13 Easy Holiday Soups You Can Serve While Guests Settle In

Cold days and busy gatherings call for soups that come together quickly and stay ready as people arrive. These 13 soups focus on simple cooking methods and steady timing, so the first course never feels rushed or complicated. Each one sets an easy pace for the evening, offering something comforting before plates start circulating. It’s the kind of start that lets conversation build naturally while the rest of the meal waits its turn.

Middle Eastern Spiced Cauliflower Soup With Caramelized Onions And Raisins

Middle Eastern Spiced Cauliflower Soup With Caramelized Onions and Raisins cooks as the cauliflower simmers while the onions soften separately on the stovetop. The flavors continue to settle as it rests, which allows it to be served gradually as guests arrive. Preparation stays simple with basic sautéing and simmering. It brings a steady, layered presence to the table as the room fills.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Spiced Cauliflower Soup With Caramelized Onions And Raisins

Tomato and White Bean Soup With Harissa

Tomato and White Bean Soup With Harissa simmers in one pot until the beans soften and the broth thickens slightly. It stays steady over low heat, so it can sit ready while guests arrive and get comfortable. The process relies on basic pantry steps and simple stirring. It brings color to the table during those first easy minutes before the main meal begins.
Get the Recipe: Tomato and White Bean Soup With Harissa

One-Pot Olive Garden Copycat Tuscan Sausage Potato Soup

One-Pot Olive Garden Copycat Tuscan Sausage Potato Soup simmers in a single pot until the potatoes turn soft and the broth thickens. It can stay gently heated on the stove, making it easy to serve while guests arrive and settle in. The steps are straightforward and keep cleanup to a minimum. It quietly carries the table through the opening stretch before the rest of the meal begins.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Olive Garden Copycat Tuscan Sausage Potato Soup

Shiitake Dashi Broth

Shiitake Dashi Broth is made by soaking dried mushrooms and simmering them briefly until the broth turns clear and fragrant. It can be prepared ahead and kept gently heated, making it easy to serve as guests arrive. The method stays simple with very little hands-on time. It creates a quiet opening moment before the rest of the meal begins.
Get the Recipe: Shiitake Dashi Broth

Roasted Mushroom Broth

Roasted Mushroom Broth begins in the oven, then simmers briefly to finish. The broth reheats cleanly, which matters for holiday soups meant to be served gradually. The technique stays simple from start to finish. It brings a quiet depth while the evening gathers momentum.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Mushroom Broth

Roasted Eggplant Soup

Roasted Eggplant Soup starts with roasting before blending into a smooth pot that reheats evenly. That reheating ease matters for holiday soups prepared before guests arrive. The steps stay simple and spread out. It waits quietly until someone reaches for a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Eggplant Soup

Belgian Endive Soup

Belgian Endive Soup cooks in under an hour as chopped endive softens and blends into a smooth base. It can be made ahead and reheated easily, which keeps holiday soups simple when timing matters. The method relies on basic chopping and simmering. It’s the kind of first bowl people accept without needing to pause the moment.
Get the Recipe: Belgian Endive Soup

Chicken Borscht

Chicken Borscht cooks steadily as vegetables and chicken simmer together until tender. The pot stays ready for serving, which supports holiday soups meant to bridge arrival and dinner. Preparation focuses on chopping and time. It carries the table through the opening stretch of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Borscht

Thai-Style Red Curry Soup

Thai-Style Red Curry Soup cooks quickly as the broth and vegetables simmer together. It stays stable on low heat, a useful trait for holiday soups served while people arrive at different times. The method is direct and uncluttered. It wakes up the table without stopping the flow of the room.
Get the Recipe: Thai-Style Red Curry Soup

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup finishes in about 30 minutes using pressure cooking. It stays smooth and spoonable, which helps holiday soups remain consistent while guests settle in. The cooker handles most of the work. It fills the room with familiarity before anyone sits down.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup

Ajiaco Colombiano

Ajiaco Colombiano simmers slowly on the stovetop as chicken, potatoes, and corn cook into a thick soup that needs little attention. The pot can stay gently heated while guests arrive, which makes it practical for holiday soups served early in the gathering. Most of the time is hands-off once everything is added. It quietly sets the tone while coats come off and conversations begin.
Get the Recipe: Ajiaco Colombiano

Creamy Broccoli Stems Soup

Creamy Broccoli Stems Soup comes together in about 30 minutes with simmering and blending. The texture stays consistent after reheating, which matters for holiday soups meant to wait patiently on the stove. Prep stays minimal and avoids extra steps. It fills the space between arrival and dinner without calling for attention.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli Stems Soup

Instant Pot Creamy Mushroom Soup

Instant Pot Creamy Mushroom Soup cooks in roughly 30 minutes with pressure doing the heavy lifting. The soup keeps its texture after resting, a helpful quality for holiday soups served in waves. Prep stays short and focused. It settles the table before plates are passed.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Creamy Mushroom Soup