Looking for a warm, hearty meal to enjoy on a chilly day? This Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup is the perfect solution. Packed with flavorful sausage, tender potatoes, and creamy melted cheese, this recipe combines comfort and taste in every spoonful. Here’s how to make this delicious soup step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This one-pot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of smoky sausage, creamy cheese, and tender potatoes makes this soup irresistible.
- Comfort Food Classic: A warm bowl of this soup is like a hug for your soul.
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage (sliced into rounds or diced)
- 4 large potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sausage
Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables
In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the diced potatoes and season with smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Blend (Optional)
For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend some of the soup, leaving chunks of potato for texture.
5. Add Milk, Cream, and Cheese
Stir in the milk and heavy cream. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
6. Combine with Sausage
Return the cooked sausage to the pot and heat for another 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
7. Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup
- Use High-Quality Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and enhances the flavor.
- Customize Your Sausage: Experiment with spicy or flavored sausages to suit your taste.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Why This Soup Stands Out
This Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup is a crowd-pleaser for all ages. The combination of creamy potatoes and savory sausage creates a well-balanced dish that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, it’s guaranteed to impress.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food for any season. With its creamy texture, bold flavors, and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of cozy goodness!
Serving and Storage Tips for Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup
Serving Tips
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, or freshly chopped parsley on top of the soup before serving for an added burst of flavor and color.
- Perfect Pairings: Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or buttery crackers to soak up the creamy soup. A fresh green salad on the side balances the richness of the dish.
- Make It a Party Dish: Serve in bread bowls for an impressive and fun presentation at gatherings or potlucks.
- Portion Sizes: This recipe serves 4-6 people, but you can easily scale it up for larger crowds.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration:
- Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, to prevent the cheese from separating.
- Freezing:
- While this soup can be frozen, dairy-based soups like this may have a slight texture change upon reheating. For the best results:
- Before adding the cheese and cream, freeze the soup base in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat and stir in the cream and cheese just before serving.
- While this soup can be frozen, dairy-based soups like this may have a slight texture change upon reheating. For the best results:
- Single-Serve Portions:
- Divide leftovers into individual portions before storing. This makes it convenient to reheat just what you need for quick meals.
- Reheating Tips:
- Avoid boiling the soup during reheating, as it can cause the cream and cheese to curdle.
- Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup thickens too much in the fridge.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup fresh or as delicious leftovers any day of the week!
1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! While smoked sausage is commonly used for its bold flavor, you can substitute it with Italian sausage, spicy chorizo, or even turkey sausage for a lighter option. Just make sure to cook the sausage thoroughly before adding it to the soup.
2. How do I prevent the cheese from clumping or separating?
To ensure smooth and creamy cheese, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded (which often contains anti-caking agents). Add the cheese gradually over low heat, stirring constantly to help it melt evenly.
3. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty texture. Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
4. What can I do if my soup is too thick?
If the soup becomes too thick, simply add a little extra chicken broth, milk, or water to achieve your desired consistency. Stir it well while reheating to maintain the creamy texture.
Print
Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This cheesy sausage potato soup is creamy, hearty, and packed with bold flavors. With tender potatoes, savory sausage, and melty cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food perfect for chilly evenings. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a cozy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) ground sausage (Italian or breakfast sausage)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
- 1 1/2 pounds (680 g) potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold or Russets)
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup (10 g) chopped fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the sausage:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into small pieces. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics:
- In the same pot, add olive oil if needed. Sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Simmer the potatoes:
- Add the chicken broth and diced potatoes to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Blend for creaminess (optional):
- For a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup, or transfer 1–2 cups of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Return the blended mixture to the pot.
- Add the sausage and cream:
- Stir the cooked sausage back into the pot, along with the heavy cream and smoked paprika (if using).
- Melt the cheese:
- Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, until fully melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
- Substitute the sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach for a nutrient boost.
- For a spicy kick, use hot sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid the cheese separating.