How to Host a Soup Exchange

You’ve heard of a cookie exchange, but what about a soup swap? This fun gathering between friends and family results in a freezer full of fresh, homemade soups. We’ll show you exactly how to plan a soup exchange (it’s easy, trust us!). Plus, we share our favorite, top-rated soup recipes!

A Few Weeks Before the Exchange: Send Invites

The first step in planning a soup exchange is to finalize a guest list: 5 to 10 people is a good starting point. Next, send out your invitations—both snail mail and email work fine.

In addition to the date, time and place, make sure you tell guests to bring enough soup for however many swappers were invited. If anyone on the guest list has allergies or dietary restrictions, make sure to include that information as well.

A Few Days Before the Exchange: Make Your Soup

Prep for the party by making the soup you plan to exchange. Opt for a freezer-friendly soup that doesn’t have too much dairy or starchy add-ins (ingredients like noodles can always be added after the soup is rewarmed). Not sure what to make? Skip ahead to find a few delicious options.

Once your soup has cooled, divide it into freezer-safe containers you can give to your friends. Keep any toppings or additional mix-ins separate. Label each container with the date the soup was made and any allergens. Pop the containers in the freezer, but make sure you reserve 2 to 3 cups of soup for guests to sample during the exchange.

The Day of the Exchange: Set Up for the Swap

It’s no fun to simply exchange soups and leave—guests will want to taste the fruits of everyone’s labor! Before your guests arrive, set up a labeling station. This area will allow guests to earmark their soup containers with recipe names, reheating instructions and the soup maker’s name (in case they want to ask for the recipe). For a simple setup, fill mason jars with gift tags, then lay out an assortment of pens, a roll of twine and scissors.

Then, set up a table for guests to place their frozen soups and a second table for tasting. Set out small bowls, spoons, soup toppers, crackers, breads and any other add-ins. When all the guests have arrived, everyone can self-serve from the reserved soups to sample the wares.

Once the soups have been tasted, have everyone grab a container of each frozen soup. Give guests a box or bag so they can easily carry their bounty home. Once everyone’s gone, stand back and relish your new freezer full of soup. Enjoy!