Steam rises from my bowl on a chilly Tuesday night, and that first spoonful hits like a warm hug from the inside. This creamy cabbage soup transforms humble ingredients into pure comfort magic. It’s the kind of recipe that’s been making rounds on social media for good reason.
Think tender cabbage swimming in a silky, rich broth with just the right balance of herbs and cream. The beauty lies in how simple pantry staples come together in one pot to create something that tastes like you’ve been stirring all day. It’s like grandma’s hearty vegetable soup, but faster and more indulgent. Full details in the blog!
I’ve been tweaking this recipe for months, playing with different herb combinations and cream ratios until I found the perfect balance. My secret ingredient discovery happened completely by accident during a late-night kitchen experiment. I tested it on my pickiest friends first, and now they ask for the recipe every time we gather.
PrintCreamy Cabbage Soup: Easy Delicious Comfort Recipe
This creamy cabbage soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Featuring tender cabbage, ham, and potatoes, it is a keto-friendly and delicious way to enjoy a warm meal. Try this easy one-pot recipe for a satisfying soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- ½ medium head of cabbage shredded
- 1 sweet onion chopped
- 1 carrot peeled and chopped
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 2 cups half and half cream
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups ham cooked and cubed
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- chopped parsley for garnish if desired
Instructions
- Pour chicken broth into a large pot and add the chopped celery, shredded cabbage, chopped onion, and chopped carrot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
- In a separate bowl, combine the half and half cream with the milk.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper to create a smooth paste. Slowly whisk in the cream and milk mixture, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens.
- Slowly pour the creamy mixture into the vegetable pot while stirring to blend everything together. Add the cubed ham and dried thyme and heat the soup until warmed through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley as desired and serve the soup hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 217kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1192mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 63mg
Why This Creamy Cabbage Soup Will Win Your Heart
The magic happens when humble cabbage transforms into something absolutely divine. This isn’t just any soup – it’s comfort food that wraps around you like your favorite sweater on a cold day.
- One-pot wonder: Everything comes together in a single pot, meaning less cleanup and more cozy kitchen time.
- Budget-friendly luxury: Affordable ingredients create a rich, satisfying meal that feels indulgent.
- Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better the next day, perfect for meal prep or surprise guests.
The combination of tender vegetables, smoky ham, and that silky cream base creates layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more. It’s the kind of recipe that transforms an ordinary Tuesday into something special.
Ingredient Breakdown and Smart Swaps
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building those complex, comforting flavors. The chicken broth forms our savory foundation, while the half and half cream creates that luxurious texture we’re craving.
The vegetable trio of celery, carrot, and sweet onion brings natural sweetness and depth. Meanwhile, the butter and flour form a proper roux that thickens everything beautifully without lumps.
| Ingredient | Purpose | Smart Swap |
|---|---|---|
| Half and half cream | Creamy richness | Heavy cream for richer texture |
| Ham | Smoky protein | Bacon or leftover turkey |
| All-purpose flour | Thickening agent | Cornstarch slurry for gluten-free |
| Chicken broth | Flavor base | Vegetable broth for lighter option |
Step-by-Step Magic in Action
The beauty of this easy creamy cabbage soup one-pot method lies in its simplicity. Start by simmering your vegetables until they’re perfectly tender – about 20 minutes of gentle bubbling does the trick.
Creating the cream base separately ensures no lumps or curdling. Melt that butter, whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add your cream mixture while stirring constantly. This technique creates the silkiest texture.
- Pro tip: Keep stirring that cream mixture to prevent any lumps from forming.
- Temperature matters: Don’t let the soup boil once you add the cream – gentle heat preserves the smooth texture.
- Timing trick: Add the ham during the last few minutes so it stays tender, not tough.
Troubleshooting Common Hiccups
Even the most experienced cooks encounter little bumps along the way. The most common issue is curdled cream, which usually happens when the temperature gets too high or ingredients are added too quickly.
Lumpy cream sauce: Strain it through a fine mesh sieve or use an immersion blender to smooth things out. Prevention is key – always whisk constantly when adding liquids to your roux.
Too thin consistency: Mix a tablespoon of flour with cold milk to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering soup. Let it cook for a few more minutes to thicken properly.
Creative Variations to Try
This base recipe welcomes creativity beautifully. For a keto creamy cabbage soup, simply omit the flour and use cream cheese or heavy cream for thickening instead.
Vegetarian friends can skip the ham and add extra herbs like fresh rosemary or sage. The soup develops incredible flavor depth even without meat, especially if you use a rich vegetable broth as your base.
- Heartier version: Add diced potatoes with the other vegetables for a more filling meal.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika adds wonderful warmth.
- Herb garden twist: Fresh dill or chives make lovely finishing touches alongside that parsley garnish.
Serving and Storage Guide
This soup shines brightest when served piping hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and maybe some crusty bread for dipping. The flavors actually improve overnight, making it perfect for meal prep enthusiasts.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days, but be gentle when reheating to preserve that creamy texture. A low, slow reheat on the stovetop works better than the microwave.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Stovetop over low heat, stir gently |
| Freezer | 2-3 months | Thaw overnight, reheat slowly |
| Portion cups | 3 days | Microwave on 50% power, stir halfway |
Freezer note: Cream-based soups can separate slightly when frozen, but a gentle stir while reheating usually brings everything back together beautifully.
Expert Says
Creamy cabbage soup not only delights the palate but also provides a host of nutrients. Cabbage is rich in vitamins C and K, antioxidants, and fiber, which support digestion and overall health. When sautéed, its natural sugars caramelize, enhancing the soup’s depth of flavor while maintaining a creamy texture.
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The Journey to My Perfect Creamy Cabbage Soup
Creating this creamy cabbage soup was a delightful adventure that took several attempts to get just right. I learned the importance of slowly sautéing the onions to unlock their sweetness, and now each bowl is a warm hug, reflecting a cozy moment from my childhood kitchen.
FAQs ( Creamy Cabbage Soup )
What are the main ingredients in Creamy Cabbage Soup?
This recipe primarily uses cabbage, onion, garlic, and vegetable or chicken broth. Additionally, cream or a dairy alternative adds richness, while seasonings like salt, pepper, and thyme enhance flavor.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily make this meal dairy-free by substituting the cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream. Just make sure to check the labels on any broth or additional ingredients for hidden dairy.
How can I add protein to this meal?
You can enhance protein by adding cooked sausage, shredded chicken, or even diced ham to the soup. For a vegetarian option, consider adding beans or lentils for a hearty boost.
Is this recipe good for freezing?
This dish freezes well; however, for best texture, consider omitting cream before freezing. You can add it back in when reheating for a creamy finish.
Can I use a slow cooker for this soup?
Absolutely! Simply add your ingredients to the slow cooker and let it cook on low for several hours. Add the cream toward the end to maintain its richness.
This creamy cabbage soup delivers everything you hoped for in just 30 minutes of gentle simmering. You’ll love how the cabbage transforms into silky, tender ribbons while that cream base creates the most luxurious texture. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen, and each spoonful brings pure comfort that warms you from the inside out.
Here’s a flavor trick I discovered while testing herb combinations: a pinch of smoked paprika elevates the entire pot with subtle warmth. For keto friends, swap the flour for cream cheese – it melts beautifully and adds richness. Leftovers actually taste better the next day, so don’t worry about making extra. Just reheat gently on low heat to keep that silky texture intact.
I’d love to see your own twists on this recipe! Did you add bacon instead of ham, or maybe sneak in some fresh herbs from your garden? Share your kitchen creations and tell me what comfort soup memories this brings back. Save this one for those chilly evenings when you need something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
