Description
A collection of 15 easy, spooky Halloween soup recipes perfect for fall lovers and party hosts. These soups feature cozy autumn flavors, playful garnishes, and crowd-pleasing options for all diets.
Ingredients
- 8 cups (2 liters) chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 cups yellow onions, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups carrots, chopped
- 2 cups celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 2 cups pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and chopped
- 2 cups sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 1 cup leeks or green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, sage, or rosemary (optional)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced or crushed tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup black olives (for garnish)
- 1 cup mozzarella balls (for garnish)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded or cut into shapes
- 1 cup croutons (regular or gluten-free)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/2 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup beet puree
- 1 pound ground sausage (optional, for hearty soups)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (optional)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) beans (black, cannellini, or kidney)
- 1 cup firm tofu, cubed (vegetarian option)
- Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (for brightness)
- Almond milk or coconut milk (optional, for creamy soups)
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and chop all vegetables. For multiple soups, prep about 2 cups onion, 3 cups carrots, 2 cups celery, 4 cups potatoes, and 2 cups squash.
- If using roasted squash, roast in oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes while prepping other ingredients.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and desired herbs. Cook for 2 minutes until aromatic.
- Pour in broth. Add potatoes, squash, pumpkin puree, and canned tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 20–30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- For smooth soups, blend with immersion blender until creamy. For chunky soups, skip blending and add beans, cooked meat, or tofu.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and spices. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for brightness.
- Let soup sit off heat for 10 minutes to deepen flavors.
- Arrange spooky garnishes: mozzarella balls, olive spiders, cheese ghosts, crouton tombstones, beet puree or yogurt swirls.
- Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
Customize soups with your favorite fall vegetables and proteins. Use spooky garnishes for Halloween flair. Soups taste better the next day as flavors meld. For parties, set up a soup bar with toppings and keep soups warm in slow cookers. Adapt for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 8
Keywords: Halloween soup, spooky party food, fall recipes, pumpkin soup, butternut squash soup, vegetarian soup, gluten-free soup, party recipes, autumn comfort food, easy soup recipes