27 Healthy Soups for a Crowd for Any Occasion

Whether you're organizing a potluck or heading to a party, these pots of soup for a crowd are made for sharing. From classic chicken noodle soup to rustic minestrone, each recipe serves 10 or more!

When you’re feeding a group, whether it’s family from out of town or neighbors gathered for game day, nothing satisfies like a well-made pot of soup for a crowd. It’s flexible, comforting and perfect for serving a large circle without the stress of complicated prep. Even better, these soups are under 400 calories per serving and use ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

In this collection, we have put together our most popular soup recipes, like chicken noodle, lentil and sausage, creamy baked potato and taco soup. Each recipe earned its spot by passing three key tests: it serves 10 or more people without compromising texture or taste, is affordable to scale up and uses pantry staples.

Cooking for a group with different tastes? Most of these big pot soup ideas are easy to adjust—mild or spicy, vegetarian or protein-packed, depending on who’s coming to the table. For low-effort options, slow-cooker soup recipes like broccoli cheddar or creamy cauliflower are cozy and reliable, but you can also turn to the Dutch oven or Instant Pot for hands-off cooking that still delivers rich, layered flavor.

Serving a crowd doesn’t have to mean juggling a dozen dishes. Pair any of these crowd-friendly dishes with simple sides for soup like garlic breadsticks, a green salad, Italian rolls or even a fruit plate. And if you end up with extras, freezing soup is a good idea to save it for later.

So, if you’re hosting a party or prepping meals for the week, these big pot soup ideas are hearty, satisfying and made to share.

1/27

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Total Time 5 hours 50 min
Servings 12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: This satisfying soup with a hint of cayenne is brimming with vegetables, chicken and noodles. The recipe originally came from my father-in-law, but I made some changes to give it my own spin. —Norma Reynolds, Overland Park, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 199 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 663mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
2/27

Chunky Sausage Lentil Soup

Total Time 55 min
Servings 10 servings (3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: Lentils are an inexpensive but nutritious power food, and these days, a hot, filling and flavorful family meal at a great price is a real comfort. My husband just loves this soup and it freezes well. —Donna Scarano, East Hanover, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups (calculated without croutons): 314 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 681mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 17g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable.
3/27

Tomato Soup

Total Time 50 min
Servings 16 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: Creamy, rich and bursting with brightness, this soup is the ultimate sidekick to a grilled cheese sandwich. —Josh Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 104 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 572mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
4/27

Broccoli Beer Cheese Soup

Total Time 50 min
Servings 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: Whether you include the beer or not, this soup tastes wonderful. I always make extra and pop individual servings into the freezer. —Lori Lee, Brooksville, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 316 calories, 23g fat (13g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 1068mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
5/27

Creamy Potato Soup

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 10 servings (2-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: This is one of my favorite recipes that uses wholesome milk—an important product we produce on our dairy farm. It's rich and delicious...even the kids gobble it up! —Janis Plagerman, Ephrata, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 207 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 896mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
6/27

Split Pea Soup

Total Time 2 hours 30 min
Servings 10 servings (about 2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: The old-fashioned favorite is a snap to make, and it's economical too. Carrots, celery and onion accent the subtle flavor of the split peas, while a ham bone adds a meaty touch to this hearty soup. It's sure to chase away autumn's chill. —Laurie Todd, Columbus, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 202 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 267mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 12g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat.
7/27

Creamy Taco Soup

Total Time 20 min
Servings 3-1/4 quarts
From the Recipe Creator: This is a quick-and-easy recipe to make, and it's one of our favorite meals for cold winter nights.
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 333 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 746mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
8/27

Beef Barley Lentil Soup

Total Time 8 hours 20 min
Servings 10 servings (about 3-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: I serve this soup often to family and friends on cold nights, along with homemade rolls and a green salad. For variety, you can substitute jicama for the potatoes. —Judy Metzentine, The Dalles, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 232 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 603mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
9/27

Minestrone Soup

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 11 servings (2-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: This minestrone soup recipe is special to me because it’s one of the few dinners my entire family loves. And I can feel good about serving it because it’s full of nutrition and low in fat. —Lauren Brennan, Hood River, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 180 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 443mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat.
10/27

Autumn Bisque

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: I like cozy comfort soups that taste creamy—without the cream. This one’s full of good stuff like rutabagas, leeks, fresh herbs and almond milk. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 146 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
11/27

Slow-Cooker Chili

Total Time 8 hours 20 min
Servings 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: This hearty slow-cooker chili can cook for up to 10 hours on low in the slow cooker. It's so good to come home to its wonderful aroma after a long day away. —Sue Call, Beech Grove, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 260 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 712mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
12/27

Firehouse Chili

Total Time 1 hour 50 min
Servings 16 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: As one of the cooks at the firehouse, I used to prepare meals for 10 men. This firehouse chili recipe was among their favorites. —Richard Clements, San Dimas, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 354 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 657mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 8g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
13/27

Beef and Black Bean Soup

Total Time 6 hours 10 min
Servings 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: I lead a busy life, so I'm always trying to come up with timesaving recipes. This zippy and colorful soup is one of my husband's favorites. It has been a hit at family gatherings, too. —Vickie Gibson, Gardendale, Alabama
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 203 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 630mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
14/27

