Sausage Potato Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming dish that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas and brings smiles to the dinner table, you’ve found it! This Sausage Potato Soup is one of my all-time favorites. It’s rich, cheesy, and comforting—perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings where everyone can enjoy a bowl of warmth together. The combination of Italian sausage, tender baby potatoes, and fresh veggies in a creamy broth makes this soup not only delicious but also a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy.

What I love most about this recipe is how quickly it comes together without sacrificing flavor. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser and can easily be made ahead of time for those hectic days when cooking feels like a chore. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this deliciously comforting Sausage Potato Soup!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this hearty soup in under an hour!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the creamy texture and cheesy flavor—it’s great for picky eaters.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and cheese creates a depth of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a complete meal or pair it with your favorite bread for dipping.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This Sausage Potato Soup uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Soup

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2-1/4 cups mirepoix (or 3/4 cup each: diced carrots, celery, and yellow onion)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 4 cups chopped baby gold potatoes (no need to peel)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 4 cups chicken stock (or broth)
• 6 tablespoons flour
• 3 cups milk (1%, 2%, or whole)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups freshly shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream

For Serving

• Hearty buttered bread (optional)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Swap the protein: Use turkey sausage or chicken sausage if you prefer a lighter option without compromising on flavor.
• Add more veggies: Toss in additional veggies like spinach, kale, or bell peppers for an extra boost of nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick!
• Creamy alternative: For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt.

How to Make Sausage Potato Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and let it sear for about one minute before crumbling it with a wooden spoon. Cooking until it’s deeply browned gives the soup that rich flavor we crave. Once done, transfer the sausage to a plate lined with paper towels while leaving about one tablespoon of grease in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add your mirepoix (diced carrots, celery, and onion) and sauté for about 5–7 minutes until they soften. This step builds incredible layers of flavor since sautéing brings out their natural sweetness. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds—your kitchen will smell divine!

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

Stir in chopped baby gold potatoes along with dried parsley, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken stock and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes until those potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

While your potatoes are cooking away, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in another pot over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook it for about one minute—this is your roux that will thicken the soup beautifully! Gradually pour in milk while whisking constantly until smooth; keep stirring until it thickens slightly. Stir in heavy cream off the heat—this will make your soup oh-so-creamy!

Step 5: Combine & Melt

Once your potatoes are tender, stir in that luscious milk/cream mixture into the pot. Turn off the heat before adding shredded cheese gradually while stirring gently until melted. Fold in sour cream next—the richness just keeps on building! Finally, return your browned sausage back into the mix and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Ladle out generous portions of this comforting soup into bowls while it’s warm. If you’re feeling indulgent (and who wouldn’t?), serve alongside hearty buttered bread for dipping! Enjoy every last bite—you deserve this cozy goodness!

Pro Tips for Making Sausage Potato Soup

Making Sausage Potato Soup can be a delightful experience, and with these handy tips, you’ll elevate your dish to the next level!

• Choose the right sausage: Select a high-quality Italian sausage—mild or hot—to enhance the flavor of your soup. The sausage is the star ingredient, so quality matters!

• Don’t rush the browning: Allowing the sausage to sear properly creates a deep, rich flavor that infuses throughout the soup. Take your time for that perfect golden brown.

• Experiment with veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach or kale. Not only do they add nutrition, but they also bring vibrant color and texture to your soup.

• Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, consider replacing heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like oat milk or almond milk. It keeps the soup creamy while catering to different dietary preferences.

• Make it ahead of time: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Make a big batch and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for quick meals later!

How to Serve Sausage Potato Soup

Serving Sausage Potato Soup can turn your meal into an inviting experience. Here are some ideas to make it special!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
• Croutons: Add crispy croutons for extra crunch—store-bought or homemade work wonderfully!
• Grated cheese: A bit more freshly shredded cheese on top adds richness and makes it visually appealing.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread complements the creamy soup perfectly, allowing you to soak up every last drop.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette balances out the hearty soup and adds freshness.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies, such as Brussels sprouts or carrots, provide an earthy side that pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the soup.
• Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread is another comforting option that brings warmth and complements the flavors of the soup beautifully.

Now you’re all set to enjoy this deliciously cheesy Sausage Potato Soup! Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, this dish is sure to warm hearts and bellies alike. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sausage Potato Soup is perfect for meal prep! It stores well in the refrigerator and can be easily frozen, making it a great option for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Separate the bread if you’re storing it with the soup to keep it from getting soggy.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool down to room temperature.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best quality, label with the date.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious Sausage Potato Soup!

Can I use different types of sausage in my Sausage Potato Soup?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses Italian sausage, feel free to experiment with your favorite sausage varieties. Turkey or chicken sausages work wonderfully as lighter alternatives.

How do I thicken my Sausage Potato Soup?

If you prefer a thicker texture, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot or add a little more flour to your milk/cream mixture during cooking.

What can I serve with Sausage Potato Soup?

Hearty buttered bread is a great companion! You could also pair it with a simple salad or some crunchy crackers for added texture.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. You might want to adjust seasonings for flavor depth.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage Potato Soup is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl! With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s bound to become a favorite family dish. I hope you enjoy making this comforting recipe as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to share how yours turns out – happy cooking!

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