Print

Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup Recipe

4.9 from 99 reviews

A hearty and creamy Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup featuring a blend of mild Italian sausage, smoky bacon, tender cauliflower, and nutritious kale simmered in a flavorful chicken broth base, finished with a touch of half and half for added richness. Perfect for a comforting yet healthy meal option.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Oil

  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 12 oz. mild Italian sausage, removed from casing
  • 3 slices bacon, chopped

Vegetables & Aromatics

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

Liquids & Seasonings

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

Instructions

  1. Cook the sausage and bacon: In a large dutch oven or heavy-duty soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the mild Italian sausage and chopped bacon. Cook until the sausage is browned and the 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, leaving 2 tablespoons of grease in the pot.
  2. Sauté the onions and garlic: Add the diced onions to the pot and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Simmer the cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets and chicken broth to the pot. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower becomes tender.
  4. Puree the soup: Using either a high-powered blender or an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
  5. Add half and half and finish the soup: Stir in the half and half and return the soup to a gentle simmer. Add the cooked sausage, bacon, and chopped kale. Simmer until the kale wilts, about 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
  6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and optionally sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Enjoy warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and bacon and substitute vegetable broth.
  • Use a high-powered blender for the creamiest texture; an immersion blender works well for a quicker process.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit entirely for a milder soup.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • For a richer soup, substitute half and half with heavy cream.

Keywords: Cauliflower soup, sausage soup, kale soup, creamy soup, healthy soup, low carb soup, comfort food, Italian sausage soup