Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
If you’re looking for a bowl of cozy that’s packed with flavor, Sausage Potato Soup is about to become your go-to comfort food. This hearty classic combines savory Italian sausage, creamy potatoes, and a velvety cheese-infused broth—all swirled together with tender vegetables and a touch of fresh herbs. Whether you’re chasing away a chill or just craving something soul-satisfying, this soup brings together the best of rustic home cooking in every spoonful. Get ready to fall in love with the kind of meal you’ll want to share (but might keep all to yourself).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Sausage Potato Soup starts with a handful of staple ingredients—each one bringing depth, texture, or color to the bowl. There’s nothing fancy here, just good ingredients working together to create pure comfort.
- Italian sausage: The heart of the soup, adding plenty of rich, meaty flavor. Choose mild or hot depending on your spice preference.
- Butter: This amps up the creamy decadence—be sure to divide it for the sauté and cream sauce steps.
- Olive oil: Just a touch helps sauté the vegetables if the sausage isn’t fatty enough.
- Mirepoix (carrots, celery, onion): The classic aromatic trio that builds cozy depth; dice them for uniform cooking.
- Minced garlic: A small pop of fragrance makes the base irresistible.
- Baby gold potatoes: No peeling required! These hold their shape but get delightfully creamy in the soup.
- Dried parsley & basil: These add herbal notes without overpowering the other flavors.
- Chicken stock or broth: The foundation of the soup—use a good-quality stock for extra flavor.
- Flour: Essential for thickening and creating the luscious, velvety texture.
- Milk: The base for the cheese sauce; any percentage works, but whole milk is extra indulgent.
- Heavy cream: For that creamy, dreamy mouthfeel.
- Salt & pepper: To bring everything into balance.
- Extra-sharp Cheddar cheese: Melts right in for a punch of cheesy goodness—shred fresh for best results.
- Sour cream: A finishing touch for tang and a silkier broth.
- Buttered bread (optional): The perfect partner for dunking and savoring every bite.
How to Make Sausage Potato Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the Italian sausage and let it sear for about a minute to lock in flavor, then crumble it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the sausage is deeply browned and deliciously crispy in spots. When done, scoop it out onto a plate lined with paper towels, but be sure to leave about a tablespoon of that tasty sausage grease in the pot. If your sausage isn’t too fatty, add a bit of olive oil so your veggies won’t stick in the next step.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pot and melt it into the sausage drippings. Toss in your diced carrots, celery, and onion—the classic mirepoix. Sauté them gently for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are translucent and the vegetables smell divine. Add the garlic at the end and stir for just 30 seconds so it doesn’t burn.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Simmer
Next up, stir in the unpeeled, chopped baby gold potatoes along with dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken stock to cover everything, then bump up the heat to bring it all to a bubbly boil. Once it’s bubbling, drop the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it all simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the kitchen smells cozy.
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
Meanwhile, get a medium pot going on another burner. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter, then whisk in the flour and let it cook for about a minute to lose its raw edge. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until it thickens and starts to bubble gently, then stir in the heavy cream for serious luxury. Take the pot off the heat and get ready for the magic.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Once the potatoes and veggies are tender, pour your hot milk and cream mixture into the soup pot. Turn off the heat, then add shredded Cheddar cheese in small handfuls, stirring until each melts completely. This is where Sausage Potato Soup gets its silky, cheesy broth. Stir in the sour cream for a final boost of creaminess, then return the browned sausage to the pot. Give it a taste and add another sprinkle of salt or pepper if you like.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your piping-hot Sausage Potato Soup into big bowls. Add a side of hearty buttered bread to soak up the broth and make every bite extra satisfying. Prepare for compliments—this is comfort food at its finest!
How to Serve Sausage Potato Soup
Garnishes
Make your bowls sing with simple yet delicious toppings. Sprinkle a little extra Cheddar on top, add some fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions for color and freshness, or finish with cracked black pepper. If you like a little kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes brings gentle heat that pairs beautifully with the sausage.
