Description

This creamy cauliflower sausage kale soup combines savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender cauliflower, and nutritious kale in a comforting and flavorful bowl. Made with just a handful of ingredients, it’s a quick and satisfying soup with a slight sweetness and mild spice that can be easily adjusted to your preference. Perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Fats

1 Tbsp. olive oil
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 and Seasonings

1 (32 oz.) carton chicken broth
1 cup half and half
Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Cook Sausage and Bacon: In a large dutch oven or heavy-duty soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and chopped bacon. Cook until the sausage is browned and the bacon is crisp, breaking up the meat as it cooks, about 8-10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate, leaving 2 tablespoons of grease in the pot.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Simmer Cauliflower: Add the 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 about 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender enough to blend.
Puree the Soup: Use a high-powered blender or an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy, working carefully as the soup will be hot.
Add Cream and Greens: Stir in the half and half and return the soup to a gentle simmer. Add back the cooked sausage, bacon, and the chopped kale. Continue simmering until the kale is wilted and tender, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and optionally sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a little extra heat. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Sausage: Mild Italian sausage works great for balanced flavor; use hot sausage if you prefer a spicier soup. For leaner options, turkey Italian sausage can be substituted.
Cream Substitutions: Milk or full-fat coconut milk can be used instead of half and half for dairy variation.
Storage: Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Freezing is not recommended because of the cream content, which may separate.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: cauliflower soup, sausage soup, kale soup, creamy soup, easy soup recipe, comforting soup, low carb soup