Creamy Cauliflower Sausage and Kale Soup Recipe

Introduction

This creamy cauliflower sausage kale soup is a comforting blend of savory sausage, crispy bacon, and hearty kale in a smooth, rich broth. With fewer than 10 ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal. A hint of spice adds just the right kick to this satisfying soup.

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 12 oz. mild Italian sausage, removed from casing
• 3 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups cauliflower florets (about 1 ¼ pounds)
• 1 (32 oz.) carton chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half
• 4 cups chopped curly kale
• Kosher salt and fresh black pepper
• Red pepper flakes, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-duty soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and bacon, cooking until the sausage is browned and bacon is crisp, breaking up the meat as you go, about 8–10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the meat to a plate and drain all but 2 tablespoons of the grease from the pot.
2. Step 2: Add diced onions to the pot and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Step 3: Add cauliflower florets and chicken broth to the pot. Season with kosher salt and fresh black pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender.
4. Step 4: Use a high-powered blender or an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
5. Step 5: Return the soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat and stir in the half and half. Add the cooked sausage, bacon, and chopped kale. Simmer until the kale is wilted, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Step 6: Serve hot, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier soup, substitute mild Italian sausage with hot sausage or add more red pepper flakes.
• Try using turkey Italian sausage for a leaner protein option.
• Swap half and half with milk or full-fat coconut milk for a different creamy texture and flavor.
• Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot for easier cleanup.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent curdling. This soup is not recommended for freezing due to the cream content, which can separate upon thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.

What can I use if I don’t have an immersion blender?

You can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender to puree until smooth. Be sure to let the soup cool slightly and hold the lid firmly to avoid spills.

Creamy Cauliflower Sausage and Kale Soup Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 110 reviews

This creamy cauliflower sausage kale soup combines savory Italian sausage, crisp bacon, tender cauliflower, and nutritious kale in a rich and flavorful broth. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under an hour, this comforting American soup offers a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and mildly spicy flavors ideal for a hearty meal.

• Author: Yana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 12 oz. mild Italian sausage, removed from casing
• 3 slices bacon, chopped

Vegetables

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups cauliflower florets (about 1 ¼ pounds)
• 4 cups chopped curly kale

Liquids & Dairy

• 1 (32 oz.) carton chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil

Seasonings

• Kosher salt, to taste
• Fresh black pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Cook sausage and bacon: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-duty soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the mild Italian sausage and chopped bacon. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the sausage is browned and bacon is crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the cooked meat with a slotted spoon onto a plate and drain all but 2 tablespoons of grease from the pot.
2. Sauté onions and garlic: Add diced onions to the remaining grease in the pot. Cook over medium heat until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and stir constantly for 30 seconds to release aroma without burning.
3. Simmer cauliflower: Add cauliflower florets and chicken broth to the pot. Season with kosher salt and fresh black pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, uncovered, and cook for 15 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Puree the soup: Using either a high-powered blender or an immersion blender, carefully puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
5. Add cream and greens: Stir in half and half and return the soup to a gentle simmer. Add the previously cooked sausage, bacon, and chopped kale. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the kale has wilted. Adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired for added heat. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, comforting cauliflower sausage kale soup.

Notes

• Sausage options: Mild Italian sausage provides a balanced flavor, but you can use hot sausage for extra spice or opt for leaner options such as turkey Italian sausage.
• Cream substitutions: Milk or full-fat coconut milk can be used instead of half and half for a different flavor or dairy-free option.
• Storage: Leftover soup should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3-4 days. Freezing is not recommended due to the cream content which may separate upon thawing.

Keywords: cauliflower soup, sausage soup, kale soup, creamy soup, Italian sausage, bacon, healthy soup, comfort food, easy dinner