Side Dishes
Nothing beats a chunk of crusty, buttered bread for dipping into Sausage Potato Soup, but why stop there? Try adding a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness, or a platter of roasted veggies for extra color and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Sausage Potato Soup in individual bread bowls—just scoop out the center of a round loaf and ladle in the soup. Or make cute mini portions in espresso cups as a starter at your next dinner gathering. Little touches like fun-shaped croutons, swirls of sour cream, or a dusting of paprika make every bowl extra inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Sausage Potato Soup fares well in the fridge for up to four days. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, and you’ll find yourself reaching for the leftovers at lunch or as a quick dinner later in the week.
Freezing
Want to stash some away for a future craving? This soup can be frozen, but since it contains dairy and potatoes, the texture may change a bit. Ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results. Give it a good stir once reheated to bring back that creamy texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up. You can also microwave individual portions—just use a lower power setting and stir every minute to avoid overheating the cheese base.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is classic for Sausage Potato Soup, you can swap in breakfast sausage, smoked sausage, or even turkey sausage if you prefer. Each brings its own unique character to the soup.
What potatoes work best for this soup?
Baby gold potatoes are ideal because they have thin skins and stay creamy without becoming mushy. If you only have russets or red potatoes on hand, just peel and cut them into equal-sized chunks for even cooking.
Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the cream sauce step, or try thickening with cornstarch. The soup will still be thick and velvety.
How do I make Sausage Potato Soup spicier?
Use hot Italian sausage, toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper while sautéing the veggies, or add a little hot sauce to your bowl. This way, you control the heat and keep everyone happy at the table.
Can I make Sausage Potato Soup ahead of time for a party?
You sure can! Prepare the soup up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat slowly before serving and add a splash of milk or stock if it’s thickened up too much. It gets even better as the flavors meld together over time.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Potato Soup is pure comfort in a bowl—simple ingredients, big flavors, and endless ways to make it your own. I can’t recommend it enough the next time you want something heartwarming and crave-worthy. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it finds a permanent place in your soup rotation!
Print
Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and comforting Sausage Potato Soup recipe that combines the flavors of Italian sausage, potatoes, and cheese in a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for a cozy meal on a cold day.
Ingredients
Italian Sausage:
1 pound
Unsalted Butter:
5 tablespoons
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon
Mirepoix:
2-1/4 cups (or 3/4 cup each diced carrots, celery, and yellow onion)
Minced Garlic:
1 teaspoon
Baby Gold Potatoes:
4 cups chopped
Dried Parsley:
1 teaspoon
Dried Basil:
1 teaspoon
Chicken Stock:
4 cups
Flour:
6 tablespoons
Milk:
3 cups (1%, 2%, or whole)
Heavy Cream:
1/2 cup
Salt:
1 teaspoon
Pepper:
1/2 teaspoon
Extra-Sharp Cheddar Cheese:
2 cups freshly shredded
Sour Cream:
1/4 cup
Hearty Buttered Bread:
For serving (optional)
Instructions
- Brown Sausage: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage, crumble and cook until browned. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
- Sauté Veggies: In the same pot, melt butter, sauté mirepoix and garlic.
- Add Potatoes: Stir in potatoes, herbs, salt, and pepper. Add chicken stock, boil, then simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Make Cream Sauce: Melt butter in a separate pot, stir in flour, then slowly add milk and heavy cream. Cook until thickened.
- Add Cheese: Combine the cream mixture with veggies, melt in cheese, and stir in sour cream. Add sausage back to the soup.
- Serve Soup: Serve warm with buttered bread.
Notes
- Mirepoix is a classic French combination of diced carrots, celery, and onion, used as a flavor base in many dishes.
- For the best flavor, use freshly shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Sausage Potato Soup, Potato Soup Recipe, Comfort Food Soup
