17 Thanksgiving Soup Recipes to Start the Feast Right
Thanksgiving soups offer the perfect way to warm up your guests and set a cozy tone for the feast ahead. These 17 carefully selected recipes showcase the season’s best flavors, from classic pumpkin and butternut squash to creative combinations like cranberry orange and chestnut mushroom.
Whether you’re looking for a make-ahead starter, a way to use leftover turkey, or simply want to embrace autumn’s bounty, these soups deliver comfort and sophistication in every spoonful
1. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
This velvety soup delivers pure autumn comfort with its naturally sweet, nutty flavor and gorgeous golden color. The roasting process caramelizes the squash, creating deep, complex flavors that feel both rustic and elegant. It’s incredibly simple to make – just roast, blend, and season.
The smooth, creamy texture makes it perfect for guests of all ages, and it can be prepared days ahead. A drizzle of cream and toasted pumpkin seeds make beautiful garnishes that add texture and visual appeal.
Get the recipe here.
2. Classic Pumpkin Soup
Rich, warming, and quintessentially fall, this soup tastes like liquid pumpkin pie without the sweetness. The earthy pumpkin flavor pairs beautifully with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. It’s surprisingly easy to make using canned pumpkin, making it a reliable last-minute option.
The consistency is perfectly smooth and creamy, coating your spoon just right. This crowd-pleaser appeals to traditionalists while being sophisticated enough for formal dinners. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and fresh herbs for an elegant presentation.
Get the recipe here.
3. Sweet Potato and Apple Soup
This delightful soup strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with tender sweet potatoes providing earthiness while apples add bright, fresh notes. The combination creates a complex flavor profile that’s both comforting and surprising. It purees to a beautiful orange hue that screams autumn.
The recipe is forgiving and comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy holiday prep. A hint of warming spices like cinnamon and thyme elevate the natural sweetness. It’s naturally vegan-friendly and can easily accommodate dietary restrictions.
Get the recipe here.
4. Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into this hearty, satisfying soup that tastes like a warm hug in a bowl. The wild rice adds wonderful texture and nutty flavor, while leftover turkey makes it protein-rich and filling.
It’s the perfect way to extend your holiday meal into the weekend. The creamy base brings everything together without being too heavy. This soup actually improves with time, making it excellent for meal prep. Kids and adults alike love its familiar, comforting flavors that remind everyone of the holiday feast.
Get the recipe here.
5. Harvest Vegetable Soup
Packed with seasonal vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and winter squash, this soup celebrates autumn’s abundance in every spoonful. The vegetables maintain slight texture, creating a rustic, homestyle appeal that feels both healthy and satisfying. It’s incredibly versatile – use whatever vegetables you have on hand.
The clear, flavorful broth lets each vegetable shine while tying everything together beautifully. This soup is naturally light yet filling, making it perfect for guests watching their portions before the main meal. It’s also completely customizable for various dietary needs.
Get the recipe here.
6. Roasted Acorn Squash Soup with Sage
The sweet, nutty flavor of roasted acorn squash pairs magnificently with earthy sage in this sophisticated starter. Roasting intensifies the squash’s natural sweetness while the sage adds an aromatic, slightly peppery note. The combination feels both rustic and refined, perfect for elegant holiday entertaining.
The soup has a beautiful golden color with flecks of green sage that make it visually stunning. It requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor impact. The velvety texture and complex taste will have guests asking for the recipe. Make-ahead friendly for stress-free entertaining.
Get the recipe here.
7. Chestnut and Mushroom Soup
This earthy, sophisticated soup brings together the sweet nuttiness of chestnuts with the umami richness of mushrooms. The flavor is complex and deeply satisfying, with a luxurious mouthfeel that feels special enough for holiday entertaining. While chestnuts require some prep work, the results are absolutely worth it.
The mushrooms add depth and a meaty quality that makes this soup surprisingly filling. It’s perfect for impressing vegetarian guests or anyone looking for something unique. A splash of sherry or brandy elevates it even further, creating restaurant-quality results at home.
Get the recipe here.
8. Cranberry Orange Soup
This unique soup offers a delightful sweet-tart flavor that’s both refreshing and warming. The cranberries provide bright acidity while orange adds citrusy sweetness, creating a beautiful balance. It’s an unexpected starter that conversation-worthy and memorable.
The gorgeous deep red color makes a stunning presentation that’s perfect for holiday tables. Despite its unusual flavor profile, it’s surprisingly easy to make and can be served hot or chilled. This soup cleanses the palate beautifully, preparing guests for the rich courses to follow. It’s naturally dairy-free and appeals to adventurous eaters.
Get the recipe here.
9. Maple Roasted Delicata Squash Soup (RECIPE CHANGED)
The natural sweetness of delicata squash gets enhanced by pure maple syrup in this quintessentially autumn soup. Delicata’s thin, edible skin makes prep incredibly easy – just slice and roast. The maple adds depth without overwhelming the squash’s delicate flavor.
