Christmas soups are ideal for the busy festive season, offering warmth and comfort and requiring no long preparation. With the help of a blender and a few pantry staples, these soups can be made in minutes and have a seasonal flavour. Ingredients such as roasted vegetables, tinned tomatoes, leftover herbs and simple broths create smooth, satisfying bowls. This article looks at five soups that can be prepared in under 15 minutes, making them perfect for rushed evenings, light lunches or easy starters during the Christmas holidays.
The days surrounding Christmas are often rushed, with cold weather demanding quick, warm meals. During such times, soup becomes the perfect solution, offering comfort without a lengthy cooking process. Modern kitchen tools, especially blenders, result in smooth, flavourful soups without the need for long simmering times. Pantry staples such as stock cubes, tinned vegetables, dried herbs and beans help build structure and depth of the soup. These soups can feel complete despite their short cooking time. Christmas ingredients also lend themselves well to fast soups. Items like roasted squash, carrots, potatoes and even leftover cranberry sauce can be blended into warm, seasonal bowls. A small amount of spice or herbs, such as thyme, nutmeg, or rosemary, gives these soups a distinctly festive note. Adding cream, butter, or cheese is optional, as many vegetables naturally produce a creamy texture when blended.
These quick soups are perfect for festive cooking, whether you use them as an easy starter, a light mid-week meal or a post-celebration comfort dish. The recipes below focus on speed, simplicity and flavour, providing options for anyone who is looking for a warm bowl during the busy Christmas period.
A quick tomato soup becomes festive with the addition of dried herbs and a touch of garlic. Tinned tomatoes form the base, blending smoothly with vegetable stock for immediate body. A pinch of dried basil or rosemary adds warmth without needing long simmering. A small splash of milk or a spoonful of yoghurt gives creaminess while keeping the soup light. Once blended and heated, this yields a bright, comforting bowl that pairs well with crusty bread.
Leftover roasted pumpkin or squash makes a naturally sweet, velvety soup when mixed with warm stock. A small amount of nutmeg or cinnamon adds a seasonal note without overpowering the vegetables. A handful of oats can be added before blending to thicken the soup quickly. The mixture warms in minutes, producing a smooth, nourishing bowl. This soup works well as a light lunch or starter and requires minimal preparation, especially when using pre-roasted vegetables from previous meals or ready-to-cook supermarket packs.
Cranberry sauce and cooked carrots form a surprising but harmonious festive soup. The carrots provide body, while cranberries add a gentle tartness that balances the sweetness—blending them with vegetable stock and a small amount of ginger yields a bright, aromatic mixture. The soup heats quickly and maintains a smooth, glossy texture. It offers a refreshing alternative to heavier Christmas dishes while still feeling seasonal. This combination is beneficial when small amounts of cranberry sauce remain after the main meal.
Tinned white beans create a thick, creamy texture when blended, removing the need for dairy or long cooking. When you mix this with vegetable stock, garlic, and a touch of rosemary, you get a hearty soup. The beans warm quickly, and blending ensures a smooth finish. This soup is naturally high in fibre and protein, making it filling despite its short cooking time. A drizzle of olive oil or a few croutons on top adds a pleasant contrast without complicating the preparation.
Frozen peas and spinach form the base of a fresh, vibrant soup that cooks in minutes. When blended with hot stock, the vegetables create a bright green mixture with a smooth texture. A small amount of dried mint or fresh leaves adds coolness and balance. This soup maintains a light, refreshing quality while still providing warmth, making it suitable for both festive starters and quick weekday meals. The ingredients are pantry-friendly and blend easily into a consistent, nutritious bowl.
These warm, blender-friendly soups keep festive cooking simple while offering comfort and seasonal flavour. With pantry staples and minimal preparation time, these bowls provide reliable options throughout the Christmas period. Each soup has a distinct character while maintaining the same goal: effortless warmth in under 15 minutes.