The Best Cheesy Keto Cabbage Soup Recipe You’ll Adore

My latest culinary experiment with keto cabbage soup surprised me completely.

Cold winter nights demand warm, comforting meals that nourish without compromising healthy eating goals.

Cabbage brings incredible nutrition to this simple yet satisfying recipe.

Rich cheesy flavors complement the tender vegetable’s natural sweetness perfectly.

Hearty ingredients combine to create a low-carb solution that keeps you feeling full and energized.

Many traditional soup recipes hide complex carbohydrates, but this version embraces clean, wholesome ingredients.

Grab a ladle and savor every nutrient-packed spoonful of this delightful keto-friendly creation.

Why Cheesy Keto Cabbage Soup Is Rich, Warm, And Low-Carb

• Quick and Easy Comfort: Whip up this delicious keto-friendly soup in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Packed with Flavor Boost: The combination of smoked paprika, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce creates a depth of flavor that makes this cabbage soup anything but boring, transforming a simple ingredient into a mouth-watering dish.
• Low-Carb Nutrition Champion: Designed for keto dieters, this soup delivers a creamy, cheesy experience without the guilt, using smart ingredients like xanthan gum and heavy cream to keep it diet-friendly while still feeling indulgent.
• Customizable Comfort Classic: Easily adaptable with optional bacon topping and extra cheese, this soup lets you personalize your meal and satisfy different taste preferences in one go.

Ingredients List For Cheesy Keto Cabbage Soup

• Cabbage: A low-carb vegetable that provides bulk and nutrition to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Provides rich flavor and liquid base for the soup.
• Water: Helps adjust the soup's consistency and volume.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor builders that add depth to the soup.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and warm color.
• Thyme: Brings an earthy, herbal note to the soup.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides umami and tangy complexity.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté aromatics.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, smooth texture.
• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provide rich, tangy cheese flavor and creamy consistency.
• Xanthan Gum: Optional thickening agent for extra texture.

• Bacon: Crispy topping that adds salty, smoky crunch.
• Extra Shredded Cheese: Additional cheesy topping for extra flavor.

How To Cook Cheesy Keto Cabbage Soup Easily

Step 1: Start Flavor Foundation

Heat a spacious pot on medium flame. Melt butter until it shimmers and becomes golden. Drop chopped onions and let them dance and soften for 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle minced garlic and stir quickly, allowing its aroma to bloom for half a minute.

Step 2: Build Soup Depth

• Chopped cabbage
• Chicken broth
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Dried thyme
• Worcestershire sauce

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower heat. Let everything simmer gently for 20 minutes until cabbage turns tender and translucent.

Step 3: Create Creamy Indulgence

• Heavy cream
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Stir continuously until cheese melts completely and creates a silky, smooth texture. If desired, sprinkle xanthan gum to enhance thickness.

Step 4: Finish With Flair

• Crispy bacon bits
• Extra shredded cheese

Serve immediately while piping hot and enjoy the comforting, rich flavors.

Pro Tips For Cheesy Keto Cabbage Soup Flavor

• Optimize Vegetable Chopping: Cut cabbage into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Control Cream Consistency: Add heavy cream gradually and stir constantly to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy base without lumps.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Use smoked paprika and Worcestershire sauce strategically to enhance the soup's richness and complexity without overpowering other ingredients.
• Customize Cheese Selection: Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or aged Gruyère to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the keto-friendly approach.
• Manage Soup Thickness: Incorporate xanthan gum sparingly to achieve desired thickness without compromising the soup's delicate consistency and mouthfeel.

How To Keep Cheesy Keto Cabbage Soup Fresh

• Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• When reheating, add a splash of extra broth to restore the soup's original creamy consistency.
• Avoid freezing this particular soup because cream-based recipes can separate and lose their smooth texture when thawed.
• Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
• Discard any soup that develops an off smell or appearance.
• For best quality, consume within 3-4 days of preparation.

