Looking for an easy and delicious way to start your Thanksgiving dinner? Look no further than these Thanksgiving soups! While turkey, dressing, and pumpkin pie may steal the show, these soups are a fantastic option for picky eaters or anyone who wants a lighter meal. Plus, many of them can be made ahead of time and reheated on the day, making your Thanksgiving prep even easier.
Whether you serve them as a starter or a light lunch, these Thanksgiving soups are sure to impress. So why not try one of these recipes this year and add a new tradition to your holiday feast?
1. Pumpkin Soup
If you’re looking for a warm and comforting dish to serve during fall or Thanksgiving, pumpkin soup is a must-try recipe. The soup has a lovely orange color and is full of pumpkin and herb flavors. It’s perfect for those who love pumpkin and want to try something new. Serve it with some crusty bread for a delicious meal.
2. Clam Chowder
Looking for a savory dish to serve at your holiday table? Look no further than clam chowder! This creamy soup is packed with plump clams and a rich broth that will leave your guests begging for seconds. Don’t let the fall weather fool you, clam chowder is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
3. Potato Soup
If you’re looking for a comforting soup that’s easy to prepare, look no further than potato soup. This Thanksgiving classic takes only 10 minutes to make and is sure to please. Top it off with cheese, bacon, and green onions for added flavor. Want to save this recipe? Enter your email below and we’ll send it straight to your inbox. With its delicious taste and simple preparation, potato soup is sure to become a year-round favorite.
4. Autumn Wild Rice Soup
This hearty soup is perfect for the fall season, filled with seasonal vegetables and tender mushrooms. The addition of Old Bay seasoning gives it a flavorful kick. Serve it with a thick slice of crusty bread for a satisfying meal. Here’s a quick overview of the ingredients:
- Wild rice
- Seasonal vegetables
- Mushrooms
- Old Bay seasoning
This soup is easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in. Enjoy the herby, earthy flavors of this autumn favorite.
5. Turnip Soup
If you’re looking for a quick and easy soup recipe, turnip soup is a great option. With just a few simple ingredients, including turnips, Granny Smith apples, potatoes, curry powder, light cream, olive oil, onions, chicken or vegetable broth, and salt, you can whip up a delicious and creamy soup in just 30 minutes. To add some extra flavor and texture, consider topping your soup with well-seasoned croutons and your favorite herbs. This mild but tasty soup is sure to become a household favorite.
6. French Onion Soup
Indulge in the rich flavors of Julia Child’s French onion soup. This recipe is a cut above the rest with its perfectly caramelized onions and hearty beef broth. Unlike other French onion soups, this one is not thin and watery. It’s the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving menu, and a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Treat yourself to a warm bowl of this delicious soup and savor every spoonful.
7. Raspberry Cranberry Soup
If you’re in the mood for a colorful and refreshing soup, then the Raspberry Cranberry Soup is perfect for you. This soup is ideal for summer, but it can also be enjoyed in the fall due to its light cranberry flavor and tangy kick. The best part is that it only takes 35 minutes to make, making it a quick and easy Thanksgiving dish. Serve it chilled and enjoy the burst of flavors in every spoonful. Here’s a quick recipe to get you started:
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 cup raspberries | 1. Puree raspberries in a blender or food processor. |
| 1 cup cranberry juice | 2. In a large bowl, mix together the raspberry puree and cranberry juice. |
| 1/2 cup sour cream | 3. Whisk in the sour cream until well combined. |
| 1/4 cup honey | 4. Add honey to the mixture and stir until fully incorporated. |
| 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon | 5. Sprinkle cinnamon on top and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. |
| Fresh raspberries and mint leaves for garnish | 6. Serve chilled and garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves. |
8. Butternut Squash Soup
Looking for a comforting soup that’s easy to make? Look no further than butternut squash soup! With a little prep work (about 25 minutes), you can create a delicious soup with butter, carrots, potatoes, onions, celery, butternut squash, chicken stock, salt, and pepper. This soup is perfect for a cozy night in or as a starter for a dinner party. Serve it with some crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
9. Homemade Corn Chowder
If you’re looking for a soup that’s both sweet and savory, creamy and crunchy, and fresh and herby, then homemade corn chowder is the perfect choice for you. This soup features plenty of corn, garlic, bacon, onions, potatoes, and more, making it a hearty and flavorful option for any meal. Unlike other Thanksgiving soup recipes, corn chowder is best served as a main dish, making it a great addition to your holiday table.
