Easy Wedding Soup Recipe

Wedding soup might sound like something reserved for fancy celebrations, but it’s actually a beloved dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. Despite the name, it’s not exclusive to weddings-it’s a hearty, comforting Italian-American classic that combines the savory goodness of meatballs, the freshness of greens, and a light, flavorful broth. Originating in Italy but perfected in America, wedding soup has earned a place on tables from casual family dinners to formal events.

Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef looking to perfect a beloved dish, making wedding soup at home is easier than you think. Let’s take a deep dive into how to make a simple, yet delicious, version of this crowd-pleaser, and explore some fun twists to elevate it.

This easy wedding soup recipe will have you feeling like an Italian grandmother in no time, all while keeping things stress-free and manageable. It’s packed with rich flavors, and with just a few ingredients, you’ll be serving up a comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug. Ready to get started?

Ingredients Needed

To make this wedding soup, you’ll need to gather a few basic ingredients that will all contribute to the rich, balanced flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For The Meatballs

Ground beef – About 1 lb. This is your base, but you can mix it with pork or veal for a bit more flavor depth.
Breadcrumbs – Around ½ cup. These act as a binder to keep the meatballs light and tender.
Egg – 1 egg to bind the ingredients and add richness.
Garlic – Freshly minced, about 1-2 cloves. Garlic is essential for that Italian flavor!
Parmesan cheese – ¼ cup, grated. It brings a salty, nutty flavor to the meatballs.
Parsley – 2 tbsp, finely chopped. This adds freshness to balance the richness of the meatballs.
Salt and pepper – To taste. Don’t skimp on seasoning; it enhances all the flavors.

For The Soup Base

Chicken broth – 6 cups. This is the heart of the soup’s base, providing depth and comfort.
Carrots – 1 cup, sliced. Carrots bring a sweet crunch that contrasts nicely with the greens.
Celery – 1 cup, chopped. Celery offers a slight earthy flavor and texture.
Spinach – About 4 cups. Fresh spinach is a must for that vibrant color and taste, but you can also use escarole or kale if preferred.
Onion – 1 small, diced. Adds a mild sweetness that’s the perfect backdrop for the rest of the flavors.
Salt and pepper – To taste. Adjust for seasoning as needed.

For The Soup Finish

More Parmesan – A sprinkle on top of the finished soup adds a final touch of flavor and a little creaminess when stirred in.

Cooking Instructions

Make The Meatballs

In a bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Mix everything together gently using your hands until just combined (over-mixing will make the meatballs tough).
Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Aim for uniform size so they cook evenly.

Brown The Meatballs

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat with a little olive oil.
Brown the meatballs in batches, making sure they’re golden on all sides. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside. Don’t worry if they’re not cooked all the way through yet; they’ll finish cooking in the soup.

Prepare The Soup Base

In the same pot, add a bit more oil if necessary and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Add the meatballs back into the pot and let them simmer in the broth for about 15 minutes, or until fully cooked through.

Add The Spinach

Stir in the spinach and cook for another 5 minutes until it wilts down.
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Serve hot with crusty bread or a side of your favorite Italian dish.

Ingredient Insights

When you’re cooking something like wedding soup, every ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors. Here’s a deeper look at why each one matters:

Ground Beef: While beef is the most common base, mixing it with pork or veal (as is traditional in many Italian recipes) adds richness and complexity to the meatballs.
Breadcrumbs: These serve a functional purpose, providing a light texture while absorbing flavor. Homemade breadcrumbs work wonders here, but store-bought can do the job as well.
Chicken Broth: A high-quality broth is key! It’s the backbone of the soup, so opt for low-sodium, organic broth if possible. You can also make your own for even more depth.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts quickly and absorbs the broth’s flavors, but it also contributes its own earthy taste. If you use kale or escarole, the soup will take on a slightly more bitter note, adding variety.
Parmesan Cheese: The saltiness and nuttiness of freshly grated Parmesan create an added layer of flavor to the soup. Never skip this step!

Expert Tips

Make Ahead: Wedding soup actually gets better after a day or two! If you’re preparing it in advance, store the meatballs and broth separately to prevent the meatballs from soaking up too much liquid. Reheat and combine when you’re ready to serve.
Customize the Greens: While spinach is traditional, don’t be afraid to experiment with different greens. Kale adds a more robust flavor, and escarole offers a mild bitterness.
Smaller Meatballs: If you like your soup to have a bit more meat-to-broth ratio, consider making your meatballs smaller. Smaller meatballs cook faster and are easier to eat.
Broth Preference: If you prefer a stronger flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a tablespoon of tomato paste to the broth to deepen the taste.

Recipe Variations

While the classic wedding soup is delicious on its own, there are plenty of variations you can explore to put your personal touch on this dish:

Italian Sausage Meatballs: Instead of using plain ground beef, you can mix in some Italian sausage for an added flavor punch.
Vegetarian Version: Swap out the meatballs entirely and use plant-based substitutes, or make veggie meatballs from lentils or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly soup.
Noodles: Add small pasta like orzo, acini di pepe, or even broken spaghetti to the soup for a heartier meal.
Spicy Twist: For a kick, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes or add some spicy sausage to the meatballs.

Final Words

Wedding soup is one of those timeless dishes that feels like home no matter where you are. Its combination of tender meatballs, vibrant greens, and a savory broth makes it a meal that can be enjoyed in any season, perfect for cozy nights or when you need something that will feed a crowd. With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can create something both comforting and impressive.

Easy Wedding Soup Recipe