Name: Christmas Soup Recipe - Creamy Winter Soup u0026amp; Holiday Food
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Ingredients: Olive oil: 2 tablespoons; Yellow onion, finely chopped: 1 medium; Garlic cloves, minced: 4; Carrots, diced small: 2 medium; Celery stalks, diced small: 2; Potatoes, peeled and cubed: 2 medium; Vegetable broth: 6 cups; Whole milk: 2 cups; Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons; Water: 3 tablespoons; Bay leaf: 1; Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon; Dried rosemary: 0.5 teaspoon; Salt: 1.25 teaspoons or to taste; Black pepper: 0.75 teaspoon; White beans, cooked and drained: 1.5 cups; Fresh parsley, finely chopped: 3 tablespoons; Optional small pasta: 1 cup cooked separately

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Special Christmas soup

Christmas soup is a warm, comforting bowl that brings people together during the holidays. This dish is creamy, gently herbed, and deeply satisfying without being heavy. A good Christmas soup balances richness with freshness, giving you a smooth texture, soft vegetables, and a flavor that feels festive but familiar. It is the kind of food that fills the kitchen with comforting aromas and makes everyone slow down and enjoy the moment.

More Christmas Recipes

What makes Christmas soup special is its versatility. It fits perfectly into holiday menus, yet it also works as one of those Cold Day Food Ideas you turn to all winter long. The soup has a creamy base that feels indulgent, but it can still be light and nourishing. This is why many home cooks include it among their Good Fall Soup Recipes and keep it on repeat as one of their Creamy Winter Soups.

People love Christmas soup because it feels homemade in the best way. It is gentle, soothing, and easy to customize. You can keep it vegetarian, add pasta, or serve it with bread and herbs for a complete meal. Whether you are hosting guests or cooking a quiet family dinner, Christmas soup always feels right.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Christmas soup recipe is designed with real home kitchens in mind. It gives you professional results without complicated steps. The flavor builds slowly and naturally, allowing each ingredient to shine. You will love how balanced this soup is. The creaminess comes from milk and a simple thickening method rather than heavy cream alone, which keeps it in line with Healthy Cream Soup Recipes. The herbs are present but not overpowering, making this one of those Herb-seasoned Soup Ideas that works for many palates.

This recipe is also flexible. It can be adapted into Winter Soup Vegetarian meals or turned into a heartier option with pasta, making it similar to a Winter Minestrone Soup With Pasta. It fits perfectly into Simple Fall Soup Recipes while still feeling special enough for Christmas. Another reason this recipe stands out is texture. The vegetables are tender but not mushy, and the broth stays smooth even after reheating. That makes it a smart choice for Crock Pot Soups And Stews Comfort Foods or make ahead meals during busy holiday weeks.

Preparation and Cooking Time, also serving

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 generous bowls

This timing allows the flavors to develop properly without rushing. Christmas soup benefits from gentle simmering, which brings out the sweetness of the vegetables and blends the herbs evenly.

Ingredients

Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
Yellow onion, finely chopped: 1 medium
Garlic cloves, minced: 4
Carrots, diced small: 2 medium
Celery stalks, diced small: 2
Potatoes, peeled and cubed: 2 medium
Vegetable broth: 6 cups
Whole milk: 2 cups
Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons
Water: 3 tablespoons
Bay leaf: 1
Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
Dried rosemary: 0.5 teaspoon
Salt: 1.25 teaspoons or to taste
Black pepper: 0.75 teaspoon
White beans, cooked and drained: 1.5 cups
Fresh parsley, finely chopped: 3 tablespoons
Optional small pasta: 1 cup cooked separately

Substitution notes

You can use plant based milk for a Winter Soup Vegetarian version.
Unsweetened oat milk works best for Soups That Use Milk because it stays smooth when heated.
Potatoes can be replaced with cauliflower for a lighter texture if you prefer Soup Recipes Light.
White beans can be swapped with chickpeas for a firmer bite.
Vegetable broth can be replaced with light chicken broth if you are not keeping the soup vegetarian.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Build the flavor base

Heat the olive oil in a large heavy bottom pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook slowly until soft and translucent. This should take about 6 minutes. Stir often so the onion does not brown. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. This step sets the foundation of your Christmas soup, so take your time.

Step 2: Add vegetables and herbs

Add the diced carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Stir to coat them evenly with the oil and aromatics. Add the bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring gently, to allow the herbs to release their aroma. This creates a balanced herb profile typical of a Herb-seasoned Soup Dish.

Step 3: Simmer the soup

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender when pierced with a knife. Keep the simmer gentle to maintain a clean, smooth broth.

Step 4: Thicken and cream the soup

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the simmering soup while stirring continuously. Add the milk and stir gently. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy. This method keeps the soup smooth and stable, even when reheated.

Step 5: Finish the soup

Add the white beans and cook for 5 more minutes to warm them through. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Stir in the fresh parsley just before turning off the heat. If using pasta, add it at this stage. Your Christmas soup is now ready to serve.

How to Serve

Christmas soup is best enjoyed piping hot, straight from the pot or crockpot, in warm, clean bowls. Using neutral or white ceramic bowls allows the creamy color of the soup to stand out, making the presentation feel elegant yet approachable. Ladle the soup carefully to ensure each bowl receives a good mix of vegetables, beans, and broth. A gentle swirl with a spoon can help distribute the creaminess evenly.

