25 Best Thanksgiving Soups That Make the Holiday Even More Comforting
It's a cozy way to kick off the feast!
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
There's something so comforting about a big Thanksgiving dinner—whether it's those creamy mashed potatoes or hearty casserole recipes. But if you're looking to make things even cozier, then you should consider kicking things off with a Thanksgiving soup! Just think how elegant your table will look with bowls of creamy butternut squash soup served as a Thanksgiving appetizer. Or how excited your guests will be to see a bubbling, cheesy French onion soup to start.
So, what's the key to the perfect Thanksgiving soup, you might ask? For starters, all the recipes ahead have one thing in common. They're easy! You'll have plenty of other dishes to fuss over this holiday, so when it comes to the soup, keep things simple. We've also included tons of Instant Pot soup recipes, so you'll have plenty of space on your stovetop. Another way to identify the perfect Thanksgiving soup recipes? They're loaded with fall flavors! Here, you'll find Ree Drummond's velvety pumpkin soup, acorn squash soup, cauliflower soup, and a cozy autumn wild rice soup.
While some of these soups are on the lighter side (so you still have plenty of room for turkey), others are hearty soup recipes that would be perfect for a holiday lunch throughout the week. Try the pumpkin chili while watching football on TV or the turkey soup that puts your Thanksgiving leftovers to good use. Plus, these fall soups can be downright beautiful when served in your delicate soup bowls, ramekins, bread bowls, or even scooped out pumpkins!
Pumpkin Soup
This creamy, velvet-y soup is loaded with fall flavors—from the fresh roasted pumpkin to the maple syrup. There's even toasted pumpkin seeds on top!
Get Ree's Pumpkin Soup recipe.
Split Pea Soup with Ham
Skip a big holiday ham and make this split pea soup with ham instead! It's still loaded with all that smoky flavor you love.
Get the Split Pea Soup with Ham recipe.
Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup
If you want to serve soup for Thanksgiving, but don't want to take up any precious stove space, this Instant Pot soup is your answer. It takes just 10 minutes to prep and it has a nice warm, curry flavor.
Leftover Turkey Soup
Put your Thanksgiving turkey to good use all weekend long with this holiday soup that's perfect for lunch. It can also be stored in the fridge for up to four days.
Get the Leftover Turkey Soup recipe.
Pumpkin Chili
Seasonal pumpkin puree and warm ground cinnamon make this chili perfect for any fall occasion. It would be especially delicious at a casual Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving lunch.
Get the Pumpkin Chili recipe.
Simple Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
If the thought of chopping squash makes you nervous, simply look for pre-cut butternut squash at the supermarket. It's pretty easy to find and it'll make this soup a whole lot easier.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Turkey doesn't have to be the star of your Thanksgiving! Give chicken a moment to shine with this soup. It has everything you love about classic chicken pot pie, but in soup form!
Get Ree's Chicken Pot Pie Soup recipe.
Stuffed Pepper Soup
Since this soup counts as a one-pot dinner, it's easy to make while cooking up the rest of your foods for the feast! The deconstructed soup-version of classic stuffed peppers includes ingredients like ground beef, bell peppers, rice, tomatoes, and more.
Get Ree's Stuffed Pepper Soup recipe.
Cauliflower Chili
Any vegetarians (or veggie lovers) will be so happy to have this option on the table. Black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, and mushrooms mixed with cauliflower and a collection of spices make it extra tasty and hearty!
Get Ree's Cauliflower Chili recipe.
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
No matter the occasion, chicken noodle soup is sure to hit the spot. Just look at that medley of colorful veggies and chicken! Plus, it's mostly hands-off so you can work on your other dishes while it cooks.
Creamy Chicken and Corn Chili
If you want to give chicken a chance this Thanksgiving, this recipe is a great way to do it. The base is made with chicken, beans, corn, and a variety of seasonings, then served with scallions, tortilla chips, jalapeños and lime wedges.
Get Ree's Creamy Chicken and Corn Chili recipe.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
If you find yourself wanting a hearty soup to go with your holiday meal, this chicken and dumplings recipe is easy enough to whip together. Using canned biscuits and a slow cooker makes it extra simple.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe.
Hamburger Soup
Maybe you can't imagine eating a hamburger on Turkey Day, but you'll sure want to after you see this recipe! The ground beef is paired with an assortment of your favorite veggies. Try squash, green beans, corn, even mushrooms.
Get Ree's Hamburger Soup recipe.
Perfect Potato Soup
There's a reason why Ree's potato soup recipe is called "perfect." It's been a fan-favorite since the first time she wrote about it! It's creamy (but not too creamy), full of flavor, and oh so comforting!
Get Ree's Perfect Potato Soup recipe.
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Get your fill of turkey during a casual holiday lunch with this recipe for hearty turkey chili. It's the perfect meal to eat while watching football on TV!
Get the Slow Cooker Turkey Chili recipe.
Pasta Fagioli
This comforting soup is a great way to get your family to eat their veggies on Thanksgiving. It's chock-full of carrots, celery, onion, and kale.
Get the Pasta Fagioli recipe.
Broccoli Cheese Soup
If you want a soup that'll put a smile on anyone's face, this broccoli-cheese soup is just the thing! Ree says it "triggers a happy, peaceful memory."
Get Ree's Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe.
Chicken and Corn Chowder
To make this cozy chowder even easier, use pulled rotisserie chicken and thawed frozen corn kernels. Then, prep it up to three days ahead.
Get the Chicken and Corn Chowder recipe.
Italian Wedding Soup
This traditional soup is elegant enough for a holiday dinner but easy enough for any night of the week. It only takes 25 minutes to make so you can focus on the rest of the menu.
Get the Italian Wedding Soup recipe.
Cabbage Soup
You're likely going to have plenty of hearty sides and a big turkey to dig into, so when it comes to Thanksgiving soups, you don't want one that will weigh you down. This broth-y cabbage soup is light, flavorful, and a great way to start the night.
Get the Cabbage Soup recipe.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Cauliflower Soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Slow Cooker Freezer Meals Make Dinner So Easy
