Creamy and hearty, Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup is the perfect dish for chilly days or cozy family dinners. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, this soup is incredibly easy to make and features less than ten ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something special for guests, this soup fits any occasion beautifully. Not only does it combine the savory taste of sausage and bacon with the health benefits of cauliflower and kale, but it also offers a delightful balance of creaminess and spice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious soup ready in under an hour.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of sausage, bacon, and creamy cauliflower makes each spoonful satisfying and full of flavor.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious veggies like cauliflower and kale, this soup is as healthy as it is tasty.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it on its own or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This soup stores well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything on hand will save you time and effort.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven or heavy-duty soup pot
- Slotted spoon
- High-powered blender or immersion blender
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven or heavy-duty soup pot: Ideal for even cooking and simmering, ensuring your soup develops deep flavors without burning.
- Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing cooked sausage and bacon without excess grease, keeping your soup light yet flavorful.
Ingredients
Creamy cauliflower soup with sausage, bacon, and kale. Made with less than 10 ingredients. This soup is so creamy, sweet, and little spicy!
Main 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 1/4 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)
How to Make Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup
Step 1: Cook the Meats
In a large dutch oven or heavy-duty soup pot heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and bacon. Cook until sausage is browned and bacon is crisp, breaking up the meat as you go, about 8-10 minutes. Remove to a plate with a slotted spoon. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of grease.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add onions to the pot; cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic; cook for 30 seconds while stirring constantly.
Step 3: Add Cauliflower and Broth
Stir in cauliflower florets along with chicken broth. Season to taste with kosher salt and black pepper. Let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes or until the cauliflower becomes tender.
Step 4: Blend Until Smooth
Puree the soup until smooth using either a high-powered blender or an immersion blender according to your preference.
Step 5: Final Touches
Add half and half back into the pot; bring to a gentle simmer again. Stir in cooked sausage, bacon pieces, and chopped kale. Simmer until kale wilts down nicely—this should take about 5 minutes. Taste the soup one last time for salt adjustment before serving with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup, perfect for warming up any day!
How to Serve Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup
Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup is not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve it. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
With Crusty Bread
- Enjoy a slice of warm, crusty bread alongside your soup for dipping. The texture complements the creamy soup perfectly.
Topped with Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top just before serving. Cheddar or Parmesan melts beautifully and adds a rich flavor.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a burst of color and freshness. Simply chop and sprinkle on top for extra flair.
Served with a Side Salad
- Pair the soup with a light salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
Drizzled with Olive Oil
- A drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds depth and enhances the flavors of the Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup.
How to Perfect Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup
To ensure your Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup turns out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cauliflower and kale will enhance the flavor and texture of your soup significantly.
- Adjust spice levels: If you prefer more heat, add extra red pepper flakes during cooking or as a garnish.
- Blend thoroughly: For that creamy consistency, make sure to blend the soup until fully smooth. This ensures all ingredients are well combined.
- Taste as you go: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for a perfectly seasoned dish.
- Let it simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup
Complementing your Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup with side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delicious options.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of this creamy soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted veggies adds color and nutrition to your meal while providing a hearty side.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad packed with herbs and lemon brings brightness that pairs well with the rich soup.
- Cheesy Risotto: Creamy risotto infused with cheese offers a luxurious side that complements the flavors of the soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or grains make for a filling accompaniment to this comforting dish.
- Bruschetta: Topped with tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, bruschetta provides a fresh contrast to the warmth of the soup.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned just right add crunch and satisfaction alongside your bowl of soup.
- Simple Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can offer a refreshing crunch that balances out the creaminess of the Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making cauliflower sausage kale soup can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the sausage and bacon adds depth of flavor. Be sure to cook these ingredients until they are golden and crispy.
- Overcooking the cauliflower: Cooking cauliflower for too long can make it mushy. Keep an eye on it and simmer just until tender.
- Neglecting seasoning: Underseasoning can lead to bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
- Using low-quality broth: The broth significantly affects the soup’s flavor. Opt for high-quality chicken broth for the best results.
- Not blending enough: A smooth texture is key to a creamy soup. Blend until your desired consistency is reached, whether using a blender or immersion blender.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup
- You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months.
- Use freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some space for expansion.
Reheating Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, heating for about 20 minutes or until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl. Start with 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making cauliflower sausage kale soup.
How can I make my Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup spicier?
To increase spice, add more red pepper flakes during cooking or use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
Can I customize my Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like carrots or potatoes, or even substitute spinach for kale.
What can I serve with Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup?
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Is this Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup healthy?
Yes! This recipe is packed with nutrients from kale and cauliflower while being lower in calories due to its creamy base made with half-and-half.
Final Thoughts
Cauliflower sausage kale soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or proteins based on your preferences. Try this delightful recipe today and enjoy a bowl of warmth and flavor that’s perfect for any season!
Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup
Indulge in the comforting warmth of Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup, a creamy and hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or cozy family gatherings. This delightful soup combines the savory goodness of Italian sausage and crispy bacon with nutritious cauliflower and kale, creating a rich flavor profile that satisfies every palate. With less than ten ingredients and simple preparation steps, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. Whether served on its own or paired with crusty bread, this soup promises to be a hit at your dinner table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
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 1/4 pounds)
- 1 (32 oz) carton chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- 4 cups chopped curly kale
- Kosher salt and black pepper
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and bacon; cook until browned and crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving some grease in the pot.
- Add onions to the pot; sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add cauliflower florets and chicken broth; season with salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes until cauliflower is tender.
- Blend the soup until smooth using a blender or immersion blender.
- Stir in half and half, then add cooked sausage, bacon, and kale. Simmer for another 5 minutes until kale is wilted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
