There’s something wonderfully comforting about a bowl of Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, bursting with savory sausage, tender cabbage, and a luscious creaminess that feels downright luxurious. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this soup delivers big on flavor without fussiness. It’s a favorite in my kitchen for its simplicity and the way each spoonful feels like a little hug—trust me, this is one you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup is how a handful of humble ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each element brings its own personality to the pot, balancing hearty textures with a rich, creamy finish. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each one matters:
- Ground sausage: This is the backbone of the soup, adding deep, savory flavor and a bit of spice depending on your sausage choice.
- Onion: Chopped onion gives the soup a sweet, aromatic base that pairs perfectly with the sausage.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the broth with irresistible warmth and depth.
- Cabbage: The star veggie! Chopped cabbage becomes silky and tender as it simmers, soaking up all the wonderful flavors.
- Chicken broth: This adds richness and body, ensuring every bite is full of savory comfort.
- Heavy cream: Just a cup transforms the broth into something dreamy and luxurious—don’t skip it!
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that let all the other flavors shine without overpowering.
How to Make Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon as you go. You’re looking for a lovely, golden-brown color with crispy edges—this not only adds flavor but also sets the stage for the rest of the soup. Once fully cooked, don’t worry about draining every bit of fat; that’s pure flavor!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them sauté with the sausage for a few minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant. This step gently sweetens the onion and mellows the garlic, building a rich, aromatic base for your Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage
Now, pile in the chopped cabbage. It might seem like a lot at first, but it will quickly wilt down as it cooks. Stir everything together so the cabbage gets a chance to mingle with the sausage, onion, and garlic. After a few minutes, the cabbage will start to soften and shrink, becoming tender and sweet.
Step 4: Pour in Chicken Broth and Simmer
Carefully pour in the chicken broth, making sure it covers all the delicious bits in the pot. Give everything a good stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let the soup bubble away for about 20 minutes—long enough for the flavors to meld and the cabbage to become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Seasoning
Finally, stir in the heavy cream. Watch as the broth transforms into a silky, creamy base that ties all the flavors together beautifully. Taste your Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and serve hot for maximum comfort.
How to Serve Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives brings a pop of color and a hint of freshness. If you like a bit of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes or a swirl of extra cream on top can make each bowl of Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but it’s even better with a crusty loaf of bread or a batch of warm rolls for dunking. If you want a lighter side, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great contrast to the rich, creamy soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup in rustic soup mugs or bread bowls for a fun, cozy presentation. For gatherings, offer toppings like shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or homemade croutons so everyone can customize their bowl just the way they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a great option for meal prep or easy lunches.
Freezing
While the soup’s creamy nature means it may separate slightly after freezing, it’s still freezer-friendly. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Just give it a good stir after reheating to bring it back together.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Soup
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in spicy Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage if you prefer. Each variety brings its own unique twist to Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup.
Is there a way to make this soup lighter?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream to lighten things up a bit. The result will be a bit less rich, but still delicious and comforting.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely—feel free to add chopped carrots, celery, or potatoes for extra color and texture. Just add them along with the cabbage so they have time to cook through.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
Vegetable broth works just as well, and even beef broth can give the Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup a deeper, heartier flavor. Use what you have on hand!
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! In fact, the flavors often deepen overnight. Just store it in the fridge and gently reheat when you’re ready to enjoy. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy days.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a bowl of something truly soul-soothing, Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup is a must-try. It’s easy, deeply flavorful, and brings a cozy touch to any table. Give it a go—you might just find it becomes a new favorite in your home, too!
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Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering, Sauteing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy cabbage and sausage soup that’s easy to prepare and packed with hearty flavors. This delicious, warming soup combines savory ground sausage, tender cabbage, and a rich cream base, making it perfect for a satisfying family meal in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb ground sausage
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 head cabbage, chopped
Liquids & Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a large pot, heat over medium heat and cook the ground sausage until it is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is slightly wilted but still has some texture.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it cook gently for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to become tender.
- Finish with cream and season: Stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated. Season the soup with salt and pepper to your taste. Heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes without boiling.
- Serve hot: Ladle the creamy cabbage and sausage soup into bowls and serve immediately, optionally accompanied by crusty bread.
Notes
- For a leaner version, use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage.
- To add some spice, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the sausage.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter soup, but the texture will be less rich.
- Adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley at the end can enhance the flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
