Hearty Keto Cabbage Soup Recipe

Savory Cheesy Keto Cabbage Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Soup lovers rejoice as this hearty keto cabbage soup recipe delivers comfort and flavor without compromising low-carb goals.

Cold winter evenings call for warm, nutritious meals that satisfy deep hunger pangs.

Packed with vibrant vegetables and tender cabbage, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delightful culinary experience.

Each spoonful promises rich, savory goodness that will keep you feeling full and energized.

The blend of carefully selected ingredients creates a robust soup that perfectly balances nutrition and taste.

Minimal prep work means you can enjoy a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Grab your favorite soup pot and prepare to savor every delicious bite of this keto-friendly comfort classic.

Add-Ins For Cheesy Keto Cabbage Soup

  • Cabbage Cutting Hack: Slice cabbage into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Remove pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Low-Carb Vegetarian Twist: Replace bacon with crispy roasted mushrooms or toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch and protein without adding carbs.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust smoked paprika and black pepper to create a mild or bold flavor profile that suits your taste preferences.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: This soup stores perfectly in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and tastes even better the next day as flavors develop and meld together.

Ways To Serve Cheesy Keto Cabbage Soup

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve this hearty soup in deep ceramic bowls to capture all the rich, cheesy goodness and keep it warm throughout your meal.
  • Bacon Lovers' Delight: Sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits on top for a crunchy texture contrast that adds smoky flavor and protein to your keto-friendly soup.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives to brighten the dish, adding a pop of color and light, fresh herbal notes that complement the creamy cheese.
  • Side Companion Pairing: Serve alongside a small side salad with mixed greens or a slice of keto-friendly cloud bread to make the meal more substantial and satisfying.

Storage Guide For Cheesy Keto Cabbage Soup

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store this soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
  • Freezing Friendly Option: Carefully transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving small space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 3 months, keeping cheese-based soups separate from broth-only versions to prevent separation.
  • Reheating Technique: Warm gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of broth if soup seems too thick. Microwave works in pinch, but stove method prevents cheese from becoming grainy.
  • Smart Prep Hack: Chop vegetables and cook bacon in advance. Store separately in sealed containers, allowing quick assembly when soup craving hits. Ingredients stay fresh for 2-3 days when refrigerated properly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 390 kcal

Servings: 7

All Ingredients For Cheesy Keto Cabbage Soup

For Aromatics and Fat:
  • Butter: Provides rich, golden base for sautéing with deep flavor and smooth texture.
  • Onion: Offers sweet, caramelized foundation that builds complex soup depth.
  • Garlic: Delivers intense, aromatic punch with sharp undertones.
For Soup Base and Vegetables:
  • Cabbage: Crunchy, nutrient-dense vegetable that absorbs flavors beautifully and adds delightful texture.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates liquid foundation with savory bone-warming essence.
  • Thyme: Earthy herb that introduces subtle woodsy undertones to complement vegetables.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky warmth and vibrant color with gentle spice touch.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers umami complexity and tangy background notes.
For Creamy and Cheesy Elements:
  • Heavy Cream: Transforms soup into luxurious, silky consistency with rich mouthfeel.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts seamlessly, providing sharp, tangy flavor profile.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Introduces nutty, salty dimension with crystalline texture.
  • Xanthan Gum: Optional thickening agent for extra creamy, velvety soup texture.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning agents balancing overall flavor harmony.
For Garnish:
  • Bacon: Crispy, salty topping adding crunchy textural contrast.
  • Extra Shredded Cheese: Final indulgent sprinkle enhancing cheesy experience.

Gear To Make Cheesy Keto Cabbage Soup

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for sautéing aromatics and simmering the soup with enough space to mix ingredients comfortably.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and cabbage with precision.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for clean, uniform vegetable cuts.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
  • Measuring Spoons: Help accurately measure salt, pepper, and spices.
  • Ladle: Convenient for serving soup into individual bowls.
  • Cheese Grater: Useful for shredding fresh cheddar and Parmesan cheese.

Steps To Cook Cheesy Keto Cabbage Soup Fast

  • Butter Up the Pot

Warm your Dutch oven and melt butter, creating a golden foundation for flavor. Drop in diced onions and dance them around until they become soft and translucent.

  • Awaken the Aromatics

Toss minced garlic into the pot, letting it sizzle and release its magical fragrance. Stir quickly to prevent burning and infuse the base with rich, savory notes.

  • Embrace the Cabbage

Pour chopped cabbage into the pot along with broth. Sprinkle in seasonings like salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Let everything simmer and mingle, transforming into a hearty brew that bubbles with deliciousness.

  • Transform into Creamy Goodness

Drizzle heavy cream into the soup, watching it swirl and blend. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a silky, luxurious texture. Dust with Parmesan for an extra flavor punch.

  • Final Flourish

Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls. Crown each serving with crispy bacon bits and a generous sprinkle of cheese. Dive into a bowl of comfort that’s both keto-friendly and incredibly satisfying.

Print
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Hearty Keto Cabbage Soup Recipe

Hearty Keto Cabbage Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Homemade Cheesy Keto Cabbage Soup delivers a comforting low-carb meal packed with hearty vegetables and rich flavor. Warm cheese and tender cabbage create a satisfying dish that nourishes without compromising dietary goals.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (950 ml) green cabbage, chopped
  • 2 cups (480 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 4 cups (950 ml) chicken broth
  • ½ cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) cooked crumbled bacon
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) butter
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp xanthan gum

Instructions

  1. Flavor Foundation: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, sautéing onions until translucent and releasing their natural sweetness.
  2. Aromatic Infusion: Add minced garlic to the butter-onion mixture, creating a fragrant base that will elevate the soup’s overall flavor profile.
  3. Liquid Canvas: Introduce chopped cabbage and broth to the pot, seasoning with salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme. Stir in Worcestershire sauce for added depth and complexity.
  4. Simmering Transformation: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, allowing cabbage to tenderize and absorb the surrounding flavors.
  5. Creamy Enrichment: Stream in heavy cream and gradually fold in cheddar cheese, stirring consistently to create a smooth, velvety texture. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and optional xanthan gum to enhance richness and thickness.
  6. Final Presentation: Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with crumbled bacon and extra shredded cheese for a delightful textural and flavor finish.

Notes

  • Butter Temperature Control: Melt butter gently to prevent burning and ensure a smooth flavor base without bitterness.
  • Cabbage Cooking Precision: Simmer cabbage until tender but not mushy, maintaining a slight bite for optimal texture and nutritional integrity.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese gradually off direct heat, stirring continuously to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Low-Carb Modification: Swap heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or cauliflower puree for lower-calorie keto-friendly alternatives without compromising richness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 940 mg
  • Fat: 33 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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