How to Make Sausage Potato Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that wraps you in warmth and comfort, then this hearty sausage potato soup is just the ticket. It’s creamy, filling, and bursting with flavor. I love making this soup on busy weeknights when I want something quick yet satisfying for my family. Plus, it’s great for gatherings with friends! There’s nothing quite like a big bowl of steaming soup to bring everyone together, and trust me, once you learn how to make sausage potato soup, it will become a favorite in your home too.

This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to whip up with simple ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just a day when you need some extra comfort food, this soup has got you covered!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can impress their family or guests.
• Family-friendly: The combination of sausage and potatoes makes it a hit with kids and adults alike!
• Make-ahead convenience: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Rich and creamy flavor: The heavy cream adds a luxurious texture that makes every spoonful delightful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this sausage potato soup is simple! You’ll find they’re all wholesome and easy to work with. Here’s what you need:

For the Soup

• 1 lb. (453.6 g) ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
• 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• ½ cup (65 g) carrots, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons (24 g) flour
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) hot sauce
• 5 cups (1.18 L) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 ¼ lbs. (567 g) red potatoes, cubed (about 6 small potatoes)
• Optional: 2 cups (226 g) shredded cheddar cheese

Variations

One of the best things about this sausage potato soup is how adaptable it is! Feel free to get creative based on your tastes or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of Italian sausage for a lighter version.
• Add some greens: Toss in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
• Make it spicy: If you like heat, add more hot sauce or toss in some red pepper flakes.
• Go dairy-free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option while keeping it creamy.

How to Make How to Make Sausage Potato Soup

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

In a large pot, cook and crumble the ground Italian sausage over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes until browned. This step is crucial because browning the sausage develops rich flavors that will enhance your soup. Remember to reserve 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pot before discarding the rest!

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies

Add the reserved drippings along with 2 tablespoons of butter into the pot. Sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery over medium heat for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir frequently so everything cooks evenly. The onions should become translucent—this sweetness will balance out the savory flavors later on.

Step 3: Create Your Roux

Stir in minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until fragrant. Then sprinkle in flour and cook for an additional 2 minutes while stirring constantly. This forms a roux that thickens your soup beautifully while preventing any lumps from forming.

Step 4: Add Broth Gradually

Now comes one of my favorite parts—gradually add chicken broth while using a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This step incorporates all those delicious flavors into your broth! Stir until smooth without any clumps.

Step 5: Simmer with Potatoes

Next up, toss in your cubed red potatoes and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 20-25 minutes until fork-tender. As they cook down, they release starches that thicken your broth nicely.

Step 6: Final Touches

Stir in heavy cream along with soy sauce and hot sauce to boost those flavors further! If you’re feeling indulgent, add shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined—oh so good! Heat through gently before serving up this comforting bowl of goodness.

Now you’re ready to enjoy this delightful sausage potato soup! It’s sure to warm your heart and fill your belly—perfect for any occasion!

Pro Tips for Making How to Make Sausage Potato Soup

Making a delicious sausage potato soup is all about the little details that elevate the dish to comfort food perfection.

• Use Quality Sausage: Choosing high-quality ground Italian sausage enhances the flavor profile of your soup. Look for a brand that uses simple ingredients without fillers for the best taste.
• Don’t Rush the Roux: Taking your time to cook the roux until it’s just right ensures a creamy texture and depth of flavor in the soup. This step helps thicken the broth beautifully while adding a rich taste.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Start with less soy sauce and hot sauce, then taste as you go. You can always add more, but it’s hard to fix an overly salty or spicy soup!
• Simmer for Flavor: Allowing the potatoes to simmer in the broth gives them time to release their starches, which naturally thickens the soup and creates a comforting, creamy consistency.
• Add Greens for Nutrition: Tossing in some fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking not only adds color but also boosts nutrition. They wilt quickly and pair wonderfully with the flavors in this soup.

How to Serve How to Make Sausage Potato Soup

Serving your sausage potato soup can be just as delightful as making it! Consider these ideas to present this cozy dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top adds a pop of color and freshness, balancing out the richness of the soup.
• Crusty Bread Crumbs: Toasted bread crumbs offer a nice crunch that contrasts pleasingly with the creamy soup texture, making each bite more exciting.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: This classic companion is perfect for dipping into your hearty soup. The buttery, garlicky flavor pairs perfectly with the richness of sausage potato soup.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast and balances out the meal’s heartiness.
• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color to your plate and offers a healthy side dish option. Its mild flavor complements rather than competes with the robust soup.
• Cornbread Muffins: These sweet muffins bring a delightful sweetness that pairs wonderfully with savory soups, making each bite a satisfying experience.

Enjoy your comforting bowl of sausage potato soup—it’s sure to warm both your heart and home!

Make Ahead and Storage

This sausage potato soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it on busy days. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious creation.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Label the container with the date so you can keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Portion out the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label each container with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• If reheating from frozen, add a splash of broth or water to help with consistency as it warms.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this comforting dish:

How to Make Sausage Potato Soup gluten-free?

You can easily make this sausage potato soup gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Ensure that all other ingredients, like chicken broth and hot sauce, are also gluten-free.

What can I substitute for ground Italian sausage in How to Make Sausage Potato Soup?

If you want a different flavor or prefer not to use sausage, try using ground turkey or chicken with added Italian seasoning. For a vegetarian option, consider crumbled tempeh or plant-based sausage alternatives.

Can you make How to Make Sausage Potato Soup dairy-free?

Yes! To make it dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy milk alternative like almond milk. You might want to add a bit more seasoning for flavor balance.

Can I use other types of potatoes in How to Make Sausage Potato Soup?

Absolutely! While red potatoes work wonderfully in this recipe, you can also use Yukon gold or russet potatoes. Just be aware that different potato varieties may alter the texture slightly.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this hearty sausage potato soup as much as I do! It’s such a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy—perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring solo after a long day. The creamy texture combined with flavorful ingredients makes it special. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your thoughts on how it turns out!