Can I make this dairy free?

Yes, you can absolutely make this soup dairy-free. To replace the heavy cream, use full-fat canned coconut cream for a similarly rich and creamy texture. You can also find dairy-free cream cheese alternatives made from almond or cashew milk to help thicken it. For the optional Parmesan garnish, nutritional yeast is a great substitute that provides a cheesy, savory flavor.

How do you make it vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, you'll need to replace the sausage and bacon. Use a high-quality plant-based sausage, and for the smoky flavor of bacon, add a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika. To boost the umami flavor that meat provides, sauté 8 ounces of cremini mushrooms with the onions. Finally, be sure to use a rich vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Is this really filling?

Absolutely! This soup is designed to be incredibly filling and satisfying. The high content of healthy fats from the sausage, bacon fat, and heavy cream, combined with the substantial protein and fiber from the cauliflower and spinach, works together to promote satiety. Unlike carb-heavy foods that can cause a blood sugar spike and crash, the ingredients in this soup provide long-lasting energy and keep you feeling full for hours.

Yes, this soup freezes quite well. For the best results, allow the soup to cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe airtight containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be aware that soups with cream can sometimes have a slightly grainy texture upon reheating. To minimize this, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until it's warmed through.

Hearty Keto Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe 2026 -

Name: The Ultimate Hearty Keto Soup Recipe to Warm You Up
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or hot); 4 slices of bacon, chopped; 1 small yellow onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups chicken broth or bone broth; 1 medium head of cauliflower, chopped into small florets; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 3 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Description

This hearty keto soup is the ultimate comfort meal for chilly days—packed with Italian sausage, bacon, cauliflower, leafy greens, and a creamy, savory broth. It’s low in carbs, rich in flavor, and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or hot)

4 slices of bacon, chopped

1 small yellow onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

6 cups chicken broth or bone broth

1 medium head of cauliflower, chopped into small florets

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 cup heavy whipping cream

3 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, cook chopped bacon over medium-high heat until crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

2. Add the Italian sausage to the same pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Do not drain the fat.

3. Stir in chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pot. Add cauliflower, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.

5. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until cauliflower is fork-tender.

6. Lower heat to the lowest setting. Slowly stir in heavy cream and then add chopped spinach or kale. Stir until greens are wilted.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle soup into bowls.

8. Top each serving with crispy bacon and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

To thicken the soup without carbs, blend a portion of the cauliflower soup or add 2–4 oz of cream cheese. A small pinch of xanthan gum also works.

For meal prep, refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream.

For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage and smoked paprika for flavor depth.

Make it dairy-free by substituting coconut cream and nutritional yeast.

Try variations like cheeseburger soup with ground beef and cheddar, or a spicy chicken version with shredded thighs and jalapeño.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 460
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 950mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 90mg