There’s something about a warm bowl of soup that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s comforting, hearty, and perfect for chilly nights or when you need a little extra love from your food. This Cabbage and Potato Soup is just that – a cozy, flavorful dish that feels like it’s been passed down through generations. The combination of tender potatoes, savory turkey bacon, and sweet cabbage creates a satisfying, wholesome soup that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds).

This recipe is a bit of an Irish classic, with a modern twist, thanks to the turkey bacon. It’s incredibly simple to make, and yet, it’s packed with flavor. Plus, it’s easy to customize – if you want it extra creamy, you can add a little more milk, or if you like a bit of spice, a dash of red pepper flakes might do the trick. The best part? It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and comfort, without being too heavy.

Why This Soup Is Special

There’s just something magical about combining a few simple ingredients to make a dish that’s comforting yet so satisfying. If you’ve ever had the joy of enjoying a bowl of cabbage and potato soup, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The cabbage wilts beautifully into the broth, infusing it with a subtle sweetness. The potatoes absorb all the wonderful flavors, and the turkey bacon adds a smoky crunch that makes every spoonful an absolute delight. Trust me, you’re going to love this recipe.

Getting Started: What You Need

Before we dive into the soup-making process, let’s quickly go over the ingredients. Most of these are pantry staples that you probably already have on hand, which is perfect for those nights when you want something simple and comforting without a trip to the store.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb turkey bacon – This gives the soup a smoky, savory flavor without the heaviness of traditional pork bacon. Plus, it adds a nice crispy texture.
• 1 large onion – This will give the soup a sweet, aromatic base when sautéed.
• 3 cloves garlic – A little garlic goes a long way in building flavor. You can’t go wrong with this savory addition.
• 4 large potatoes – Peeled and diced into chunks, these potatoes will add creaminess and make the soup feel hearty.
• 6 cups chicken broth – This is the base of the soup and will provide a lot of flavor. You could also use vegetable broth for a lighter version.
• 2 cups whole milk – This adds richness and a velvety texture to the soup.
• 1 small head of cabbage – Shredded cabbage softens beautifully in the soup, adding a natural sweetness and a bit of texture.
• 1 tsp dried thyme – A fragrant herb that pairs wonderfully with the cabbage and potatoes.
• Salt and pepper – To taste, of course! This will bring all the flavors together.
• 2 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing the bacon, onion, and garlic, helping to build that rich flavor.

With all your ingredients prepped and ready to go, it’s time to dive into the cooking process.

Step 1: Crispy Turkey Bacon, the Base of Flavor

To kick things off, heat up your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is nice and hot, add the turkey bacon. You’ll want to cook it until it’s crispy, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t rush this step – the crispy bacon bits will infuse the oil with a rich, smoky flavor that’s going to make your soup even more delicious.

Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the pot and set it aside for later. You’ll be adding it back in at the end, but for now, we want to leave the bacon fat in the pot to continue building flavor.

Step 2: Sautéing the Onion and Garlic

In the same pot with the leftover bacon fat, toss in your chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them together for about 3 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes translucent. The smell of garlic and onion sizzling in the pot is one of those kitchen moments that makes you think, “This is going to be so good.” The onions will add a slight sweetness to balance the smoky bacon, and the garlic will add that savory punch that we all know and love.

Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Chicken Broth

Now it’s time for the potatoes to join the party. Add your diced potatoes into the pot, and then pour in the chicken broth. You want the broth to cover the potatoes, so if it’s a little low, feel free to add more. Turn up the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. This will give the potatoes enough time to soak up all the flavors from the bacon, onion, and garlic.

While the potatoes are cooking, you can get ready to add the cabbage. The cabbage will cook down and become tender in the broth, infusing the soup with a delicate sweetness.

Now that we’ve got the base of our soup cooking with all those delicious layers of flavor, it’s time to continue building this cozy bowl of goodness. We’ve got the bacon, onions, garlic, and potatoes all simmering away, so let’s move on to adding the cabbage and bringing this soup to its creamy, comforting finish.

Step 4: Stir in the Shredded Cabbage and Seasonings

Once the potatoes are tender and cooked through, it’s time to introduce the star of the show – the cabbage! Take your shredded cabbage and toss it right into the pot. I love how cabbage softens as it simmers, and it really adds a wonderful depth to the soup without overpowering the other ingredients. The cabbage is going to absorb all those savory flavors from the bacon and the broth, and as it cooks down, it will blend beautifully into the soup.

Along with the cabbage, add in the dried thyme. Thyme is a classic herb for soups, especially this one, because its earthy flavor complements the potatoes and cabbage perfectly. A teaspoon is all you need to bring a warm, fragrant note to the dish. Don’t forget to season the soup with salt and pepper to taste – this will help round out the flavors and make everything pop.

Now, stir it all together and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. You’ll notice that the cabbage wilts down quite a bit, and the soup starts to take on a lovely, velvety texture. If you like your cabbage a little firmer, you can cook it for less time, but I personally enjoy it when it’s tender and almost melts into the broth. It’s like a little piece of comfort in every spoonful.

