Sausage Potato Soup

Sausage Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food that warms the soul. This rich and creamy dish combines the savory flavors of Italian sausage, tender baby potatoes, and fresh vegetables in a delightful broth. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, this soup stands out with its cheesy richness and hearty texture. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or entertaining guests, Sausage Potato Soup is sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage and cheese creates a deeply satisfying taste.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, this soup comes together quickly.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or alongside your favorite bread for a complete meal.
• Comforting Texture: The creamy broth and tender potatoes offer a delightful mouthfeel.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for weeknight dinners, parties, or chilly days when you need warming comfort.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Sausage Potato Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Medium pot
• Wooden spoon
• Whisk
• Ladle
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing all ingredients to blend perfectly.
• Medium pot: Used for making the creamy mixture that adds richness to the soup.
• Whisk: Helps to combine ingredients smoothly, preventing lumps when adding flour to milk.

Ingredients

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

For the Creamy Broth

• 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 Thickening and Creaminess

• 6 tablespoons flour
• 3 cups milk (1%, 2%, or whole)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Seasoning and Topping

• 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: Cook the Sausage

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and let it sear for 1 minute. Use a wooden spoon to crumble it as it cooks. Brown until deeply colored. Transfer cooked sausage to a plate lined with paper towels while leaving about 1 tablespoon of grease in the pot. If there isn’t enough grease left, add 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add diced carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until softened (or 7–10 minutes if larger). Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Stock

Stir in chopped baby potatoes along with dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken stock and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15–20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Mixture

While the potatoes are cooking, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a separate medium pot over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook while whisking constantly for about 1 minute. Gradually pour in milk while whisking continuously until smooth. Keep whisking as it thickens slightly before adding heavy cream. Remove from heat once combined.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once vegetables are tender, stir in the milk/cream mixture into the soup base. Turn off heat before adding shredded cheese gradually while stirring gently until fully melted. Mix in sour cream then return cooked sausage back into the soup. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Ladle servings of warm Sausage Potato Soup into bowls and enjoy with hearty buttered bread if desired!

How to Serve Sausage Potato Soup

Sausage Potato Soup is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed in several ways. Whether you’re looking to enhance the flavor or add a side, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Toasted Baguette: Serve warm toasted baguette slices for dipping. The crunch complements the creamy soup.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread for an extra layer of flavor. It’s perfect for soaking up every drop of soup.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Chives: Sprinkle fresh chives on top for a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• Parsley Sprigs: Add parsley sprigs to brighten the dish and enhance freshness.

With Cheese Toppings

• Extra Cheddar: Top each bowl with more shredded cheddar cheese for added richness.
• Parmesan Shavings: Finish with shavings of Parmesan cheese for a nutty finish.

Additional Protein

• Crumbled Bacon: Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky crunch that pairs well with the soup’s creaminess.
• Grilled Chicken Strips: For a heartier meal, serve grilled chicken strips on top of the soup.

How to Perfect Sausage Potato Soup

To ensure your Sausage Potato Soup turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Sausage: Choose fresh Italian sausage for the best flavor. The quality of your meat makes a significant difference.
• Don’t Rush the Cooking Time: Allow enough time for vegetables and potatoes to become tender. This step ensures all flavors meld beautifully.
• Balance Flavors: Adjust seasoning gradually as you go. Taste frequently to find the right balance of salt and pepper.
• Add Cheese Gradually: Stir in cheese slowly to ensure it melts smoothly without clumping. This technique keeps your soup creamy.

Best Side Dishes for Sausage Potato Soup

Enhance your meal by pairing Sausage Potato Soup with delicious side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette offers freshness that balances the richness of the soup.
2. Caesar Salad: The crunchy romaine and creamy dressing complement the soup’s texture nicely.
3. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread adds a delightful contrast in flavors and is perfect for dunking.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide additional nutrients and vibrant colors to your plate.
5. Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with rice, beans, or ground meat, offering a fulfilling side option alongside the soup.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make an excellent companion dish that echoes the main ingredient’s flavors.
7. Cheese Quesadillas: Simple yet satisfying, quesadillas are quick to prepare and pair well with any soup.
8. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes can be served alongside or even stirred into the soup for extra comfort!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Sausage Potato Soup can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using the wrong sausage – Choose a good quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. Avoid overly processed options that may not enhance the soup.
• Not sautéing veggies enough – Sautéing vegetables properly builds flavor. Cook them until they are soft and fragrant for a richer broth.
• Skipping the cheese – Cheese adds creaminess and depth. Don’t omit it; instead, add it slowly to ensure it melts well.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments – Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as necessary to enhance all the flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Sausage Potato Soup lasts up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Sausage Potato Soup

• Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Sausage Potato Soup

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and reheat for about 30 minutes.
• Microwave – Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm throughout.
• Stovetop – Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of potatoes for Sausage Potato Soup?

Yes, while baby gold potatoes are recommended, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes as alternatives. Just ensure they are chopped into similar sizes for even cooking.

How do I make my Sausage Potato Soup spicier?

To add heat, include crushed red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage instead of mild. Adjust according to your taste preference.

Can I make Sausage Potato Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep. Make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge; the flavors will meld beautifully overnight.

What can I use instead of heavy cream in Sausage Potato Soup?

For a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk. Both will still provide creaminess without being too heavy.

Final Thoughts

Sausage Potato Soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes it perfect for any dinner table. Its creamy broth combined with hearty ingredients creates a comforting dish everyone will enjoy. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste!