If there were ever a soup worthy of its luxurious name, Million Dollar Soup would be it. This rich and creamy dish is loaded with hearty ingredients, velvety textures, and flavors that feel indulgent with every spoonful. It’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out — perfect for cozy nights or when you want something special without too much effort. I once swapped the heavy cream for half-and-half, and it still tasted absolutely decadent. Whether you serve it with crusty bread or a simple salad, this soup lives up to its name in every way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Million Dollar Soup delivers a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and comforting flavors. It’s filling enough for a meal, simple to prepare, and tastes even better the next day. You can customize it easily, and the velvety texture makes it a crowd favorite for family dinners or gatherings.
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Million Dollar Soup: Creamy, Rich, and Comforting Perfection
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Million Dollar Soup is a rich, creamy, and indulgent comfort soup loaded with savory sausage, tender potatoes, spinach, and a luscious cheesy broth. Bursting with flavor, this hearty dish truly tastes like a million bucks — perfect for cozy nights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley or grated Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Add heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and the cooked sausage back to the pot. Stir until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy.
- Fold in chopped spinach and cook for another 2–3 minutes until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. If you prefer more heat, add red pepper flakes.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Substitute sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For extra richness, add a splash of white wine before simmering the potatoes.
- Use kale instead of spinach for a heartier texture.
- Pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a crusty baguette.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Butter – Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables, giving the soup its smooth, flavorful base.
Olive oil – Balances the butter and prevents it from burning while enhancing the depth of flavor.
Onion – Adds a sweet, aromatic foundation that complements the creamy broth beautifully.
Garlic – Brings warmth and complexity; fresh garlic is best for that rich flavor burst.
Carrots – Offer a hint of natural sweetness and a lovely contrast to the savory broth.
Celery – Adds freshness and subtle crunch, balancing the richness of the cream.
All-purpose flour – Used to thicken the soup base and give it that signature velvety texture.
Chicken or vegetable broth – Forms the body of the soup, infusing flavor and depth into every spoonful.
Heavy cream – The star of the show, creating that luxurious, “million-dollar” creaminess.
Shredded chicken – Adds protein and heartiness, making the soup a complete meal on its own.
Cream cheese – Enhances the creaminess and adds a mild tang that perfectly complements the savory notes.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for balancing the flavors and elevating the richness.
Fresh parsley – Brings a pop of color and freshness to the final dish.
Directions
Start by heating butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, sautéing until they soften and release their aroma. Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to coat the vegetables — this will help thicken the soup later.
Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir in the cream cheese until it melts completely into the broth, creating a smooth, creamy base.
Add the shredded chicken and heavy cream, stirring gently. Let the soup simmer for another 10–15 minutes on low heat until it thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic toast for the ultimate comforting meal.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to prevent the cream from separating. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Million Dollar Broccoli Soup
Add steamed broccoli florets before simmering for extra texture and flavor.
Cheesy Million Dollar Soup
Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for a richer, cheesier version.
Vegetarian Million Dollar Soup
Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth; add mushrooms or potatoes instead.
Spicy Million Dollar Soup
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a little heat.
Bacon Lovers’ Version
Top each bowl with crispy bacon bits for an irresistible smoky crunch.
Seafood Million Dollar Soup
Replace chicken with shrimp or crab for a luxurious seafood twist.
Lightened-Up Version
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly.
Italian-Inspired Soup
Add Italian seasoning and a handful of spinach for Mediterranean flair.
Mushroom Million Dollar Soup
Include sautéed mushrooms for a deep, earthy richness.
Loaded Potato Million Dollar Soup
Add diced cooked potatoes for a heartier texture and comforting bite.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it works perfectly and adds extra flavor to the soup.
2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely, the flavors deepen overnight and taste even better the next day.
3. Can I freeze Million Dollar Soup?
Yes, just cool it completely before freezing for up to 2 months.
4. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Mascarpone or ricotta cheese make great substitutes.
5. Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the texture will be lighter and less rich.
6. How can I thicken the soup more?
Add a cornstarch slurry or simmer longer to reduce the liquid.
7. What side dishes go well with it?
Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a light salad complement it nicely.
8. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, use vegetable broth and omit the chicken.
9. Can I blend the soup?
Of course, for a smoother consistency, blend partially or fully.
10. What herbs pair best with this soup?
Thyme, parsley, or a hint of rosemary work wonderfully.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Soup truly earns its name with its creamy texture, rich flavor, and comforting warmth. Whether served as a starter or a full meal, it feels indulgent yet simple enough for everyday cooking. This recipe brings together wholesome ingredients and luxurious creaminess — the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into something special.
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