Name: Cabbage, Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups green cabbage, chopped; 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; 3 medium carrots, sliced; 6 cups chicken broth; 2 cups water; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 bay leaf; Salt and black pepper to taste; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Imagine a steaming bowl brimming with tender potatoes, smoky sausage, sweet carrots, and a tangle of silky cabbage in a savory broth—this is Cabbage, Sausage and Potato Soup, the ultimate comfort meal that warms you from the inside out. It’s a recipe I return to whenever I crave something both homestyle and absolutely satisfying, and it’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table. Each spoonful is spoonful a celebration of everyday ingredients that bloom with robust flavor. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or prepping meals for the week ahead, Cabbage, Sausage and Potato Soup is bound to become one of your favorite soups.

Cabbage, Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cabbage, Sausage and Potato Soup lies in its simple, honest ingredients—each playing a crucial role in creating that irresistible, layered flavor. Don’t skip any; together, they build a wonderfully satisfying texture and color in every bite.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps develop those golden, caramelized flavors when browning the sausage and veggies.
Smoked sausage or kielbasa: Choose your favorite variety for a deep, smoky taste and hearty texture that makes this soup so filling.
Onion: Sweetens the base and mingles seamlessly with the sausage for an aromatic start.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a warm depth and that irresistible savory note.
Green cabbage: Softens beautifully in the broth, adding gentle sweetness and the classic cabbage flavor.
Potatoes: When cooked, they become tender and creamy, adding substance to every bowl.
Carrots: Their natural sweetness balances the savory elements and brightens the soup with color.
Chicken broth: The key liquid that infuses the whole pot with rich, savory notes.
Water: Lightens the broth for perfect consistency while letting the other flavors shine.
Dried thyme: Brings a lovely herbal note that ties the vegetables and meat together.
Dried parsley: Adds a subtle freshness that lifts the finished soup.
Bay leaf: Infuses the broth with gentle earthiness—just remember to take it out before serving.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust these to taste at the end.
Fresh parsley (optional): A bright, colorful garnish to finish each bowl beautifully.

How to Make Cabbage, Sausage and Potato Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage or kielbasa, and let it sizzle for about five minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for those gorgeous, golden-brown edges that turn irresistible in the broth. Once browned, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside—this creates even more flavor for the veggies to soak up next!

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

With the delicious sausage drippings still in the pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. Then throw in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. There’s nothing like that one-two punch of aromatics to set your kitchen up for cozy soup perfection.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

Pile in the chopped green cabbage, diced potatoes, and sliced carrots, stirring well to mix all the flavors. The cabbage will look bulky at first but trust the process—it wilts down beautifully as it cooks!

Step 4: Build the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and water, giving everything a good stir. Return the browned sausage to the pot, sprinkle in the dried thyme, parsley, and drop in the bay leaf. The soup already smells like home! This is when the magic really begins.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes. The potatoes and carrots should become fork-tender, and the cabbage should be meltingly soft. If needed, skim off any foam that forms on top.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Fish out the bay leaf, then ladle the piping hot soup into bowls. If you’d like, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve warm, ideally with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.

How to Serve Cabbage, Sausage and Potato Soup

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley brings a lovely pop of color to Cabbage, Sausage and Potato Soup, while a dash of freshly cracked black pepper or a scattering of grated Parmesan (if you’re feeling fancy) adds a final flourish. These bright, simple garnishes make each bowl feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Pairing your soup with something on the side elevates the entire meal—think crusty sourdough, rustic rye, or a warm baguette that’s perfect for soaking up all that savory broth. For a lighter accompaniment, a crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette balances the rich flavors of the soup beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive yet easy twist, serve your Cabbage, Sausage and Potato Soup in bread bowls or deep mugs to make it feel extra hearty and personal. Family gatherings? Try topping the soup with crunchy homemade croutons or a dollop of sour cream for a comforting vibe that feels like a warm hug.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup is a meal-prepper’s dream! Let leftovers cool down completely before storing in airtight containers in the fridge. Cabbage, Sausage and Potato Soup only gets better as the flavors meld together overnight, making it perfect for quick weekday lunches or easy dinners.

Freezing

Cabbage, Sausage and Potato Soup freezes like a champ. Once fully cooled, transfer the soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags. Store for up to three months for best flavor. When you need a quick meal, just thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup slowly in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it’s thickened in the fridge or freezer, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen things up. Avoid boiling for best texture!

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of sausage?

Absolutely! While smoked sausage or kielbasa lends a signature smoky depth, feel free to use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a hearty plant-based variety for your Cabbage, Sausage and Potato Soup. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility—swap in whatever suits your taste or what you have on hand.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your sausage and broth are gluten-free, this recipe is completely gluten-free. Always double-check your labels to be sure, especially if serving anyone with celiac or a gluten sensitivity.

Can I make it vegetarian?

You can! Simply use your favorite veggie sausage for a meatless take, and swap chicken broth for a good-quality vegetable broth. The soup will still have those wonderful, comforting flavors thanks to the combo of cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and herbs.

How long does it keep in the refrigerator?

Cabbage, Sausage and Potato Soup will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. In fact, the flavors deepen and intensify as it rests, so you might even find it tastes better on day two!

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! This soup is a lovely canvas for extra veggies—try stirring in diced bell peppers, celery, or a handful of baby spinach at the end of cooking. Just be sure not to overcrowd the pot so everything cooks evenly and each flavor shines.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something heartwarming about sharing a pot of Cabbage, Sausage and Potato Soup with loved ones. It’s nourishing, ridiculously flavorful, and so easy to pull together, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving something cozy. Give this recipe a try—the next comforting bowl of goodness is just a simmer away!

Cabbage, Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This hearty and comforting Cabbage, Sausage, and Potato Soup is a satisfying meal on its own. Packed with smoked sausage, vegetables, and flavorful herbs, this soup is perfect for chilly days.

Ingredients

Scale

Smoked Sausage:

1 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds

Vegetables:

1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups green cabbage, chopped
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
3 medium carrots, sliced

Broth and Seasonings:

6 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot, brown the sausage, and set aside.
Saute Vegetables: Cook onion, garlic until fragrant; add cabbage, potatoes, and carrots.
Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, water, sausage, herbs; simmer until vegetables are tender.
Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning, remove bay leaf, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.