Southern-Style Creamy Cabbage Soup – Comfort in a Bowl!

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This rich, velvety cabbage soup is loaded with tender vegetables, savory sausage, and a creamy broth—just like Grandma used to make! Perfect for chilly nights or when you need a hearty, comforting meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Creamy without heavy cream – A lighter but still indulgent twist
✅ One-pot wonder – Easy prep, easy cleanup
✅ Budget-friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients
✅ Meal-prep perfect – Tastes even better the next day

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Soup Base

  • 6 slices bacon, chopped (or 1 lb smoked sausage)
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
  • 3 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt & pepper to taste

For the Creamy Finish

  • 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk (or 1 cup half-and-half)
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch (or flour)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for brightness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Render the Bacon

  1. In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove, leaving 2 tbsp fat in the pot.

2. Sauté the Veggies

  1. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook 5 mins until softened.
  2. Stir in cabbage, paprika, thyme, salt & pepper. Cook 5 more mins.

3. Simmer the Soup

  1. Pour in broth and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer 15-20 mins until cabbage is tender.

4. Make it Creamy

  1. Whisk evaporated milk and cornstarch, then stir into soup.
  2. Add butter and vinegar. Simmer 5 mins until thickened.
  3. Stir in reserved bacon.

5. Serve Hot!

  • Garnish with extra bacon, parsley, or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Serve with cornbread or crusty bread.

Pro Tips

🥬 Cabbage prep: Remove the core and slice thinly for quicker cooking.
🍖 Meaty twist: Use kielbasa or ham instead of bacon.
🔥 Spice it up: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes with the paprika.

Variations

🍗 Chicken & Dumpling Style: Add shredded rotisserie chicken + drop biscuit dough on top.
🧀 Cheesy: Stir in 1 cup cheddar at the end.
🌱 Vegetarian: Skip bacon, use veggie broth + smoked paprika for depth.

FAQs

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes! Freeze without dairy—add milk when reheating.

How long does it keep?

Fridge for 4 days—flavors deepen over time.

Can I use heavy cream?

Yes, but add it at the very end to prevent curdling.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cabbage Soup is down-home comfort in every spoonful—hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Perfect for feeding a crowd or cozying up on a cold night!

Tip: A splash of vinegar at the end makes all the difference! 🥬🍲

(Tag your creations #CreamyCabbageSoup!)

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