Red Bean Vegetable Soup

Total Time 6 hours 15 min
Servings 12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: Cajun seasoning boosts the flavor of this brothy soup. The easy recipe makes a big batch that's loaded with beans and fresh veggies. —Ronnie Lappe, Brownwood, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 158 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 701mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 11g protein.
15/27

Chicken Chili with Black Beans

Total Time 35 min
Servings 10 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: Because it looks different than traditional chili, my family was a little hesitant to try this dish at first. Thanks to the full, hearty flavor, it's become a real favorite around our house. I like to serve it with warm cornbread. —Jeanette Urbom, Louisburg, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 236 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 561mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
16/27

Navy Bean Soup

Total Time 2 hours 15 min
Servings 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: My family loves navy bean soup! Beans were a commodity you did not survive without in the '30s. This excellent navy beans and ham soup is a real family favorite of ours and I make it often. —Mildred Lewis, Temple, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 244 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 410mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 10g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
17/27

Zesty Chicken Soup

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 10 servings (3-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: This spicy chicken soup is chock full of chicken and vegetables. Best of all, it freezes nicely, making a second meal with little effort! —Gwen Nelson, Castro Valley, California
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups (calculated without cheese and tortilla chips): 152 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 518mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
18/27

Couscous Meatball Soup

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: This soup will warm you up and takes just 25 minutes of prep time, making it a perfect weeknight meal. —Jonathan Pace, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 202 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 583mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat.
19/27

Slow-Cooker Creamy Cauliflower Soup

Total Time 6 hours 20 min
Servings 14 servings (3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: I love indulgent cream soups but not the fat that goes along with them. In this healthier version, the soup's velvety texture makes it feel rich and the spicy kick warms you up in a flash. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 80 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 434mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
20/27

Texas Black Bean Soup

Total Time 4 hours 5 min
Servings 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: This hearty meatless stew made with convenient canned items is perfect for spicing up a family gathering on a cool day. It tastes as if it's made with love and yet it requires so little time and attention. —Pamela Scott, Garland, Texas.
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 91 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 609mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
21/27

Hearty Vegetable Soup

Total Time 1 hour 45 min
Servings 16 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: A friend gave me the idea to use V8 juice in vegetable soup because it provides more flavor. My best vegetable soup recipe is perfect to prepare on a crisp autumn afternoon. —Janice Steinmetz, Somers, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 105 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 488mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
22/27

White Chicken Chili

Total Time 40 min
Servings 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: Folks will enjoy a change from traditional chili when they dip their spoons into this flavorful blend of tender chicken, white beans and just the right amount of zip. This is our favorite white chicken chili recipe. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 214 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 596mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 7g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
23/27

Shrimp Gazpacho

Total Time 15 min
Servings 12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: Here’s a refreshing take on the classic chilled tomato soup. Our twist features shrimp, lime and plenty of avocado. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 112 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 399mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
24/27

Andouille Sausage Soup

Total Time 55 min
Servings 10 servings (3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: I make a soup every football Sunday. I came up with this recipe because I wanted to use lots of vegetables to keep it healthy, but wanted it to be interesting. My wife suggested adding the andouille and now it's one of my favorite andouille sausage recipes. —Steven Thurner, Janesville, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 168 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 540mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
25/27

Pumpkin Chili

Total Time 4 hours 20 min
Servings 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: My family is crazy about this slow cooker chili because it uses ingredients you don't usually find in chili. Believe it or not, I discovered that pumpkin is what makes the dish so special. Cook up a big batch and freeze some for later; it tastes even better reheated. —Deborah Vliet, Holland, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 192 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
26/27

Italian Veggie Beef Soup

Total Time 30 min
Servings 12 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: My sweet father-in-law, Pop Pop, would bring this chunky soup to our house when we were under the weather. We like it so much, we take it to our own friends who need comfort. It always does the trick. —Sue Webb, Reisterstown, Maryland
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 159 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 646mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
27/27

Turkey Chili

Total Time 6 hours 50 min
Servings 12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: I've taken my mother's healthy turkey chili recipe and made it thicker and more robust. It's a favorite, especially in fall and winter. —Celesta Zanger, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 200 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 535mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 8g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch.

Soup for a Crowd FAQ

How do you serve soup for a crowd?

To serve soup for a crowd, keep it hot, simple and customizable. Use large pots or slow cookers to maintain a safe temperature (above 140°F) and use ladles for easy serving. A toppings bar with shredded cheese, herbs and homemade croutons adds flexibility for guests. Make sure to label dishes on your buffet table for common allergens or dietary preferences. To round out the meal, pair each soup with a simple side, like crusty bread or a tossed salad.

What are the best crowd-friendly soups for a potluck?

Some of the best potluck-ready soups are easy to prep and reheat without losing flavor. Some of our favorites include a classic chicken noodle soup, Italian wedding soup with frozen meatballs, white bean soup or split pea soup.

What large-batch soup recipes can be prepared on a budget?

Large-batch, affordable soups rely on simple ingredients that go a long way. Ingredients like canned beans and lentils, russet potatoes, cauliflower, carrots and onions all add bulk and flavor to soup, without a high price tag. You can also make homemade broth with leftover chicken bones and veggie scraps to save a few extra dollars.