If you’re searching for a soul-warming meal that checks all the boxes—hearty, creamy, and absolutely packed with cozy flavor—look no further than this Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup. Combining the rustic charm of gently simmered cabbage, robust smoked sausage, sweet carrots, and tender potatoes in a dreamy, silky broth, this soup is the comfort food hug your kitchen’s been waiting for. Whether you savor it as a chilly-night main course or a lunchtime treat, every spoonful bursts with satisfying, homespun goodness. Once you try Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup, you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup is how it transforms simple, approachable ingredients into something truly memorable. Each item plays a key role—bringing savoriness, heartiness, or creamy comfort to the bowl, making this soup an irresistible crowd-pleaser. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single bit!
- Olive oil: Gives the sausage and veggies a gorgeous golden color and starts the soup off with deep flavor.
- Smoked sausage or kielbasa: The backbone of this soup’s savoriness, offering smoky richness with every bite.
- Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic base that melds perfectly with the sausage and broth.
- Garlic: Just a few cloves bring a fragrant punch and depth that ties everything together.
- Green cabbage: Star of the show for earthy crunch that softens to sweet perfection as it simmers.
- Carrots: Their gentle sweetness balances the smoky sausage and adds beautiful color.
- Celery: Brings subtle flavor and a satisfying bite that rounds out the veggie medley.
- Chicken broth: The savory liquid that forms the soup’s nourishing base—use homemade or store-bought.
- Potatoes: Welcome creaminess and heft, making each bowl extra satisfying.
- Smoked paprika: A magical addition that amps up the smokiness and gives the broth a golden blush.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle spice and warmth that wakes up the flavors.
- Salt: Essential for highlighting all those beautiful ingredients—be sure to taste and adjust.
- Bay leaf: Gives subtle herbal flavor during simmering—just remember to fish it out before serving!
- Heavy cream: The secret to that luscious, creamy finish you’ll crave again and again.
- All-purpose flour: Mixed with the cream, it thickens the soup slightly for just the right consistency.
- Fresh parsley: A final flourish of color and herby brightness that makes every bowl pop.
How to Make Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating up the olive oil in your favorite large soup pot over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage or kielbasa and let it sizzle until the rounds caramelize and take on an irresistible golden-brown color, about five minutes. This searing step coaxes loads of savory flavor from the sausage, which will infuse the soup as it simmers. Once browned, scoop the sausage out and set it aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
With the sausage set aside, toss diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery into the same pot. Sauté for about five minutes, stirring occasionally. These vegetables soak up the leftover sausage flavor while softening and sweetening. Sprinkle in the minced garlic and cook for an extra 30 seconds—just long enough for that garlicky aroma to bloom, but not so long it scorches.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Now it’s time to bring the magic of Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup to life! Stir in the shredded cabbage and follow with chicken broth (homemade or a good-quality store-bought stock works wonders), diced potatoes, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and the trusty bay leaf. Turn up the heat and bring everything to a steady boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes so the flavors can meld and the potatoes become meltingly tender.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour, ensuring there are no lumps. Stir this creamy mixture into the bubbling soup and let it simmer for another five minutes or so. This step transforms the broth, thickening it just enough to coat your spoon and envelop every chunk in luxurious silkiness.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Return the browned sausage to the pot and give everything a good stir to heat through. Remove the bay leaf, taste your soup, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over each steaming bowl for a burst of color and freshness. Your Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup is ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup
Garnishes
Top each bowl with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley, a swirl of heavy cream for an elegant touch, or even a handful of shredded cheese if you’re craving ultra-richness. Crack a little more black pepper over the top for some visual flair and subtle spice—simple touches make Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup shine even brighter.
Side Dishes
Pair your soup with hunks of crusty sourdough, pillowy dinner rolls, or a warm slice of rye bread to soak up every bit of creamy broth. A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette is fantastic alongside, refreshing the palate and adding a tasty contrast to the soup’s richness. If you’re serving a crowd, try roasted root veggies on the side for an extra-cozy meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup in hollowed bread bowls or small Dutch ovens for a rustic bistro vibe. Ladle the soup into mini cocottes or mugs for a casual get-together, or try topping with garlic croutons or fried shallots for texture and sparkle. However you dress it up, this soup always earns a warm welcome at the table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen and mellow as the soup sits, making each reheat arguably even tastier than the last. Just be sure to let the soup cool to room temperature before sealing and storing.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this soup for future comfort food emergencies! Cool it completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the smoothest texture—stirring well when reheating helps the creamy broth come back together if it separates a bit in the cold.
Reheating
Reheat Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring constantly to keep the cream from splitting and to distribute those fabulous flavors evenly. If needed, add a splash of extra broth or cream to thin it out. Microwave reheating works too—just pause to stir every minute or so for even heating.
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for an equal amount of cornstarch or your favorite gluten-free thickener. Whisk it with the cream as usual before adding to the soup for the same velvety texture without any gluten.
What type Soup
Smoked sausage or kielbasa are classic choices because of their rich, savory flavors and firm bite. Feel free to experiment with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even spicy andouille for a different spin. Just look for a sausage that holds its shape well during simmering.
Can I add more vegetables to Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup?
Definitely! This recipe is incredibly flexible. Try incorporating leeks, diced bell peppers, frozen peas, or even a handful of spinach toward the end of cooking for extra color and nutrition. Just keep the total volume similar so the broth remains nice and creamy.
How do I make this soup dairy-free?
You can easily make a dairy-free version by replacing the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a rich, unsweetened plant-based cream. The texture will remain luscious, and the soup will still feel indulgent—just with a slight twist in flavor.
Is Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup good for meal prep?
Yes! This soup holds up beautifully to being made ahead. Prepare a big batch, portion into containers, and you’ll have lunch or dinner ready to go for several days. Many fans agree the flavors develop beautifully as it sits, making leftovers especially delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a soup that brings comfort, big flavor, and creamy delight to every spoonful, you owe it to yourself to try Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup. It’s a recipe that always delivers a dose of homemade happiness—perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Give it a go, and let it become one of your new go-to favorites!
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Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty soup that combines the richness of smoked sausage with the wholesome flavors of cabbage, carrots, and potatoes in a creamy broth. This Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup is a satisfying Eastern European-inspired dish perfect for cold winter days.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa (sliced into rounds)
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 4 cups green cabbage (shredded)
- 2 medium carrots (sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 2 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
Broth and Seasonings:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
Additional:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Cook the Soup: Stir in the cabbage, chicken broth, potatoes, paprika, pepper, salt, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Thicken the Soup: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour until smooth. Stir into the soup and simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Return the sausage to the pot and heat through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheese before serving.
- This soup reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Eastern European-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
