9 Hearty Soup Recipes to Feed a Crowd
Posted by Eunice Juanzo on Mar 22nd 2023
Soup is the ultimate crowd-pleasing meal—comforting, nourishing, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a casual family gathering, planning a potluck, or feeding friends on a chilly evening, a big pot of soup makes everyone feel welcome.
At Frontier Soups, our soup mixes make it easy to serve hearty, wholesome meals without hours of prep. Each mix generously serves at least 11+ (8oz) portions—perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
Here are nine of our favorite soups that transform any get-together into a warm, satisfying feast:
California Gold Rush White Bean Chili – Serves 11
This vibrant chili brings together white beans, sweet potatoes, peppers, and artichoke hearts. Just add ground turkey or chicken for a protein boost. Need dinner on the table faster? Try our pressure cooker adaptation to shorten the usual two-hour cook time.
Tip: Top with shredded cheese, avocado slices, or a squeeze of fresh lime to brighten the flavors.
Illinois Prairie Corn Chowder – Serves 11
Creamy, comforting, and endlessly customizable. Add diced potatoes and cream to create a rich base. Feeling creative? Transform it into a seafood chowder by adding scallops and shrimp, or give it a fun twist with a splash of beer for a Beer-Infused Corn Chowder.
Perfect for: Cold weather lunches, cozy dinners, or game day gatherings.
Spiced & Sweet Butternut Squash & Lentil Soup – Serves 12
Packed with golden butternut squash and lentils, this soup glows with autumn color and flavor. It’s naturally vegetarian and made even easier with a slow cooker adaptation—just set it and let the aroma fill your kitchen.
Pair with: A crusty baguette or cornbread for an effortless meal.
Vermont Farmhouse Apple Sausage & Bean Soup – Serves 13
This hearty soup is full of red, navy, and cranberry beans plus split peas. Add diced Gala apples, chicken apple sausage, and baby spinach for an extra layer of sweetness and freshness.
Make it your own: Use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian, or add extra greens like kale or Swiss chard.
Little Italy Wedding Soup – Serves 13
Inspired by the Neapolitan minestra maritata—meaning “married soup”—this mix combines tiny pasta, leafy greens, and mini meatballs in a flavorful broth.
Great for: Special occasions, Sunday suppers, or anytime you want a comforting, classic Italian dish.
New York Corner Cafe Minestrone – Serves 15
“Minestrone” translates to “big soup,” and ours lives up to its name! Italian seasonings, elbow macaroni, and cranberry beans come together for a delicious, gluten-free meal. Add Brussels sprouts and bacon to elevate it even more.
Fun idea: Set up a DIY topping bar with grated parmesan, fresh herbs, or chili flakes.
Dakota Territory Beef Barley Stew – Serves 15
A robust, stick-to-your-ribs stew with beef, lentils, shiitake mushrooms, and leeks. Perfect for colder days or when you need to satisfy a big appetite.
Hosting tip: Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or buttered rolls for a complete meal.
Indiana Harvest Sausage & Lentil Soup – Serves 20
A personal favorite! The mix of red and green lentils paired with Italian sausage creates a hearty, full-bodied soup, seasoned with oregano and basil. Even if lentil soup isn’t usually your go-to, this one might just change your mind.
Serve with: Garlic bread or a sprinkle of grated parmesan.
Minnesota Heartland Eleven Bean Soup – Serves 20
The original Frontier Soups blend that started it all! Featuring eleven varieties of beans and peas, this slow-simmering soup gains incredible depth of flavor from ham hocks.
Pro tip: Make it the night before—soups with beans taste even better the next day.
No matter which you choose, these soups make it easy to gather your favorite people around the table for a meal that’s both hearty and heartwarming.
Got a “souper” story or a family recipe to share?
We’d love to hear it! Send it to info@frontiersoups.com and we might feature it on our blog.