This creamy Sausage Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food that warms you up on chilly days. Packed with hearty Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and vibrant vegetables, it’s perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Whether you choose to make it on the stove or in a Crock Pot, this soup delivers rich flavor and creamy texture that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: The easy prep time of just 15 minutes means you can have a delicious meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Enjoy the flexibility of making this soup either on the stove top or in your slow cooker, adapting to your schedule.
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of heavy cream and cheddar cheese creates a velvety texture that elevates this soup to comfort food heaven.
- Hearty Ingredients: With Italian sausage and potatoes as key components, this soup is both filling and satisfying, perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the delightful flavors and textures, making it an ideal dish for family mealtime.
Tools and Preparation
To make this delectable Sausage Potato Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Sharp knife: Ensures safe and efficient chopping of vegetables without hassle.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Provides accuracy in ingredient quantities, ensuring consistent flavor every time.
Ingredients
This Creamy Sausage Potato Soup is made with hot or sweet Italian sausage with potatoes and vegetables. It’s an easy soup recipe for the stove top or the Crock Pot!
Meat
- 1 lb. ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- ½ cup diced carrots
- 2 ribs celery (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 ¼ lbs. red potatoes (about 6 small potatoes)
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon EACH: dried parsley, oregano, mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
How to Make Sausage Potato Soup
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Dice your vegetables, measure out spices, and have everything ready to go.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In your large pot over medium heat:
1. Add 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Once melted, add the ground Italian sausage.
3. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Once the sausage is cooked:
1. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic.
2. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Create a Roux
Add in:
1. 3 tablespoons of flour while stirring constantly to form a roux.
2. Cook for an additional minute until it’s lightly golden.
Step 5: Add Liquid Ingredients
Pour in:
1. 5 cups of chicken broth gradually while stirring to avoid lumps.
2. Stir in soy sauce and hot sauce.
Step 6: Stir in Potatoes & Seasoning
Add:
1. The diced red potatoes along with dried basil, parsley, oregano, and pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Step 7: Finish with Cream
Finally:
1. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream.
2. Allow it to heat through but do not boil again.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!
Ladle your creamy Sausage Potato Soup into bowls. Top with shredded cheddar cheese if desired, serve warm, and enjoy every comforting spoonful!
How to Serve Sausage Potato Soup
This creamy Sausage Potato Soup is versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your meal experience. Here are some serving suggestions that will complement the soup beautifully.
With Crusty Bread
- Enjoy the soup with fresh, crusty bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the delicious broth, making each bite satisfying.
Topped with Cheddar Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each bowl before serving. The cheese melts into the hot soup, adding extra creaminess and flavor.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top. This not only adds color but also a burst of fresh flavor that brightens the dish.
Served with a Side Salad
- Pair the soup with a light green salad. A simple vinaigrette complements the rich soup while adding freshness to your meal.
In Bread Bowls
- For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This makes for an impressive presentation and is perfect for entertaining guests.
As a Meal Prep Option
- Store leftovers in airtight containers for quick meals throughout the week. Reheat and enjoy a comforting bowl of Sausage Potato Soup any day!
How to Perfect Sausage Potato Soup
To make your Sausage Potato Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor significantly compared to dried ones.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go. You can always add more salt or spices based on your preference.
- Allow flavors to meld: Let the soup sit for a few minutes after cooking before serving. This allows all the flavors to combine beautifully.
- Customize thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, use more flour or blend part of it to create a creamy texture.
- Experiment with sausage types: Try different types of sausage such as spicy or smoked for unique flavors in your soup.
Best Side Dishes for Sausage Potato Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Sausage Potato Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread adds crunch and flavor that complements the creamy soup.
- Caesar Salad: This salad’s crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing contrast nicely with the richness of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a healthy side that brings additional textures to your meal.
- Cheese Biscuits: Flaky cheese biscuits are perfect for sopping up every last drop of your delicious soup.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized treats filled with cheese and herbs work wonderfully as an appetizer alongside the main dish.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread balances out the savory notes in the soup, creating a delightful combination.
- Potato Chips: For something simple yet satisfying, serve crispy potato chips on the side for added crunch.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and cuts through the richness of the soup perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Sausage Potato Soup is straightforward, but a few common mistakes can affect the flavor and texture.
- Skipping the seasoning: Always season your soup generously. The right herbs and spices enhance the overall taste.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Cook vegetables just until tender. Overcooked veggies can become mushy and lose their freshness.
- Using low-quality sausage: Choose high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. It makes a significant difference in your soup’s taste.
- Not letting it simmer long enough: Allowing the soup to simmer helps the flavors meld together. A short cooking time can result in a bland dish.
- Ignoring the cream addition: Adding cream too early can cause it to curdle. Wait until the end of cooking for a smooth, creamy texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Sausage Potato Soup in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Sausage Potato Soup
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be stored for up to 3 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating Sausage Potato Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat soup in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Sausage Potato Soup.
How can I make Sausage Potato Soup healthier?
You can use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage. Additionally, add more vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
Can I make Sausage Potato Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply brown the sausage and sauté vegetables first, then add them to your slow cooker with other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
What type of potatoes work best for this soup?
Red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well during cooking. You may also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
Can I add other ingredients to Sausage Potato Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with additional veggies like bell peppers or corn. You can also add different cheeses for extra creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This creamy Sausage Potato Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or types of cheese. Perfect for cozy nights or gatherings, this recipe is sure to satisfy any craving. Give it a try!
Sausage Potato Soup
Creamy Sausage Potato Soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly days, combining hearty Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and a medley of vibrant vegetables. This rich and creamy soup is not only simple to make but also incredibly satisfying for family dinners or cozy gatherings. With options for stove top or slow cooker preparation, it adapts to your schedule while delivering mouthwatering flavor in every bowl. Enjoy it with crusty bread or topped with shredded cheddar cheese for an extra touch of deliciousness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop/Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- ½ cup diced carrots
- 2 ribs celery (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 ¼ lbs. red potatoes (about 6 small potatoes)
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by dicing vegetables and measuring spices.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter and brown the Italian sausage.
- Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Stir in flour to create a roux; cook until lightly golden.
- Gradually add chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Mix in diced potatoes and seasonings; bring to a boil then simmer until tender.
- Stir in heavy cream; heat through without boiling.
- Serve warm with optional cheese on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
