Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Sausage

This hearty broccoli cauliflower cheese soup with sausage brings comfort and rich flavors to your dinner table in under 30 minutes. The combination of creamy cheese, tender vegetables, and savory sausage creates a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

I first created this soup during a particularly cold winter evening when I needed something substantial but didn't want to spend hours in the kitchen. My family was immediately smitten, and it has since become our go-to comfort food when the temperature drops.

Ingredients

• Sausage: Provides the hearty protein component that makes this soup satisfying and filling
• Broccoli and cauliflower florets: Offer nutritional value while absorbing all the wonderful flavors around them
• Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious base that brings everything together
• Chicken bone broth: Adds depth and nutrients beyond what regular stock provides
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Gives that irresistible cheesy flavor and creamy texture
• Crispy bacon: Adds a smoky finish and textural contrast to each spoonful
• Butter: Enhances the richness and helps create the velvety soup base
• Herbs and spices: Like mustard seed, marjoram, and thyme, provide complexity

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Spice Blend:

Combine onion powder, garlic powder, mustard seed, marjoram, and thyme in a small container. This blend will add layers of flavor throughout the cooking process and creates a more cohesive taste profile than adding spices individually.

Cook the Vegetables:

Pour chicken broth into a saucepan, cover, and bring to a boil. Add cauliflower and broccoli florets with a light seasoning of salt and pepper. Simmer for just 4 to 5 minutes until vegetables are tender but still retain some firmness. We don't want them mushy as they'll continue cooking later.

Brown the Sausage:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet and brown the sliced and quartered sausages until they develop a nice caramelization. This step creates rich flavor compounds that will enhance the entire soup. The searing process takes about 5 minutes for properly browned edges.

Create the Creamy Base:

Return to the saucepan and reduce to low heat. Pour in cream and water, then add butter, stirring gently until completely melted. Add the grated sharp cheddar cheese in small batches, stirring slowly until each addition is fully melted and incorporated into a smooth sauce.

Combine Elements:

Add the browned sausages to the creamy mixture and season with half of the prepared spice blend. Gently incorporate the cooked broccoli, cauliflower, and their cooking broth. Add the remaining spices and adjust salt and pepper to taste. This layering of seasonings ensures flavor in every component.

Final Simmer:

Cover the pot and allow everything to simmer together for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the flavors meld. The soup will thicken slightly during this time as the cheese and cream come together with the broth.

Serve and Garnish:

Transfer the finished soup to a serving bowl and top with the crispy chopped bacon pieces. The contrast between the creamy soup and crunchy bacon makes each bite interesting and delicious.

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The sharp cheddar cheese is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I discovered that using a properly aged sharp cheddar rather than mild varieties makes an enormous difference in the final flavor profile. My grandmother always said a good cheese soup should have character, and the sharpness provides exactly that depth.

Storage Tips

This soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve overnight as they have time to meld together. When reheating, do so gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. The soup may thicken when chilled, so add a splash of broth or water when reheating if needed to reach your desired consistency.

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Make It Your Own

This soup welcomes customization based on what you have available. The basic formula works with nearly any vegetable combination. Try swapping in leeks or mushrooms for additional flavor variations. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend half the soup and return it to the pot with the chunky half. For spice lovers, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to bring some heat. The recipe is forgiving and adapts to your preferences.

Serving Suggestions

While this soup is hearty enough to stand alone as a complete meal, it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For those not following low-carb diets, a crusty bread for dipping makes this meal even more satisfying. For an elegant presentation when entertaining, serve in hollowed-out bread bowls or topped with additional cheese and quickly broiled until bubbly.

Low-Carb Benefits

This soup perfectly aligns with low-carb and ketogenic dietary approaches. The combination of healthy fats from cream, butter, and cheese alongside moderate protein from sausage and bacon creates a macro profile that supports ketosis. The cauliflower and broccoli provide fiber and nutrients without significant carbohydrate content. For those tracking macros, each hearty serving contains approximately 7g net carbs, making it an excellent choice for maintaining low-carb lifestyle without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make the soup creamier?

To make the soup creamier, add a bit more heavy cream or blend half of the broccoli and cauliflower before adding to the soup.

→ Can I use a substitute for sausage?

Yes, you can use diced chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option. Vegetarian options like plant-based sausage also work well.

→ What cheese works best in this soup?

Sharp cheddar is ideal for this recipe, but you can also use Gouda or a blend of Parmesan and cheddar for added flavor.

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the soup and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

→ How do I adjust the seasoning?

Taste the soup before serving and adjust with salt, black pepper, or extra herbs like thyme or marjoram.