1-First Steps: Get Everything Set Up Begin with mise en place to keep things organized. Trim and core ½ medium head of cabbage and shred it, then peel and dice 1 sweet onion, 1 carrot, and 2 celery stalks. Mince 3 4 garlic cloves if you’re adding them for extra flavor, though our recipe keeps it simple. Measure out 4 cups chicken broth and mix 2 cups half and half cream with 1 cup milk in a bowl. Preheat a large pot over medium heat, which takes about 10 15 minutes for prep. This sets the stage for a creamy cabbage soup that’s full of flavor without overwhelming steps.

2-Sauté the Aromatics: Once your pot is hot, add ¼ cup unsalted butter and let it melt. Toss in the diced onion, carrot, and celery, cooking them for 6 8 minutes until they soften and smell amazing. Stir in the minced garlic if using, and cook for another 30 60 seconds to release its aroma. For a vegan twist, swap the butter for oil and use a splash of stock to deglaze the pot, keeping that creamy cabbage chowder vibe light and healthy.

3-Build and Simmer the Flavors: Stir in the shredded cabbage and let it sauté for 5 7 minutes until it starts to wilt and brown a bit, which brings out its sweetness. If things stick, add a splash of the chicken broth to keep it moving. Pour in the remaining 4 cups of broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 20 minutes until the veggies are tender, creating a base that’s perfect for a rich and creamy cabbage soup.

4-Blend and Add Creaminess: After simmering, remove any bay leaf if you added one. Grab an immersion blender and purée the mixture right in the pot for a smooth texture, or blend in batches if you prefer. Stir in the cream and milk mixture slowly, heating it over low until it’s just warm don’t let it boil to keep it creamy. At this point, add in 2 cups of cooked ham and ½ teaspoon dried thyme for that extra heartiness, turning it into a cabbage bisque that’s ready to enjoy.

5-Season, Finish, and Serve: Taste your soup and add salt, pepper, or a bit of lemon for brightness if it needs it. Adjust the thickness with more broth if it’s too thick, or simmer longer to concentrate flavors. Serve it hot in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley for a nice touch. This creamy cabbage soup is best right away, and you can adapt it for meals on the go just reheat gently. For a sweet ending to your meal, try our delicious lemon white chocolate cookies recipe.