These Thanksgiving soup recipes make an inviting first course when you want to linger over dinner. Squash, pumpkin, sweet potato, and vegetable soups bring Autumn flavor without replacing the main event.
Tips for Planning This Course
Serve soup in a small bowl or cup so guests still have room for dinner. You generally need just one soup, even when you offer several main dishes.
Cook the soup ahead when its recipe permits, then reheat it thoroughly. Use a slow cooker on a suitable food-safe setting to hold hot soup while you finish the rest of the meal.
Keep garnishes separate until serving. If the menu already includes rich casseroles, a vegetable-forward soup may provide better balance than a cheesy chowder.
Squash and sweet potato soups
These smooth, autumn-flavored options work well in a small first-course serving.
Pumpkin Soup Recipe
Total Time: 1 hourhour
Warm, creamy, and bursting with fall flavors, this Pumpkin Soup is the perfect blend of sweet and savory. Ideal for Thanksgiving or chilly evenings, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Get your spoon ready. This Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Bacon is velvety, full of flavor, and surprisingly easy to make—plus, the bacon topping takes it over the top.
A swirl of whipped topping gives this Butternut Squash Soup with Heavy Cream a rich finish that melts perfectly into the velvety base for a warming bowl worth making again.
A warm bowl of Sweet Potato Soup with Ginger is a great way to enjoy a simple, homemade meal. The flavors of sweet potatoes, spices, and peanut butter come together for a rich, smooth dish.
Vegetable soups offer a different way to begin the meal; choose the richness that fits your menu.
Cheesy Cauliflower Soup Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutesminutes
Savor the creamy, cheesy flavors of our quick and easy Cheesy Cauliflower Soup! Loaded with vegetables and ready in 45 minutes, it's the ideal comfort food to warm up your winter.
Warm yourself up with a healthy bowl of this Broccoli Cauliflower Soup! It is filled with veggies and spices that will fill up your soul with goodness!
Few things are as comforting as Instant Pot Tomato Soup. Rich and creamy, this classic comes together easily, making it perfect for slow evenings or busy nights.
No. It is an optional first course that works especially well for a longer sit-down meal or a large gathering.
Which soups are light enough before turkey?
Pumpkin, butternut squash, and other vegetable soups are good candidates when served in smaller portions. Compare the ingredients in each recipe before choosing.
Can I make Thanksgiving soup the day before?
Many soups reheat well, but follow the individual recipe for storage and reheating. Add crunchy garnishes only when serving.
How do I keep soup warm without occupying the stovetop?
A slow cooker can free a burner; keep the soup hot according to the appliance and recipe directions rather than letting it sit at room temperature.
