This Cheesy Smoked Sausage Soup is a hearty, one-pot meal brimming with bold Cajun flavors. Featuring spicy smoked sausage, tender vegetables, and a rich, cheesy broth, it’s both comforting and satisfying. With just 6.8 net carbs per serving, it’s an excellent choice for those following a low-carb or keto-friendly diet. Perfect for meal prep, this soup freezes well and yields eight generous servings.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 (13.5-ounce) package smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ small onion (½ cup), finely chopped
• 1 orange bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cups celery, finely chopped
• 1 (32-ounce) container beef broth
• 1 (10-ounce) can tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
• 6 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. In a stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the sliced smoked sausage. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add the garlic, onion, bell peppers, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
3. Pour in the undrained tomatoes with green chiles and the beef broth. Stir well, cover, and simmer on low heat for 25 minutes.
4. Just before serving, stir in the cubed cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the soup is creamy.

Nutrients

• Serving Size: 1¼ cups
• Calories: 449 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 8.6 g
• Net Carbs: 6.8 g
• Protein: 20.7 g
• Fat: 36.8 g
• Saturated Fat: 16.5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Sodium: 694 mg
• Fiber: 1.8 g
• Sugar: 4.2 g

Flavor Profile and Ingredients

The core of this soup is the smoked sausage, which delivers a savory and smoky punch that forms the foundation of the flavor. This ingredient is often complemented by a mix of aromatic vegetables such as onions, celery, and bell peppers that contribute sweetness and depth to the broth. The tomatoes with green chiles add a subtle kick of heat and tanginess, enhancing the overall flavor complexity. What sets this soup apart is the addition of cream cheese and shredded cheddar, which melt into the broth creating a luscious, velvety texture and a rich, cheesy finish. This combination not only thickens the soup but also adds a layer of indulgence that appeals to cheese lovers.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Considerations

One of the key attractions of this soup is its compatibility with low-carb and keto diets. With net carbs kept low, it helps maintain ketosis for those on ketogenic regimens, making it an ideal dinner option. The high protein content supports muscle maintenance and repair, while the fat from the cheese and sausage provides long-lasting energy and helps keep you full. Additionally, the vegetables contribute essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, promoting digestive health and supporting overall wellbeing. While the soup is rich and filling, it’s also carefully balanced to provide essential nutrients without excess carbohydrates.

Versatility and Serving Suggestions

Cheesy Smoked Sausage Soup is incredibly versatile in how it can be served and enjoyed. It works well as a standalone meal, offering a complete package of protein, fats, and veggies. It can also be paired with a light side salad or a serving of steamed greens for a more rounded meal. For those wanting to add more texture, crispy bacon bits or toasted nuts can be sprinkled on top. This soup can also be easily doubled or tripled for meal prep, making it convenient for busy lifestyles. It reheats well, maintaining its creamy consistency and robust flavors, which makes it perfect for leftovers.

Cultural and Culinary Context

This soup is inspired by Cajun and Southern American flavors, where smoked sausages and bold spices are staples in many traditional dishes. The use of smoked sausage adds a characteristic smoky depth that is cherished in Southern cuisine, often paired with hearty vegetables and rich broths. Adding cheese to soups is a common practice in many American comfort foods, combining dairy’s creaminess with savory ingredients to create warmth and satisfaction. This fusion of flavors in Cheesy Smoked Sausage Soup exemplifies how regional culinary influences can merge to produce dishes that appeal widely, transcending their origins.

Tips for Customization and Dietary Adjustments

One of the benefits of this soup is how adaptable it is to various dietary preferences and restrictions. For a lower-fat option, you can substitute full-fat cheeses with lighter varieties or use turkey sausage instead of pork. To make it dairy-free, plant-based cheese alternatives and coconut cream can be used to maintain the creamy texture. Vegetarians can replace the sausage with smoked tofu or tempeh and add more vegetables or beans for protein. Additionally, the spice level can be adjusted by varying the type and amount of peppers or by incorporating hot sauce or smoked paprika for extra heat and complexity.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This Cheesy Smoked Sausage Soup is not just about convenience; it’s a celebration of bold, layered flavors and satisfying textures. The balance of smoky, creamy, spicy, and savory notes makes every spoonful exciting and comforting. Its one-pot preparation reduces cleanup and simplifies cooking, which appeals to both beginner and experienced cooks alike. The nutritional profile also caters to modern dietary trends, ensuring that the dish is both delicious and functional for health-conscious individuals.

Cheesy Smoked Sausage Soup is a dish that perfectly combines comfort, flavor, and nutrition in one hearty bowl. This soup offers a robust, smoky taste from the sausage, balanced by the creamy richness of cheese and the freshness of sautéed vegetables. It has become increasingly popular, especially among those following low-carb and ketogenic lifestyles, due to its satisfying texture and flavorful profile. The dish serves as both a comforting meal on cold days and a quick, fulfilling option for busy weeknights. Its versatility allows it to be adapted for family dinners, meal prep, or even a casual gathering.

Conclusion

Cheesy Smoked Sausage Soup is an exemplary dish that blends tradition, flavor, and nutrition into a single bowl of comfort. Its hearty ingredients, creamy texture, and bold spices make it an irresistible meal perfect for a wide range of occasions, from a cozy family dinner to meal prepping for a busy week. Its low-carb and keto-friendly nature also makes it a valuable addition to specific dietary plans without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. This soup exemplifies how simple ingredients, when thoughtfully combined, can create something truly special that nourishes both body and soul.