Christmas dinner doesn’t always need to center around a roast. These 13 soups offer a warm, satisfying alternative that’s just as special and perfect for a festive table. Packed with hearty ingredients and bold flavors, they bring comfort and variety to your holiday menu. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or keeping it simple, these soups are here to make Christmas dinner feel complete without the fuss of a traditional roast.
Ajiaco Recipe
Ajiaco is a Colombian soup featuring tender chicken, three types of potatoes, corn, and guascas for a uniquely rich flavor. It’s hearty and creamy, offering a satisfying balance of savory and earthy notes. Ready in about 1 hour, it’s a one-pot meal ideal for a festive gathering. This dish’s comforting flavors make it perfect for cold-weather celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Ajiaco Recipe
Slow Cooker Kabocha Squash Soup
This kabocha squash soup combines the natural sweetness of squash with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s velvety and subtly spiced, creating a balance of savory and sweet flavors. Taking about 6 hours in a slow cooker, it’s easy to prepare while handling other holiday tasks. It’s a cozy, festive option for a Christmas table.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Kabocha Squash Soup
Bar Tartine's Sauerkraut Soup
This tangy sauerkraut soup combines mushrooms, potatoes, and rich broth for a deeply satisfying flavor. Its earthy taste is balanced by the acidity of the fermented cabbage, making it stand out. It takes about 1 hour to prepare and is a unique way to showcase traditional holiday ingredients. This dish is ideal for anyone looking for a bold, comforting soup.
Get the Recipe: Bar Tartine's Sauerkraut Soup
Easy and Delicious Instant Pot Fish Soup From the Heart
This fish soup is a light yet flavorful option made with white fish, vegetables, and fresh herbs. It offers a clean, savory taste with subtle herbal notes that balance its richness. Prepared in about 30 minutes in an Instant Pot, it’s a quick choice for a busy holiday season. Its fresh flavors pair beautifully with crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Easy and Delicious Instant Pot Fish Soup From the Heart
Belgian Endive Soup
Belgian Endive Soup is a creamy dish with the delicate bitterness of endive softened by buttery leeks and potatoes. Its smooth, velvety texture makes it feel luxurious without being heavy. Ready in about 45 minutes, it’s an elegant addition to a holiday meal. This soup offers a unique flavor profile for an elevated Christmas dinner.
Get the Recipe: Belgian Endive Soup
Potato Leek Soup
Potato Leek Soup combines the mild sweetness of leeks with the creamy richness of potatoes, accented by a hint of mustard. Its smooth, savory taste makes it comforting and crowd-pleasing. This recipe takes about 40 minutes and is perfect for a warm, satisfying holiday starter. Pair it with fresh bread for a classic combination.
Get the Recipe: Potato Leek Soup
Pasulj Serbian White Bean Soup
Pasulj is a Serbian white bean soup featuring beans, smoked paprika, and vegetables for a hearty and smoky flavor. Its rich broth has a deep umami taste that makes it satisfying and filling. Taking around 1 hour to prepare, it’s ideal for creating a cozy, festive atmosphere. This soup pairs well with a simple side of crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Pasulj Serbian White Bean Soup
Moroccan Carrot Soup With Chermoula
Moroccan Carrot Soup combines sweet carrots with warm spices like cumin and coriander, topped with zesty chermoula. The flavors are bold yet balanced, with a touch of citrus adding brightness. It’s ready in about 1 hour and brings vibrant color and taste to your holiday table. This soup is a flavorful twist for any Christmas dinner.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Carrot Soup With Chermoula
Carrot Ginger Soup
Carrot Ginger Soup offers a warming blend of sweet carrots and zesty ginger with a creamy, smooth texture. Its subtle spice adds depth without overpowering the natural sweetness of the carrots. Ready in about 45 minutes, it’s a bright and refreshing starter for any holiday meal. This soup is simple yet packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Ginger Soup
Middle Eastern Spiced Cauliflower Soup With Caramelized Onions And Raisins
This spiced cauliflower soup features caramelized onions, golden raisins, and warm Middle Eastern spices. Its flavor is a perfect mix of earthy and sweet with hints of cinnamon and cumin. Ready in about 1 hour, it’s a vibrant and unique choice for a festive dinner. The combination of textures makes it an engaging addition to any table.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Spiced Cauliflower Soup With Caramelized Onions And Raisins
Creamy, Vegan Jerusalem Artichoke Soup With Apples
This vegan Jerusalem artichoke soup blends the nutty, earthy flavors of sunchokes with tart Granny Smith apples. Its smooth texture and bright notes make it refreshing yet comforting. Taking around 1 hour, it’s an elegant choice for a plant-based holiday starter. This soup adds a sophisticated touch to any Christmas spread.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Vegan Jerusalem Artichoke Soup With Apples
Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup
Butternut squash and apples create a creamy, slightly sweet soup with hints of warm spices. Its balanced flavors make it comforting without being too rich. Ready in about 45 minutes, it’s a quick yet festive option for the holiday season. This dish pairs well with toasted nuts or fresh herbs for added texture.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup
Roasted Eggplant Soup
Roasted Eggplant Soup delivers a smoky depth of flavor, balanced by tomatoes and fragrant spices. Its velvety texture and bold taste make it a hearty yet refined choice. This recipe takes about 1 hour, with roasting adding a layer of complexity. It’s perfect for adding warmth and richness to a holiday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Eggplant Soup
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