Rich & Creamy Crockpot Cheesy Cauliflower & Sausage Soup (Keto, Low-Carb & Easy!)
Warm up with a bowl of this incredibly rich and comforting Crockpot Cheesy Cauliflower & Sausage Soup! This easy one-pot meal combines tender cauliflower, savory smoked sausage, and a decadent cheesy broth for a hearty, satisfying, and perfectly keto-friendly dinner with minimal effort.
Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 4 hours (on high)
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, chopped into bite-sized florets
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 32 ounces (about 4 cups) chicken broth (check label for no added sugar or MSG)
- 2 packages (approx. 13-14 oz each) smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds (e.g., kielbasa, chorizo; check label for no added sugar/fillers)
- 1 (8-ounce) package full-fat cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite keto-friendly cheese blend), divided
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Optional garnishes: Fresh chopped parsley or green onions
Equipment:
- Large crockpot (slow cooker, 6-quart or larger recommended)
- Large spoon or ladle for stirring
Instructions:
- Load Crockpot: Add the chopped cauliflower florets, cubed cream cheese, chopped onion, and sliced smoked sausage into the bottom of your crockpot.
- Add Liquids & Seasonings: Pour the chicken broth and heavy whipping cream over the ingredients in the crockpot. Add the salt and black pepper.
- Initial Cook: Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours.
- Stir & Add Cheese: After 2 hours, remove the lid. Stir the soup well to help break up the cream cheese and combine the flavors. The cauliflower should be starting to soften.
- Add 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to the soup. Stir until the cheese begins to melt and incorporate into the broth.
- Final Cook & Serve: Recover the crockpot and continue cooking on HIGH for another 2 hours, or until the cauliflower is very tender and the soup has thickened.
- Before serving, stir well. Ladle into bowls and, if desired, garnish each serving with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and fresh chopped parsley or green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Smoked Sausage Choice: Choose a smoked sausage (like kielbasa or chorizo) that is low in carbs and has no added sugars or fillers. Check the nutrition label carefully.
- Don’t Overcook Cauliflower: While the recipe calls for 4 hours, check the cauliflower after 3-3.5 hours if you prefer it with a bit more bite. If you want it very soft, you can cook longer.
- Consistency: For an even creamier soup, you can use an immersion blender at the end to partially blend some of the cauliflower and create a smoother consistency, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Chicken Broth Quality: Opt for a low-sodium, no-sugar-added chicken broth for the best flavor and carb control.
- Customization: Add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the initial seasonings for extra depth. A dash of hot sauce could add a nice kick.
Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
This Crockpot Cheesy Cauliflower & Sausage Soup recipe is a fantastic, comforting, and highly compliant option for your app!
- High Protein: Yes, this recipe is very high in protein. Smoked sausage, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese all contribute significantly to the protein content, making it very filling and satisfying.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is low-carb. Cauliflower is a non-starchy vegetable, and all other ingredients are naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Cauliflower, Heavy Whipping Cream, Onion, Chicken Broth, Smoked Sausage, Cream Cheese, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: All are core keto ingredients.
- Smoked Sausage & Chicken Broth: As always, encourage users to check labels for hidden sugars, fillers, or MSG.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, assuming your smoked sausage and chicken broth are certified gluten-free.
