Creamy Sausage and Potato Soup is a rich and hearty dish that combines savory sausage, tender potatoes, and a flavorful, creamy broth. It’s the perfect comfort food for cold days, offering warmth, nourishment, and a satisfying bite in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Satisfying: Ideal for chilly evenings, this soup is filling and deeply flavorful.
- One-Pot Wonder: Easy cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot.
- Balanced Flavor: The spice of sausage and mild creaminess make a deliciously balanced dish.
- Customizable: Add extra veggies or your favorite herbs to suit your taste.
- Family-Friendly: A go-to favorite that’s loved by adults and kids alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- Butter
- Yellow onion, diced
- Carrots, diced
- Celery ribs, diced
- Garlic, minced
- All-purpose flour
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Red potatoes, diced
- Dried basil
- Dried parsley
- Dried oregano
- Mustard powder
- Black pepper
- Soy sauce
- Hot sauce (optional)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside, reserving a tablespoon of fat.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, melt the butter. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes to make a roux.
- Pour Broth and Season: Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring. Add heavy cream, soy sauce, hot sauce (if using), and dried herbs and spices.
- Add Potatoes: Stir in diced potatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Return Sausage and Finish: Add the sausage back to the pot. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese if using and cook until melted. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
- Add Greens: Stir in spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Kick: Use hot sausage and increase the hot sauce for more heat.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze before adding cream and cheese. Reheat and add these ingredients fresh.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, adding broth if needed to thin.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based alternative work well.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
If using thin-skinned varieties like red potatoes, peeling is optional. Russets should be peeled.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the sausage and sauté veggies before adding everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Can I thicken the soup more?
Mash some of the potatoes in the soup or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the soup will be less rich. Half-and-half is a good compromise.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar is classic, but gouda, pepper jack, or mozzarella can also work.
Can I add pasta to this soup?
Yes, add cooked pasta just before serving to avoid sogginess.
What vegetables can I add?
Spinach, corn, peas, or green beans make great additions.
How long will leftovers last?
Up to 3 days in the fridge, or freeze for up to 3 months without the cream.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour or a cornstarch slurry instead of regular flour to keep it gluten-free.
Conclusion
Creamy Sausage and Potato Soup is a cozy, flavor-packed recipe that delivers every time. With a satisfying balance of protein, veggies, and rich broth, it’s a dish you’ll turn to whenever you need a bowl of comfort. Perfect for gatherings or meal prep, this soup is as versatile as it is delicious.
Print
Creamy Sausage and Potato Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting soup made with savory sausage, tender potatoes, and a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for chilly nights or cozy meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add potatoes, broth, thyme, and oregano. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the cooked sausage and heavy cream. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Add chopped kale or spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in Parmesan cheese if using and serve hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Top with crispy bacon bits for added flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg