1-First Step: Gather Your Ingredients Start by prepping everything to make the process smooth it’s all about getting organized first. Combine 4 cups of chicken broth, 2 chopped celery stalks, half a medium head of shredded cabbage, 1 chopped sweet onion, and 1 peeled and chopped carrot in a large pot. This sets the base for your creamy cabbage soup, taking about 15 minutes total.

2-Second Step: Simmer the Vegetables Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes until the veggies are tender. In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups of half and half cream with 1 cup of milk and set it aside. This step builds the hearty flavor that makes creamy cabbage soup so comforting.

3-Third Step: Make the Roux In a medium saucepan, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper, stirring to form a smooth paste. Gradually whisk in the cream and milk mixture, cooking until it thickens just right.

4-Fourth Step: Combine and Finish Slowly pour the thickened mixture into the pot with the vegetables, stirring everything together. Add 2 cups of cooked, cubed ham and ½ teaspoon of dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme), then heat through. Finally, garnish with chopped parsley if you like, and serve hot for a complete meal.