To enhance the flavor and visual appeal, finish each bowl with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a small dollop of crème fraîche adds a subtle shine and richness to the surface. For a bit of texture, you can also top the soup with toasted seeds, crispy shallots, or finely grated cheese if you prefer a more indulgent option.

Christmas soup pairs beautifully with sides that complement its creamy, hearty nature. Serve it alongside crusty bread, focaccia, or herb-infused crostini to provide a satisfying bite that absorbs the soup’s flavors. Simple green salads, roasted winter vegetables, or even a light grain salad make excellent accompaniments, creating a well-rounded meal that is both comforting and visually appealing. For holiday presentations, consider small individual portions as a starter, garnished carefully to make each serving feel special and festive.

Additional Tips

Always dice vegetables evenly so they cook at the same rate. This keeps the texture consistent throughout the soup.
Warm the milk slightly before adding it to the pot. Cold milk can lower the temperature too quickly and affect the final texture.
If you want deeper flavor, let the soup rest for 10 minutes after cooking before serving. This allows the herbs to settle and blend.
Stir gently after adding milk to avoid breaking down the vegetables. A calm simmer gives you the best creamy texture.
For Crock Pot Soups And Stews Comfort Foods, you can cook this soup on low for 6 hours, adding milk and thickener during the final 30 minutes.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Winter Minestrone Style
Turn this Christmas soup into a hearty vegetarian meal by adding cooked pasta, extra white beans, and a handful of chopped spinach or kale. The pasta gives the soup structure while the greens add freshness and balance. This variation works especially well when you want a filling bowl that still feels light and clean, making it perfect for Winter Soup Recipes Vegetarian meals during the colder months.
Hearty Winter Minestrone Soup
For a more robust version, add diced zucchini, green beans, and a small amount of tomato puree during the simmering stage. The vegetables bring color and texture, while the tomato adds gentle depth without overpowering the creamy base. This creates a Hearty Winter Minestrone Soup that is satisfying enough to serve as a main course, especially with crusty bread on the side.
Light Creamy Vegetable Soup
If you prefer something lighter, reduce the milk and replace it with extra vegetable broth. Increase the amount of herbs slightly to keep the flavor full and balanced. This version fits well into Soup Recipes Light and Healthy Cream Soup Recipes categories, offering comfort without heaviness and making it ideal for everyday winter meals.
Herb-Forward Holiday Soup
Enhance the herbal character by adding fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley at the end of cooking. This variation highlights the aroma and freshness of herbs, turning the soup into a true Herb-seasoned Soup Dish. It is an excellent choice for holiday menus where you want something fragrant, elegant, and easy to digest.
Winter Minestrone Soup With Pasta
Add small pasta shapes like ditalini or mini shells, along with extra beans and diced root vegetables. The pasta absorbs the flavors of the creamy broth, creating a comforting, filling dish. This variation works as a complete Winter Minestrone Soup With Pasta meal that satisfies both children and adults alike.
Soup With Bread and Herbs
Serve the Christmas soup thickened slightly and accompanied by toasted herb-infused bread cubes or crostini. The bread absorbs the creamy broth while adding texture and flavor. This approach turns the soup into a more interactive dining experience, ideal for family dinners or small holiday gatherings.

Freezing and Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, let the soup cool completely. Freeze without pasta for best texture. Store for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the texture.
Avoid boiling during reheating to keep the soup smooth.

Nutritional Information

Calories: approximately 280 per serving
Protein: 10 grams
Fat: 9 grams
Carbohydrates: 38 grams
Fiber: 7 grams
Sodium: varies based on broth used

These values make this Christmas soup suitable for those looking for Healthy Cream Soup Recipes that still feel indulgent.

Final Words

Christmas soup is more than just a seasonal recipe. It is a calm, reliable dish you can return to whenever the weather turns cold and meals need to feel comforting without being heavy. The creamy texture, gentle herbs, and tender vegetables work together in a way that feels thoughtful and complete. This is the kind of soup that fits naturally into holiday traditions, yet it is simple enough to make on an ordinary winter evening.

Making Christmas soup at home allows you to cook with confidence and intention. You control the richness, the seasoning, and the texture, which means the soup always suits your table and your family. Whether you enjoy it as a starter for a festive meal, a quiet dinner with bread and herbs, or a make ahead option during busy weeks, it proves its value every time. Its flexibility is what makes it a recipe worth keeping.

Most importantly, this soup reminds you that good food does not need to be complicated. With careful steps, quality ingredients, and a little patience, you can create something warm, nourishing, and memorable. Once you add this Christmas soup to your routine, it becomes one of those dishes you look forward to making and sharing, year after year.

FAQ’s

Christmas soup focuses on creamy texture, gentle herbs, and comforting flavors that suit holiday meals and winter gatherings.

Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Yes, it works well as a Winter Soup Vegetarian option when made with vegetable broth and plant based milk.

Absolutely. This recipe fits perfectly into Fall Soups And Stews Comfort Foods Crock Pot cooking styles. Add dairy near the end.

Crusty bread, herb focaccia, or a simple salad pair beautifully and turn it into one of the most satisfying Cold Day Food Ideas.