10. Cream of Celery Soup
If you’ve only ever had Campbell’s canned cream of celery soup, you’re missing out on something truly delicious. This homemade version has all the creamy goodness of the classic recipe, but with an even better taste. While it may take a bit longer to make, taking around half an hour from start to finish, the end result is worth the effort. Plus, you can’t rush perfection! Give this recipe a try and taste the difference for yourself.
11. Lentil Soup
Lentil soup is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for colder months. This soup is loaded with lentils, onions, carrots, and tomatoes, and seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices, making it a flavorful and filling meal. Unlike vegetable soup, lentil soup has a more complex depth of flavor that will leave you feeling satisfied. It’s a great option for a quick and easy meal that will warm you up on a chilly day.
12. Spinach Artichoke Soup
You will absolutely love this creamy and buttery soup that tastes just like spinach and artichoke dip, but in a lighter form. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or as a starter for a dinner party. Here are some key features of this delicious soup:
- Creamy and buttery texture
- Tastes like spinach and artichoke dip
- Perfect for a cozy night in or as a starter for a dinner party
Try this Spinach Artichoke Soup recipe and enjoy a delicious and comforting meal.
13. Autumn Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup
This soup is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, featuring onions, carrots, sweet potatoes, chicken broth, honey, apples, butter, curry powder, salt, and pepper. The soup is easy to make and requires only ten ingredients. It’s a great addition to your Thanksgiving meal or any fall dinner party.
14. Chestnut Soup with Bacon and Chives
Indulge in the nutty and earthy flavors of this soup, packed with crispy bacon and fresh chives. The combination of chestnuts, leeks, shallots, and nutmeg creates a complex and delicious taste that will leave you wanting more. The soup’s lovely tan color is a feast for the eyes as well. Here’s what you can expect from this dish:
- A rich and creamy texture
- A savory and slightly sweet taste
- A beautiful presentation that’s perfect for a dinner party or special occasion
Enjoy this soup as a starter or a main dish, and savor every spoonful of its irresistible flavor.
15. Fall Vegetable Quinoa Soup
If you’re looking for a warm and hearty soup to enjoy during the fall season, then you might want to try making a delicious fall vegetable quinoa soup. This soup is made with a variety of fall vegetables, including squash, carrots, celery, sweet potato, and fresh herbs. It has a vegetable broth and tomato base, and is a great alternative to traditional vegetable soup. Plus, the addition of quinoa adds a healthy dose of protein and fiber to the dish. Here are some key ingredients and steps to make your own fall vegetable quinoa soup:
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 2 cups carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 cups celery, diced
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add the butternut squash, carrots, celery, and sweet potato to the pot, and stir to combine.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, and bring the soup to a simmer.
- Add the rinsed quinoa to the pot, and stir well.
- Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables and quinoa are tender.
- Stir in the fresh parsley and thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious fall vegetable quinoa soup.
16. Easy Tomato Soup
If you’re a fan of tomato soup, then this simple four-ingredient recipe is perfect for you. To make two hearty servings, you’ll need butter, an onion, water, a large can of tomatoes, and salt to taste. The recipe takes less than an hour to prepare. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion | 1 medium-sized |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Large can of tomatoes | 1 |
| Salt | to taste |
To make the soup, melt the butter in a pot and add the chopped onion. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the can of tomatoes and water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil and then let it simmer for 30 minutes. Use a blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth. Add salt to taste and serve hot. This easy tomato soup is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
17. Roasted Cauliflower Soup
Looking for a low-carb Thanksgiving soup option? Try making roasted cauliflower soup. This tasty soup has a garlicky flavor with a hint of zestiness. With fewer than ten ingredients and only 15 minutes of prep work, it’s easy to make. Enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of roasted cauliflower soup this holiday season.
