17 Christmas Soup Recipe Ideas For A Festive First Course

When chilly weather rolls in, I find that a comforting bowl of soup can make any Christmas meal feel extra inviting. Here, 17 festive bowlfuls gather to set the stage for your holiday table, whether it’s a big celebration or a quiet winter night. Each soup brings its own story. Get ready to add some warmth to your start.

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.

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.

Chilly December nights call for this Ham and Split Pea Soup served right at the start. The savory aroma fills the air as guests walk in from the cold. Lively conversation often follows when bowls are passed around. A comforting first course like this warms up any Christmas gathering.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Split Pea 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.

Cheery bowls of this Creamy Leek and Potato Soup have a way of making everyone relax. The velvety texture combines with a mellow flavor that’s perfect for the season. I always spot happy faces after the first spoonful. Soup like this creates an inviting start for festive meals.
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.

Soft dumplings in this Gnocchi Soup make it a conversation piece at the table. Each spoonful delivers a blend of hearty comfort and winter joy. Friends and guests often reach for seconds before the next course. This dish brings both fun and warmth to the holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi 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.

Kick off Christmas dinner with this Italian Penicillin Soup to bring smiles all around. Bursts of flavor help combat the chill outside. People look forward to this one as soon as they hear it’s on the menu. I enjoy how it inspires spirited conversations between each spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Italian Penicillin 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.

Long after the main feast, this Comforting Turkey Soup uses up leftovers in the best way. The soothing warmth of each bowl feels just right for winter nights. Diners lean back satisfied, ready for what’s next. Simple soups keep the holiday pace relaxed and happy.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Turkey Soup

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.

There’s nothing easier during the busy season than this Hearty Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup. The familiar flavors tend to draw everyone together around the table. Mouths water while the bowls are being carried out. I find it works well for both casual hangs and formal dinners.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Slow Cooker Italian Wedding 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.

Warm up shivering hands with a bowl of this Hearty Potato Soup as your first course. The rich, filling base gets conversation flowing fast. Big parties love starting with something so soothing. I always see folks coming back for just one more cup.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Potato 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.

Cold-weather feasts often begin with this Clam Chowder ladled into big bowls. The creamy texture pairs perfectly with holiday cheer. People pass the bread basket, eager to scoop up every last bit. Christmas tables feel a little richer with a soup like this one.
Get the Recipe: Clam Chowder

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.

Butternut squash takes on new meaning with this Velvety Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. The deep color and smooth flavor fit right into any seasonal spread. Guests mention the extra elegance after only a taste. I bring it out when I want a first course that feels a bit special.
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.

Warm gatherings often start with this Ham and Potato Soup filling the kitchen with comfort. Each spoonful combines hearty and homey goodness. Satisfying bowls set everyone at ease before main dishes arrive. Holiday meals become cozier when they begin with soup.
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.

Big smiles appear as soon as this Creamy, Cheesy Broccoli Soup is served. Smooth and rich, it always sparks stories of winter memories. People lean over for more, not wanting to miss a bite. Cheesy soup has a knack for slowing down a busy meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy Broccoli Soup

Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

A bowl of bean soup with pieces of ham, garnished with chopped herbs, and a spoon resting inside.
Hearty Ham and Bean Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Steamy mugs of this Hearty Ham and Bean Soup welcome guests with a warm hug. Each bite packs comfort and nostalgia. Hands reach for seconds without a word. Soup like this keeps the holiday spirit alive from the very first course.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Ham and Bean 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.

Vibrant bowls of this Roasted Tomato Soup bring a burst of color to a festive table. The roasted notes spark curiosity from everyone eating. Lighter first bites give way to deeper conversation. Tomato soup helps meals start with brightness and energy.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato 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.

Each ladle of this Hearty Lentil Soup bursts with flavor perfect for a winter night. Friends often say it feels like a warm-up before the main event. Stews like this make everyone feel looked after. I bring it out when I know people need an extra cozy start.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Lentil 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.

Colorful chunks in this Chunky Vegetable Soup greet each person with a homey hello. The broth gives off steam as everyone digs in. Plates are soon empty, hinting at the next course. Vegetable soup keeps things light yet comforting during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Vegetable 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.

Earthy aromas escape from bowls of this Creamy Mushroom Soup as soon as it’s served. Silky texture and deep flavor make it an instant favorite. People trade compliments with every spoonful. Serving mushroom soup sets a comforting mood for the whole evening.
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.

Heaping bowls of this Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup fill everyone with a sense of celebration. The mix of beef and colorful veggies creates a rich, robust start. Friends linger over each spoonful before the main feast begins. Soup like this makes holiday gatherings extra inviting.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup

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