Sausage Potato Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms your heart and fills your belly, then this Sausage Potato Soup is just what you need. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The combination of creamy broth, tender baby potatoes, and delicious Italian sausage makes it irresistibly comforting. Plus, it’s super easy to make, which means you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen!

This soup is also ideal for those chilly days when all you want is something soothing and hearty. With its rich flavors and cheesy goodness, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home, just like it is in mine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: This soup comes together quickly, making it perfect for any night of the week.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy flavor and hearty ingredients.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prep it ahead of time and simply reheat when ready to serve!
• Deliciously satisfying: The rich creaminess and flavorful sausage make every spoonful incredibly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up this delightful Sausage Potato Soup, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Soup Base

• 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)

For the Creamy Mixture

• 6 tablespoons flour
• 3 cups milk (1%, 2%, or whole)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Flavoring & Garnish

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups freshly shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Serving Suggestion

• Hearty buttered bread (for serving, optional)

Variations

One of the best things about this Sausage Potato Soup is its flexibility! Feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

• Swap the protein: If you prefer turkey sausage or chicken sausage, they work beautifully too!
• Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach or kale right before serving for an extra nutrition boost.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your soup.
• Creamy alternative: For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with evaporated milk.

How to Make Sausage Potato Soup

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and let it sear for about a minute. Use a wooden spoon to crumble it as it cooks until it’s deeply browned. This step is crucial because browning adds depth of flavor to our soup! Once cooked through, transfer the sausage to a plate lined with paper towels while leaving about 1 tablespoon of grease in the pot—this will add even more flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add in your mirepoix—diced carrots, celery, and onion—and sauté for about 5–7 minutes. If your veggie pieces are larger, give them an extra minute or two. The goal here is to soften them up and develop their natural sweetness. Don’t forget to add minced garlic at the end—just cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant!

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Stock

Next up, stir in those lovely chopped baby potatoes along with dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken stock and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low while covering the pot. Let this simmer for about 15–20 minutes or until those potatoes are fork-tender—trust me; this is where all those wonderful flavors start coming together!

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Mixture

While your veggies are cooking away nicely, grab another medium pot and melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook while whisking constantly for about a minute. Slowly pour in milk while whisking until smooth—this creates our creamy base! Keep whisking until it thickens and gently bubbles before stirring in heavy cream. Remove from heat once combined.

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

Once your veggies are tender, gently stir in that creamy mixture into your soup base. Turn off the heat now! Add shredded cheese gradually while stirring gently until it’s all melted into deliciousness. Finally, mix in sour cream for an extra layer of richness before returning the cooked sausage back into the pot! Give everything another taste test; adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Now comes my favorite part—serving! Ladle warm soup into bowls and pair with hearty buttered bread if you’d like some extra comfort on the side. Enjoy every bite of this creamy goodness with family or friends; it’s bound to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Sausage Potato Soup

This Sausage Potato Soup is so comforting and delicious, and with a few pro tips, you can elevate it to perfection!

• Use high-quality sausage: Choosing a good Italian sausage enhances the flavor of your soup. Look for options that are made with fresh herbs and spices for that authentic taste.

• Don’t skip the browning step: Browning the sausage adds depth to the flavor profile of the soup. It creates a rich base that will infuse throughout the dish.

• Adjust seasoning gradually: Taste your soup before adding more salt or pepper. This ensures you achieve the perfect balance without overpowering the other flavors.

• Experiment with veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers. They not only boost nutrition but also add color and texture to your soup.

• Let it sit for a bit: If you have time, let the soup sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

How to Serve Sausage Potato Soup

Serving this hearty soup is just as important as making it! Here are some ideas to make your meal even more inviting.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives on top adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Crumbled cheese: Adding some extra shredded cheese right before serving gives an indulgent touch.
• Cracked black pepper: A dash of freshly cracked black pepper offers a nice bite and enhances the flavors.

Side Dishes

• Hearty buttered bread: A slice of warm, buttered bread is perfect for dipping into your creamy soup. Choose a rustic loaf for a delightful crunch.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
• Garlic knots: These soft and buttery bites are perfect for sopping up every last drop of your delicious soup.
• Roasted vegetables: A plate of seasonal roasted veggies adds an extra layer of flavor and nutrition while complementing the savory notes of the soup.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Sausage Potato Soup will be an absolute hit at any dinner table! Enjoy every cozy spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sausage Potato Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week, making dinner a breeze on busy nights.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• For best results, reheat only the portion you plan to consume.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely before freezing.
• Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy identification.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a little milk or water if it’s too thick.
• Stir occasionally until heated through, or microwave in intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this cozy recipe!

Can I use turkey sausage in my Sausage Potato Soup?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great alternative that still provides delicious flavor without sacrificing texture.

How can I make my Sausage Potato Soup vegetarian?

You can substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or add extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.

What kind of potatoes work best for Sausage Potato Soup?

Baby gold potatoes are ideal, but you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just chop them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking!

Can I add other vegetables to my Sausage Potato Soup?

Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as spinach, kale, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage Potato Soup is a warm hug in a bowl that brings comfort and joy to any table. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite. I hope you enjoy making this delightful dish as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to experiment with ingredients or share your own twist on it. Happy cooking!