18. Cream of Mushroom Soup
If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying soup option, homemade cream of mushroom soup is a great choice. This soup offers a rich and creamy mushroom-flavored broth, along with chunks of mushrooms, diced onions, and fresh parsley and thyme. Making it from scratch is definitely worth the effort and will knock the canned stuff out of the water. Enjoy it as a starter or a main course with some crusty bread on the side.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rich and creamy mushroom flavor | Requires some effort to make from scratch |
| Contains actual chunks of mushrooms | Not suitable for those with mushroom allergies |
| Can be enjoyed as a starter or a main course | May not be suitable for those on a low-fat diet |
| Goes well with crusty bread |
Overall, cream of mushroom soup is a delicious and satisfying soup option that is definitely worth trying if you haven’t already.
19. Thanksgiving Leftover Soup
If you’re looking for a delicious way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers, try making Thanksgiving leftover soup. This soup is a great way to enjoy all of your favorite holiday dishes in one bowl. To make this soup, simply combine shredded turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, chicken broth, and frozen mixed veggies in a pot and simmer until everything is heated through. This soup is almost like a turkey pot pie, but in a comforting and warm soup form. It’s a perfect way to warm up on a cold day after Thanksgiving.
20. Acorn Squash Soup
Looking for a vegetarian option to impress your Thanksgiving guests? Try this thick and creamy acorn squash soup. The caramelized acorn squash adds a slightly sweet flavor that even your meat-loving friends will enjoy. Serve it as a starter or as the main course with some crusty bread. Here are some key features of this recipe:
- Vegetarian
- Creamy texture
- Sweet taste from caramelized acorn squash
- Perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall meal
- Can be served as a starter or main course
Try this recipe and impress your guests with a delicious and healthy soup option.
21. Borscht
If you’re a fan of beets and cabbage, borscht is a soup you’ll enjoy. However, if you don’t like these vegetables, it might not be for you. Borscht is a polarizing dish, with people either loving it or hating it. It’s a traditional Eastern European soup that’s typically served hot or cold and can be made with a variety of ingredients, including beets, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and meat. Some variations even include sour cream or dill for added flavor.
22. Broccoli Cheddar Soup
If you’re a fan of broccoli cheddar soup, you’ll love this copycat Panera soup recipe. It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you’re craving something warm and comforting. Panera and Chili’s are known for having the best broccoli cheddar soup, but with this recipe, you can make it yourself at home. For an extra touch of authenticity, serve it in a copycat Panera bread bowl.
23. Curried Cauliflower Apple Soup
If you’re looking for a soup recipe that’s unique and full of flavor, look no further than this curried cauliflower apple soup. The combination of cauliflower, apple, and curry creates a magical blend of spicy, nutty, and sweet flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
To make this soup, you’ll need to simmer the ingredients for a while to ensure that it reaches the desired thickness. Once it’s done, you’ll have a delicious and healthy soup that’s perfect for any occasion.
This recipe comes from NaTaya Hastings, a food and recipe writer for Insanely Good Recipes. Though she’s from Alabama, her specialty is not Southern cooking. Instead, she loves to experiment with different ethnic cuisines, including Asian, Mexican, and Italian.
One of NaTaya’s mottos when it comes to cooking is “the more spice, the better!” and this soup is no exception. The curry in this recipe adds just the right amount of heat to balance out the sweetness of the apple and nuttiness of the cauliflower.
If you’re looking for a soup that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor, give this curried cauliflower apple soup a try. It’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Summary
If you’re looking for a warm and comforting dish to serve at your Thanksgiving dinner, consider adding a soup to your menu. From classic butternut squash to creamy pumpkin, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. Don’t forget to top off your soup with some toasted nuts or croutons for added texture and flavor.
Hiroshi Nakamura, a Tokyo-born sushi chef turned US-based writer and critic, is the voice behind ichisushi.com, blending traditional sushi wisdom with modern insights.