This soup has a silky, luxurious texture that feels indulgent despite being relatively light. The beautiful pale orange color with hints of caramelization makes it visually appealing. It’s naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, accommodating various dietary needs. The sophisticated flavor combination impresses guests while remaining approachable and comforting.
Get the recipe here.
10. Turkey and White Bean Soup
This protein-packed soup transforms leftover turkey into a hearty, warming starter that’s almost a meal in itself. The white beans add creaminess and fiber while absorbing all the wonderful flavors. It has a rustic, homestyle appeal that feels both comforting and nourishing.
The soup is incredibly forgiving and improves with time, making it perfect for advance preparation. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add brightness and complement the rich flavors beautifully. This practical recipe helps minimize food waste while creating something delicious. It freezes well, extending your holiday leftovers even further.
Get the recipe here.
11. Spiced Carrot and Ginger Soup
Vibrant orange carrots get elevated by warming ginger and aromatic spices in this healthy, flavorful soup. The ginger adds a gentle heat and brightness that prevents the soup from being too sweet. It’s naturally smooth and creamy without any dairy, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
The beautiful color is eye-catching and screams autumn abundance. This soup is incredibly quick to make and requires minimal ingredients, perfect for last-minute meal planning. The warming spices create a cozy feeling that’s perfect for chilly autumn evenings. It’s light enough to serve before a heavy meal.
Get the recipe here.
12. Roasted Cauliflower and Leek Soup
This elegant soup transforms humble cauliflower into something sophisticated and creamy without any cream. Roasting the cauliflower develops nutty, caramelized flavors while leeks add mild onion sweetness. The result is surprisingly rich and satisfying with a beautiful pale color.
It’s naturally low-carb and can easily be made dairy-free, accommodating health-conscious guests. The smooth, velvety texture rivals any cream-based soup while being much lighter. Fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil make simple but elegant garnishes. This soup proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results when treated right.
Get the recipe here.
13. Apple Cider Soup
This unique soup captures the essence of autumn in liquid form, with sweet apple cider as the star ingredient. The flavor is warming and familiar yet unexpected as a savory soup course. Aromatic spices like cinnamon and allspice create depth while maintaining the apple-forward character. It’s surprisingly quick to prepare and makes wonderful use of seasonal apple cider.
The soup has a beautiful golden color that looks festive on holiday tables. While unconventional, it’s surprisingly satisfying and creates a memorable dining experience. Serve with a cinnamon stick garnish for extra visual appeal and aroma.
Get the recipe here.
14. Parsnip and Pear Soup
This sophisticated soup combines earthy parsnips with sweet pears for a complex, elegant flavor profile. The parsnips provide a slightly spicy, nutty base while pears add natural sweetness and fruity notes. The combination creates something unique that’s both familiar and surprising. It purees to a beautiful cream color with incredible smoothness.
The soup feels luxurious and restaurant-quality despite being simple to make at home. It’s naturally dairy-free and can accommodate various dietary restrictions. A garnish of toasted nuts or fresh herbs adds textural contrast and visual appeal to this refined starter.
Get the recipe here.
15. Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup
Even in autumn, this vibrant soup brings bright, sunny flavors to your holiday table. Roasting intensifies the sweetness of both tomatoes and peppers while adding subtle smokiness. The beautiful red-orange color is visually stunning and appetite-stimulating. Despite being made with late-season produce, it tastes fresh and lively.
The soup has natural acidity that cleanses the palate, making it perfect before rich holiday dishes. It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, accommodating various dietary needs. The familiar flavors appeal to all ages while the roasting technique adds sophistication that elevates this comfort food classic.
Get the recipe here.
16. Creamy Corn Chowder with Bacon
This hearty chowder brings comfort food appeal with sweet corn kernels, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy base. The smoky bacon adds depth while corn provides natural sweetness and satisfying texture. It’s substantial enough to serve as a light meal yet refined enough for holiday entertaining.
The soup has that perfect chowder consistency – thick and creamy but not heavy. Using frozen corn makes it accessible year-round and incredibly convenient. The familiar flavors appeal to guests of all ages, making it a safe crowd-pleaser. A sprinkle of fresh chives adds color and mild onion flavor.
Get the recipe here.
17. Golden Beet and Goat Cheese Soup
This elegant soup showcases golden beets’ natural sweetness balanced by tangy goat cheese for a sophisticated flavor profile. The golden beets create a beautiful sunny color that’s less intense than red beets. Roasting develops deep, concentrated flavors while goat cheese adds creaminess and slight tartness.
The combination is both earthy and refined, perfect for impressing dinner guests. While beets require some cooking time, the active preparation is minimal. The soup can be made ahead and reheated beautifully. A swirl of goat cheese and microgreens make stunning garnishes that elevate the presentation to restaurant quality.
Get the recipe here.
