Sausage Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. With its rich and creamy texture, this dish combines flavorful Italian sausage, tender baby potatoes, and a medley of veggies in a delicious broth. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or looking for a hearty weeknight meal, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of Italian sausage and cheddar cheese creates an irresistible taste that warms you from the inside out.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, making this soup is a breeze, even for beginner cooks.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it as a main course or pair it with bread for a lighter option. This soup fits perfectly into any meal plan.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day! You can easily store leftovers in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Tools and Preparation
To make Sausage Potato Soup, you’ll need some essential tools that will help you create this delicious dish effortlessly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Medium pot
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Perfect for cooking the entire soup base, allowing all flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Medium pot: Ideal for preparing the creamy mixture that adds richness to your soup without burning.
- Whisk: Ensures a smooth and lump-free consistency when mixing flour with milk in the cooking process.
Ingredients
Sausage Potato Soup is rich, cheesy, and comforting, with Italian sausage, baby potatoes, and veggies in a creamy broth.
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
To Finish
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups freshly shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Hearty buttered bread (for serving, optional)
How to Make Sausage Potato Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat.
– Add sausage and let it sear for 1 minute.
– Use a wooden spoon to crumble it and cook until deeply browned.
– Transfer cooked sausage to a plate lined with paper towels. Leave about 1 tablespoon of grease in the pot; add olive oil if needed.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In the same pot:
– Melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
– Add diced carrots, celery, and onion.
– Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
– Incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Step 3: Cook Potatoes
Stir in:
– Chopped baby gold potatoes,
– Dried basil,
– Dried parsley,
– Salt,
– Pepper.
Pour in chicken stock; bring mixture to a boil.
– Reduce heat to medium-low.
– Cover pot and cook for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Prepare Creamy Mixture
While potatoes cook:
– Melt remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in a separate medium pot over medium heat.
– Stir in flour; cook while whisking constantly for about 1 minute.
– Slowly pour in milk while whisking until smooth.
– Cook until thickened slightly; then stir in heavy cream before removing from heat.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Once veggies are tender:
– Stir in the milk/cream mixture.
– Turn off heat; add shredded cheese gradually while stirring gently until melted.
– Mix in sour cream and return sausage to soup.
– Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Serve Sausage Potato Soup warm with hearty buttered bread on the side if desired. Enjoy this comforting dish!
How to Serve Sausage Potato Soup
Sausage Potato Soup is not just delicious; it’s also versatile when it comes to serving. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or enjoying a quiet meal at home, here are some creative ways to serve this comforting dish.
With Fresh Herbs
- Garnish the soup with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and flavor.
Topped with Croutons
- Add crunchy croutons on top for a delightful texture contrast. You can use store-bought or make your own from leftover bread.
Drizzled with Olive Oil
- A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil over the finished soup adds richness and enhances the flavors.
Accompanied by Cheese
- Offer extra shredded cheese at the table for guests to sprinkle on their servings, making each bowl even cheesier.
Served in Bread Bowls
- For a fun presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This adds an edible element that complements the soup perfectly.
With a Side Salad
- Pair the soup with a fresh garden salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad balances the creaminess of the soup.
How to Perfect Sausage Potato Soup
Getting your Sausage Potato Soup just right is all about technique and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Use Quality Sausage: Choose high-quality Italian sausage for richer flavor. Mild or hot, it sets the base for your soup.
- Don’t Rush Cooking Vegetables: Sautéing vegetables thoroughly before adding them to the pot brings out their natural sweetness.
- Balance Creaminess: Adjust the amount of heavy cream based on preference. Less cream makes it lighter while more creates a rich, indulgent experience.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adding salt and pepper gradually helps prevent over-seasoning.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to rest for a few minutes after cooking lets flavors blend beautifully.
- Freeze Leftovers: This soup freezes well! Store in airtight containers for quick meals later.
Best Side Dishes for Sausage Potato Soup
Pairing side dishes with Sausage Potato Soup can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement its rich flavors.
- Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted garlic bread adds crunch and pairs wonderfully with the creamy soup.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup while adding crunch from croutons.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring color and additional nutrients to your meal.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites can be filled with cheese or breadcrumbs, making them an excellent appetizer before serving soup.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides freshness and texture that balances out the richness of Sausage Potato Soup.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is a fantastic accompaniment, offering a delightful contrast between sweet and savory flavors.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges can be served alongside for those who crave extra potatoes!
- Pickles: Tangy pickles provide a zesty crunch that cuts through the creamy richness of the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your Sausage Potato Soup even better. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using the wrong sausage: Selecting low-quality sausage can affect the flavor. Choose fresh, flavorful Italian sausage for the best results.
- Not seasoning properly: Failing to season at different stages can lead to bland soup. Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process.
- Overcooking the potatoes: Cooking potatoes for too long can make them mushy. Keep an eye on them and cook until fork-tender.
- Skipping the cheese: Not adding cheese makes the soup less creamy and rich. Use freshly shredded Cheddar cheese for a delightful finish.
- Ignoring leftovers: Letting leftovers sit in the fridge too long can spoil them. Store properly and consume within a few days for optimal taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Sausage Potato Soup in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing Sausage Potato Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- The soup will last up to 2–3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Sausage Potato Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries about Sausage Potato Soup that may help you enjoy this recipe even more!
What type of potatoes work best for Sausage Potato Soup?
Baby gold potatoes are ideal as they hold their shape well and add a creamy texture without peeling them.
Can I customize my Sausage Potato Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or kale, or swap out the sausage for turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
How do I thicken my Sausage Potato Soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add more flour or let it simmer longer to reduce excess liquid.
Can I make Sausage Potato Soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup tastes even better when made a day ahead as flavors meld together. Just reheat before serving.
Final Thoughts
Sausage Potato Soup is not only comforting but also versatile, allowing you to customize it according to your taste. Whether you stick with classic ingredients or try new additions, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Give it a try today!
Sausage Potato Soup
Sausage Potato Soup is the ultimate cozy dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. This rich and creamy soup features savory Italian sausage, tender baby potatoes, and a mix of fresh vegetables, all simmered together in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this easy-to-make recipe guarantees satisfaction with every spoonful. Whether served with crusty bread or enjoyed on its own, this delightful soup is sure to become a favorite in your home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cups chopped baby gold potatoes
- 2-1/4 cups mirepoix (diced carrots, celery, onion)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté mirepoix for about 5–7 minutes until tender. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Stir in chopped potatoes, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- In a medium pot, melt remaining butter and whisk in flour; cook briefly before gradually adding milk. Stir until thickened, then add heavy cream.
- Combine the creamy mixture into the soup pot along with cooked sausage and shredded cheese. Stir until cheese melts.
- Serve warm with optional garnishes like fresh herbs or croutons.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
