inside from the frost. I like serving it right before the main meal because it keeps spirits high and hands warm.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

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.

Something about this Creamy Leek and Potato Soup makes even the busiest holidays feel calm for a minute. Warm, gentle flavors stretch out the meal, inviting everyone to slow down. I often fill mugs for people to sip as they chat before dinner. Classic soups like this bring joy to every Christmas gathering.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Leek 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.

Little pillows of comfort float in every bowl of this Gnocchi Soup, earning big smiles before dinner begins. The hearty broth wins over anyone who usually skips soup at holiday meals. I notice guests looping back for another bowl after their first taste. Serving this always feels like adding a celebration to the start of the evening.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi Soup

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.

Steam rises from each bowl of this Hearty Potato Soup, reminding everyone what cozy really feels like. Rich and flavorful, each bite gives reassurance that winter isn’t all about the cold. I rely on this recipe when simple, warm food is just what’s needed. Count on folks scooping out seconds once this soup appears.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Potato 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.

Parties shift gears from busy to breezy when this Chunky Vegetable Soup makes its entrance. Sweet and savory notes offer a fresh start before heavier Christmas dishes arrive. I love how each bowl delivers color and crunch, making the table pop. Sharing a soup like this keeps everyone talking and eager for the next course.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Vegetable 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.

Gathering around a big pot of this Hearty Lentil Soup feels right during cold December evenings. Nutty flavors and thick texture create a real sense of home. I usually put out extra bowls, since most folks come back for more. No one feels rushed or chilly waiting for the main meal when soup like this comes first.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Lentil 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.

Deep colors and a bold aroma come with each bowl of this Roasted Tomato Soup. Mugs go fast as people dip their first spoon and find the flavors extra comforting. I always serve this with a bit of bread, knowing folks appreciate something classic before roast or turkey. Winter nights in December never seem as long with this soup on hand.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato 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.

Golden bowls of Velvety Roasted Butternut Squash Soup light up the table and spark smiles. Sweet, gentle spice gives a break from rich roasts, letting everyone relax before the main event. I like pouring seconds since this soup always draws a crowd. Holiday dinners feel well-rounded with something warm and cheerful leading the way.
Get the Recipe: Velvety Roasted Butternut Squash 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.

Breakfast, lunch, or dinner get a cozy upgrade thanks to this Ham and Potato Soup. Each bite delivers pure comfort, keeping guests happy while snow piles outside. I see eyes light up when everyone asks, “Is there more left?” Longevity at the Christmas table starts with a soup as welcoming as this.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Potato 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.

Cold weather and this Creamy, Cheesy Broccoli Soup fit together like lights on a tree. Broccoli turns into winter comfort once coated in a smooth, creamy broth. I notice folks holding their bowls a little closer to keep warm. By the time the main course comes out, everyone’s already feeling festive and cheerful.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy Broccoli Soup

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