Step 5: Add the Creamy Milk for Richness

Here’s where the magic happens – adding the whole milk. Pour in the milk, stirring it into the soup, and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. The milk will transform the broth into a rich, creamy base that perfectly balances the earthy potatoes and cabbage. It adds just enough creaminess without making the soup too heavy.

This is also the point where you can taste the soup and adjust the seasonings. Depending on your preferences, you might want a little extra salt or a pinch more thyme. Don’t be afraid to give it a taste test! A good soup always benefits from a bit of personal seasoning.

Step 6: Return the Crispy Turkey Bacon

It’s time to bring the bacon back into the mix! Remember the crispy turkey bacon we set aside earlier? It’s about to rejoin the party. Add it back into the pot and stir it into the soup. The bacon’s crispy texture and smoky flavor will infuse the soup, giving it a wonderful crunch and depth of flavor.

Let the soup cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the bacon to warm up and combine with the other ingredients. The bacon bits will get softer but still retain some of that crispy texture, creating the perfect contrast to the creamy potatoes and tender cabbage.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust the Seasonings

Now that all the ingredients are in the pot and the soup is simmering away, take a moment to taste it. Does it need a little more salt? Perhaps a bit more pepper for a little kick? If you like your soup a little spicier, a dash of red pepper flakes could add a wonderful heat. If you prefer it on the milder side, feel free to stick with just the thyme and pepper. The beauty of a homemade soup like this is that you have complete control over the flavor.

Once you’re happy with the seasoning, it’s time to serve! This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, or it pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Tips for Customizing Your Cabbage and Potato Soup

• For extra creaminess: If you love a super creamy soup, you can blend part of the potatoes with the broth using an immersion blender. This will give the soup a thicker, creamier texture while still keeping some potato chunks for heartiness.
• Vegetarian option: If you’d prefer a vegetarian version, simply swap out the turkey bacon for some sautéed mushrooms or even a bit of smoked paprika to achieve that smoky flavor without the meat.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to throw in some extra veggies like carrots or celery. These would add even more flavor and texture to the soup, making it even more nutritious.
• Make it spicy: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the cabbage, or toss in some chopped jalapeños to really kick it up.

Now that the soup is perfectly seasoned and full of flavor, it’s time to ladle it into bowls and get ready to enjoy the warmth and comfort this dish provides. Let’s wrap up with a few frequently asked questions to help you perfect your cabbage and potato soup!

Now that your Cabbage and Potato Soup is ready to be served, it’s time to dig in and enjoy the fruits of your labor! But before you do, let’s address some frequently asked questions about the recipe. Whether you’re wondering about storage, substitutions, or just want to get a bit more creative with the dish, this section has you covered.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this soup in advance?

Absolutely! This soup actually gets better the longer it sits. The flavors have time to meld together, and the potatoes and cabbage become even more tender. You can make it a day or two ahead of time, and it will still be just as delicious. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning again before serving, as the flavors may need a little boost after storing.

2. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze this Cabbage and Potato Soup! It freezes really well, especially if you’re looking to meal prep or have some leftovers for later. Just allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to bring it back to its creamy consistency.

3. Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?

Definitely! If you prefer regular bacon, feel free to substitute it. Regular bacon will give the soup a richer, more traditional flavor, and you can still follow the same cooking process. Just be mindful that regular bacon may release more fat, so you might want to reduce the amount of olive oil you use when sautéing the onions and garlic.

4. Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can easily make this soup dairy-free by swapping out the whole milk for a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or almond milk. Just make sure to choose an unsweetened variety so it doesn’t affect the flavor of the soup. You can also skip the milk altogether and add an extra splash of chicken broth for a lighter version of the soup.

5. What can I serve this soup with?

This Cabbage and Potato Soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread, a simple salad, or even a grilled cheese sandwich. If you want to get a little fancier, serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top.

6. Can I add more vegetables to the soup?

Yes, absolutely! If you want to bulk up the soup with more vegetables, feel free to add in diced carrots, celery, or even leeks. These vegetables would add extra flavor and nutrition while maintaining the heartiness of the soup. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if you add larger or denser vegetables.

7. How can I make this soup spicier?

For a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few chopped jalapeños when you add the cabbage. If you’re really into spice, a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper could kick it up a notch.

Conclusion

There you have it – a simple, delicious, and heartwarming Cabbage and Potato Soup recipe that’s perfect for any time you need a cozy meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a chilly night or you’re prepping a meal to enjoy throughout the week, this soup is sure to please. The combination of turkey bacon, tender potatoes, and sweet cabbage in a rich, creamy broth is a true comfort food classic that never goes out of style.

I hope this recipe has inspired you to get into the kitchen and make your own version of this delightful soup. Don’t forget to get creative with it – add extra veggies, spice it up, or even make it your own by swapping ingredients. If you try any variations or have any other tips, I’d love to hear about them in the comments. Enjoy your Cabbage and Potato Soup, and happy cooking!

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