This creamy cabbage soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender cabbage, cozy spices, and a rich, velvety texture, it’s just the comfort food you need on chilly days.
I love how simple it is to whip up! Just chop, cook, and blend. Perfect for when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cabbage: Green cabbage is the star here! If you want to mix it up, you can use Napa cabbage for a slightly sweeter taste or Savoy cabbage for a tender texture.
Bacon: I love the smoky flavor bacon adds, but you can use turkey bacon or even omit it for a vegetarian version. Just add some smoked paprika for flavor!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter soup, substitute whole milk or half-and-half. You could also use coconut cream for a dairy-free option!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings a great flavor, but feel free to use Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a dairy-free cheese to fit your needs.
Thyme: Dried thyme is convenient, but fresh thyme is a wonderful upgrade. Use about three times as much fresh as dried!
How Can I Perfectly Saute Vegetables for My Soup?
Sautéing vegetables properly sets the flavor base for your soup. Start by heating your pot on medium heat; add the bacon fat and butter for a delicious flavor combo. Make sure the bacon is crispy before adding the onion and carrot. This timing helps the veggies soak up all the tasty goodness.
- Add onions first and cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly translucent.
- Then toss in the carrots and cook until softened, about another 5 minutes.
- Finally, add garlic and cook for only 1 minute! Garlic can burn quickly, so watch it closely.
How to Make Creamy Cabbage Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Vegetables and Base:
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Meat and Broth:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Cream and Cheese:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or a few sprigs fresh thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish and Serving:
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
- Optional: 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to thicken, if desired)
- Bread slices, toasted (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy cabbage soup will take about 30 minutes to prepare, including cooking time. It’s a quick and satisfying dish that fills you up without keeping you in the kitchen all day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Bacon:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, leaving the tasty bacon fat in the pot for flavor!
2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
Add the butter to the pot with the bacon fat. Once melted, toss in the chopped onion and diced carrot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Enjoy the aroma!
3. Adding Cabbage and Thyme:
Add the chopped cabbage and dried thyme to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for about 3-4 minutes, letting the cabbage start to wilt. You’ll see the volume reduce a bit!
4. Simmering the Soup:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. This is where all the flavors come together.
5. Making It Creamy:
If you like your soup a little thicker, sprinkle the flour over the veggies now and stir well, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Then, gently stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste!
6. Final Touches:
Return the crispy bacon to the pot and give it a good stir to combine everything. Heat through for 2 more minutes so all the flavors meld nicely.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with fresh dill or parsley, and add a few cracks of black pepper on top. Don’t forget the toasted bread on the side for dipping into your creamy goodness!
Now, dig in and enjoy your deliciously comforting creamy cabbage soup!
Can I Use Different Types of Cabbage for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While green cabbage is the traditional choice, you can also use Napa cabbage for a sweeter flavor or Savoy cabbage for a more tender texture. Just chop it the same way as you would green cabbage!
How Can I Store Leftover Creamy Cabbage Soup?
Cool the soup to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a thick dairy-free milk like cashew or almond milk. You can also use dairy-free cheese options to keep it fully dairy-free.
Is There a Way to Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some sautéed mushrooms for an extra savory flavor!
