Sausage Potato Soup is the perfect dish for any occasion, bringing warmth and comfort to your table. This rich and creamy soup features Italian sausage, tender baby potatoes, and a medley of vegetables in a savory broth. It’s not only hearty but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings with friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage and Cheddar cheese creates a deep, satisfying taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Quick to Prepare: With just 25 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious meal in under an hour.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever veggies you have on hand! Customize the soup according to your preferences or seasonal produce.
- Comforting Dish: Perfect for chilly nights, this soup provides a warm hug in a bowl, ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
- Leftover Friendly: This soup keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Sausage Potato Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right tools will streamline your cooking process and help ensure a successful outcome.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Medium pot
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
- Ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for cooking the entire soup at once while allowing ample space for stirring.
- Medium pot: Perfect for creating the creamy mixture without crowding ingredients.
- Wooden spoon: Great for breaking up sausage while cooking and mixing ingredients without scratching your pots.
Ingredients
Sausage Potato Soup is rich, cheesy, and comforting, with Italian sausage, baby potatoes, and veggies in a creamy broth.
- 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
- 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 the Italian sausage, letting it sear for about one minute. Use a wooden spoon to crumble the sausage as it cooks. Continue cooking until it’s deeply browned. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Leave about one tablespoon of grease in the pot; if there’s not enough grease, add one tablespoon of olive oil.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, melt one tablespoon of butter. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté these vegetables for about five to seven minutes until they become tender (or seven to ten minutes if cut larger). Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional thirty seconds.
Step 3: Cook Potatoes
Stir in chopped baby gold potatoes along with dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken stock; bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and cook for fifteen to twenty minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Create Creamy Mixture
While potatoes cook, melt four tablespoons of butter in a separate medium pot over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook while whisking constantly for one minute. Gradually pour in milk while whisking until smooth. Continue cooking until this mixture thickens slightly and begins to gently boil. Stir in heavy cream before removing from heat.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Once vegetables are tender, stir in the milk/cream mixture into the potato mix. Turn off heat before adding shredded cheese gradually—stir gently until melted. Mix in sour cream then return cooked sausage back into the soup blend. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Serve your flavorful Sausage Potato Soup warm with hearty buttered bread on the side if desired! Enjoy!
How to Serve Sausage Potato Soup
Sausage Potato Soup is a comforting dish that warms the heart and soul. Serving it creatively can enhance the dining experience for you and your guests.
With Hearty Buttered Bread
- Pair this soup with thick slices of buttered bread for dipping. The bread absorbs the creamy broth beautifully, making each bite more satisfying.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Garnish your bowl with freshly chopped parsley or chives. This adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that complements the richness of the soup.
With a Dollop of Sour Cream
- Add a spoonful of sour cream on top for an extra creamy texture. This little addition brings a tangy twist that balances the flavors perfectly.
Accompanied by Salad
- Serve alongside a light green salad. A simple mix of greens with vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
In a Bread Bowl
- For a fun presentation, serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl. This not only looks impressive but also allows diners to enjoy every last bit of soup as they eat the bowl.
How to Perfect Sausage Potato Soup
Making the perfect Sausage Potato Soup requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and quality sausage make a significant difference in flavor. Always choose fresh produce for the best results.
Control the Heat – Cook on medium heat when sautéing vegetables to avoid burning them. This allows for even cooking and enhances their natural sweetness.
Thicken Gradually – When adding milk and cream, do so slowly while whisking constantly. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth texture.
Taste as You Go – Adjust seasoning throughout cooking. Tasting at different stages helps achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
Let It Rest – Allowing the soup to sit for 10 minutes before serving lets flavors meld together beautifully, enhancing its overall taste.
Store Properly – If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheating gently will keep it creamy and delicious.
Best Side Dishes for Sausage Potato Soup
Pairing side dishes with Sausage Potato Soup can enhance your meal significantly. Consider these delightful options:
- Garlic Bread – A classic choice that’s perfect for soaking up every drop of broth.
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine with creamy dressing adds crunch and freshness.
- Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread offers a delightful contrast to savory flavors in the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized complement the creamy soup well.
- Stuffed Peppers – These can be filled with rice, beans, or cheese for added variety on your plate.
- Coleslaw – A tangy slaw provides crunch and acidity that balances out the richness of the soup.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges echo the potato theme while adding texture to your meal.
- Pickles or Olives – These add a salty bite that contrasts nicely with the creamy soup, providing an interesting flavor profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Sausage Potato Soup, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of for a perfect bowl every time.
- Using the wrong sausage: Choose Italian sausage for the best flavor. If you pick a different type, it may alter the soup’s taste.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Sauté veggies just until tender. Overcooked vegetables lose their texture and flavor, affecting the overall dish.
- Skipping the cheese: Cheese adds creaminess and depth. Omitting it can leave your soup thin and less satisfying.
- Not adjusting seasoning: Always taste before serving! Adding salt and pepper enhances flavors, so be sure to adjust as needed.
- Ignoring potato variety: Baby gold potatoes work best for this recipe. Other types may not hold up as well during cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It lasts up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Sausage Potato Soup
- Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
- Use a freezer-safe container or resealable bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Sausage Potato Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in a covered dish until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until steaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Sausage Potato Soup that may help clarify any uncertainties.
Can I make Sausage Potato Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just store it properly in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
You can use half-and-half or coconut milk as lighter alternatives that still add creaminess.
Is Sausage Potato Soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
How do I customize my Sausage Potato Soup?
Add your favorite vegetables like spinach or kale, or try different cheeses for varied flavors.
Final Thoughts
Sausage Potato Soup is a comforting dish that warms both body and soul. Its creamy texture combined with rich flavors makes it perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients for an even more delightful experience. Try it out today!
Sausage Potato Soup
Sausage Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table. This rich, creamy soup combines flavorful Italian sausage, tender baby potatoes, and a colorful mix of vegetables, all simmered in a savory broth. Perfect for chilly nights, this hearty dish is not only easy to prepare but also customizable, allowing you to use seasonal produce or your favorite veggies. In just under an hour, you can create a comforting meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Serve it with buttered bread for a delightful dipping experience, or garnish with fresh herbs for an appealing touch.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 cups chopped baby gold potatoes
- 2-1/4 cups mirepoix (diced carrots, celery, and onion)
- 3 cups milk (1%, 2%, or whole)
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
- 4 cups chicken stock
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked and crumbled. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt one tablespoon of butter and sauté mirepoix until tender. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Stir in the chopped potatoes, seasonings, and chicken stock; bring to a boil then simmer until potatoes are fork-tender.
- While the potatoes cook, create a creamy mixture by melting remaining butter in a medium pot. Whisk in flour, then gradually add milk until thickened; stir in heavy cream.
- Combine the creamy mixture with the potato soup and fold in the shredded cheese and sausage until melted.
- Serve warm with optional toppings like sour cream or fresh herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
