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Southern-Style Creamy Cabbage Soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and feels like a warm hug in a bowl. This version is rich, creamy, and packed with savory goodness.
Here’s a recipe that will deliver that deep, satisfying flavor you’re looking for.
Southern-Style Creamy Cabbage Soup
This soup is a cross between a hearty vegetable soup and a creamy, comforting chowder. The key is building a flavorful base with smoked meat and the “holy trinity” of Southern cooking.
Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
The Aromatic Base:
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2 tbsp butter or bacon grease (bacon grease is highly recommended for authentic flavor)
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1 large onion, chopped
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2 celery stalks, finely chopped
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1 large carrot, finely chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
The Smoky Heart:
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6 slices bacon, chopped (or 1 smoked ham hock or 1 cup diced smoked sausage)
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1 tsp smoked paprika
The Soup Foundation:
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1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 lbs), cored and chopped
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4 cups (32 oz) chicken broth
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2 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
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1 bay leaf
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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Salt, to taste (be careful, as the bacon/ham will be salty)
The Creamy Finish:
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1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for a thicker soup)
For Serving:
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Extra cooked, crumbled bacon
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Hot sauce (like Crystal or Tabasco)
Instructions
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Render the Bacon: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the pot.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Add the butter (if using) to the bacon drippings. Add the onion, celery, and carrot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables have softened. Add the minced garlic and smoked paprika and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Build the Soup: Add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Stir well to coat the cabbage in the fat and aromatics. It will seem like a lot, but it will wilt down significantly. Cook for about 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage has wilted.
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Simmer to Perfection: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced potatoes, bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes and cabbage are very tender.
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Thicken (Optional but Recommended): If you want a thicker, creamier base, create a slurry. In a small bowl, whisk the 2 tablespoons of flour with the 1 cup of heavy cream until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the soup, stirring constantly.
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Creamy Finish: If you skipped the flour slurry, simply stir in the heavy cream. Add about half of the reserved cooked bacon back into the soup. Heat through over low heat for another 5 minutes. Do not boil after adding the cream to prevent curdling.
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Final Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt (you likely will need some) and more black pepper. Remove the bay leaf.
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Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with the remaining crispy bacon, fresh parsley, and a dash of hot sauce if desired. Serve with crusty cornbread or a thick slice of buttered bread.
Tips for the Best Southern-Style Soup
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The Smoky Element is Key: Using bacon grease or a ham hock provides an irreplaceable, deep smoky flavor. If using a ham hock, add it with the broth and let it simmer for the entire cooking time. Remove the hock before serving, shred the meat, and return it to the pot.
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Don’t Rush the Cabbage: Letting the cabbage wilt and cook down in the fat first (a process called “sweating”) builds a much richer flavor base than just boiling it in the broth.
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For a Lighter Version: You can substitute the heavy cream with whole milk or even evaporated milk for a rich taste with less fat. The soup will be less creamy but still delicious.
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Make it a Meal: This soup is very hearty on its own, but it’s fantastic served with a side of Jiffy cornbread or a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.
Enjoy this taste of Southern comfort
