If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy meal to warm you from the inside out, look no further than Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup. This is a hearty, one-pot wonder that brings together the rustic sweetness of cabbage, the savory richness of smoked sausage, and the irresistible silkiness of cream. Every spoonful is full of comforting flavor, bright vegetables, and a hint of paprika and thyme—making it perfect for chilly evenings, potlucks, or family gatherings. Whether you’re new to cabbage soups or already a devoted fan, this soul-warming dish is bound to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of humble ingredients, you’ll create a soup that’s surprisingly luxurious and full of balanced flavors. Every item plays its part, bringing its own special magic—whether that’s a pop of color, a boost of protein, or sheer creaminess!
- Olive Oil: Adds a lovely depth of flavor and helps brown the sausage to golden perfection.
- Smoked Sausage: The star of the show—choose your favorite type Main Course.
- Yellow Onion: Provides a sweet backbone and aromatic base for the whole soup.
- Garlic: The ultimate flavor booster; don’t skip it for that satisfying aroma.
- Green Cabbage: This is the heart of Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup, lending sweetness, color, and body.
- Carrots: They bring little nuggets of sweetness and beautiful color with every bite.
- Chicken Broth: A savory, flavorful liquid that ties everything together; low sodium works best so you can control saltiness.
- Heavy Cream: The magic ingredient for that velvety, blissful finish—pure comfort!
- Dried Thyme: Earthy and subtle, thyme weaves a cozy warmth throughout each bowl.
- Paprika: A gentle hint of spice and color; smoked paprika is lovely if you like extra complexity!
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple essentials to enhance and round out the flavors.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a satiny sautéed base for the veggies.
- Flour (optional): Stir this in if you like your soup a little thicker and more stew-like—it’s completely up to you.
How to Make Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your sliced sausage and let it sizzle until browned on both sides, about 5–6 minutes. This crucial step builds deep, smoky flavor into the base of the soup. When the rounds are golden and slightly crisp at the edges, scoop them out and set them aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same pot, swirl in the butter. When it’s melted and foamy, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Let these aromatics cook, stirring occasionally, for 2–3 minutes until they’re translucent and fragrant. This creates the delicious foundation for your Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup.
Step 3: Soften Cabbage and Carrots
Toss your chopped cabbage and sliced carrots into the pot. Sauté everything together for another 5 minutes, letting the vegetables soften and soak up all those savory sausage drippings. If you prefer a thicker soup, sprinkle in the flour here and give it a good stir so it coats the veggies evenly.
Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and crank up the heat to bring everything to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and let it bubble away uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the carrots and cabbage are irresistibly tender but not mushy. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing at this point!
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Seasonings
Return your browned sausage rounds to the pot, then swirl in the heavy cream. Add the dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well, and let everything simmer for another 5 minutes, just until everything is heated through and infused with all those rich flavors. Taste and add any final seasoning tweaks—then serve your Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup piping hot!
How to Serve Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup
Garnishes
Sprinkle each bowl with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and herbal lift. A little fresh-cracked black pepper or even a dusting of extra paprika gives a wonderful finish. Guests will feel truly spoiled with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top!
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with rustic bread, warm biscuits, or buttered rolls to help soak up every last drop. If you want a fresher contrast, try a crisp green salad or simple vinegar-dressed slaw—the brightness perfectly balances the soup’s creaminess and smoky sausage.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl or in individual crocks for a bistro vibe. Ladle it over cooked rice or boiled potatoes for a heartier meal, or serve in small espresso cups as a cozy appetizer for dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your soup cool to room temperature, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup keeps well for up to 4 days and tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
Freezing
This soup can absolutely be frozen—just know that the creaminess might separate slightly on thawing. For best results, freeze in individual portions and use within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Rewarm soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If needed, add a splash of broth or milk to restore the velvety texture. Avoid boiling after adding cream to keep everything smooth and luscious.
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use olive oil instead of butter for a satisfying dairy-free version of this classic soup.
What kind of sausage works best in this recipe?
Smoked or kielbasa-style sausages infuse tons of flavor, but turkey sausage or plant-based options also work beautifully for a lighter or vegetarian take on Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup.
Can I add potatoes or other veggies?
Definitely! Diced potatoes, parsnips, or even a handful of baby spinach stirred in toward the end are all great ways to bulk up this soup and make it even more nourishing.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Just skip the optional flour or use a gluten-free flour blend—every other ingredient in Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup is naturally gluten-free, making it a friendly option for many diets.
How can I make the soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker, stew-like texture, be sure to stir in the optional flour with the veggies. You can also simmer a little longer uncovered to reduce the liquid, or mash some of the carrots and cabbage right in the pot.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup enough—it’s one of those rare dishes that delivers pure comfort with every spoonful. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or as the star of your next gathering, this soup is guaranteed to bring everyone to the table with smiles and second helpings. Give it a try and let this bowlful of warmth become your new household classic!
Print
Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup, a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for chilly days. This easy-to-make soup combines savory smoked sausage with tender cabbage, carrots, and a creamy broth for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small head green cabbage (cored and chopped)
- 3 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Optional: 1 tablespoon flour (for slightly thicker texture)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot: Over medium heat, cook the sliced sausage until browned on both sides, about 5–6 minutes. Set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic: In the same pot, add butter and cook onion and garlic until softened, around 2–3 minutes.
- Add cabbage and carrots: Cook for 5 minutes, then sprinkle in flour if using. Stir well.
- Pour in chicken broth: Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15–20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Combine remaining ingredients: Return sausage to the pot, add heavy cream, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Adjust seasonings: Taste and adjust as needed. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey or plant-based sausage for a lighter version.
- For a dairy-free option, use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream.
- Add diced potatoes for a heartier soup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 910mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