Best Pairings For Cheesy Keto Cabbage Soup

• Crack Open a Crisp White Wine: Pair this hearty cabbage soup with a dry Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the cheese and balance the soup's creamy texture.
• Serve Alongside Crunchy Keto Companions: Add some low-carb almond flour crackers or parmesan crisps for a delightful textural contrast that complements the soup's smooth consistency.
• Create a Protein Power Plate: Enhance the meal with grilled chicken or seared salmon on the side, adding extra protein and making the dish more satisfying without adding carbs.
• Sprinkle Some Fresh Herb Magic: Top with chopped fresh chives or parsley to brighten the flavors and add a pop of color that makes the soup feel restaurant-worthy.

Variations To Try With Cheesy Keto Cabbage Soup

• Spicy Southwest Cabbage Soup: Replace smoked paprika with chili powder and add diced green chilies. Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese and garnish with chopped cilantro and jalapeño slices for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Cabbage Soup: Incorporate oregano and rosemary instead of thyme. Use feta cheese instead of cheddar and sprinkle with fresh dill. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
• Bacon Cheeseburger Cabbage Soup: Mix in cooked ground beef during simmering. Increase bacon quantity and use sharp cheddar. Stir in a splash of mustard for classic burger flavor and top with extra crispy bacon bits.
• Creamy Mushroom Cabbage Soup: Sauté sliced mushrooms with onions before adding cabbage. Use gruyère cheese for deeper flavor and add a splash of white wine during cooking. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for an earthy touch.

Questions About Cheesy Keto Cabbage Soup

FAQs for Cheesy Keto Cabbage Soup:

• Why is this soup keto-friendly?

This soup is low in carbs and high in fat, making it perfect for the ketogenic diet. Cabbage is a low-carb vegetable, and ingredients like butter, heavy cream, and cheese add healthy fats that align with keto principles.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

While the original recipe includes bacon, you can easily skip it or replace it with crispy mushrooms or nuts for a vegetarian version. The cheese and cream will still provide rich flavor.

• Is xanthan gum necessary for the recipe?

No, xanthan gum is optional. It helps thicken the soup, but the heavy cream and melted cheese will already create a creamy texture. You can skip it if you don’t have it on hand.

• How can I add more protein to this soup?

Consider adding cooked chicken, ground beef, or diced ham to increase the protein content. These additions will make the soup more filling and maintain its keto-friendly profile.

Cheesy Keto Cabbage Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty “cheesy keto cabbage soup” delivers comfort without carb guilt, blending creamy richness with low-carb nutrition. Keto dieters and flavor seekers will savor each spoonful of this satisfying, protein-packed meal that brings warmth and wellness to your table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups green cabbage, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Cheese and Toppings:

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon xanthan gum
• ½ cup cooked crumbled bacon

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Instructions

1. Initiate the flavor foundation by gently melting butter in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate warmth. Introduce finely diced onions and allow them to transform into a translucent, softened state, releasing their subtle sweetness.
2. Incorporate minced garlic and let its aromatic essence permeate the butter-onion mixture, creating a fragrant base that will elevate the entire soup’s profile.
3. Introduce freshly chopped cabbage into the pot, accompanied by a rich broth that will serve as the liquid canvas. Season generously with salt, ground black pepper, smoky paprika, and delicate thyme leaves.
4. Splash in Worcestershire sauce to add depth and complexity to the brewing soup. Encourage the ingredients to meld together by bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reducing to a gentle simmer.
5. Allow the cabbage to tenderize and absorb the surrounding flavors, maintaining a consistent low heat for approximately 20 minutes until the vegetables reach a perfect, yielding consistency.
6. Transform the soup’s texture by streaming in luxurious heavy cream, creating a silky foundation. Gradually fold in sharp cheddar cheese, stirring consistently to ensure a smooth, uniform integration.
7. Enhance the soup’s richness by sprinkling in nutty Parmesan cheese. If desired, incorporate a pinch of xanthan gum to provide additional body and velvety thickness.
8. Complete the culinary journey by ladling the steaming soup into serving bowls. Crown each portion with crisp, crumbled bacon and a generous sprinkle of extra shredded cheese for a final flourish of flavor and texture.

Notes

• Optimize butter choice by using grass-fed or clarified butter for richer flavor and higher nutrient content.
• Control sodium levels by selecting low-sodium broth or homemade stock to manage overall salt intake.
• Enhance texture by chopping cabbage uniformly for consistent cooking and better mouthfeel.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like Gruyère or gouda for deeper, more complex flavor profiles while maintaining keto guidelines.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg