If you’re craving a bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Hearty Sausage and Potato Soup with Kale Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s packed with savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and vibrant kale, all swimming in a creamy broth that’s comforting yet light enough to enjoy any time. Each spoonful offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for seconds without a second thought. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this soup blends simple ingredients into a dish that’s both nourishing and soul-satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things straightforward is the key to making this soup shine. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that rich, hearty flavor and satisfying texture—nothing fancy, just delicious essentials.
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy): Provides a flavorful, meaty base that’s both savory and slightly spicy depending on your choice.
- 4 cups potatoes (peeled and diced): They add creaminess and body to the soup while soaking up those wonderful savory notes.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Creates a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with a rich, aromatic layer of flavor.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The hearty foundation that ties all the ingredients together with warmth and savoriness.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half): Makes the soup wonderfully creamy without overpowering the other flavors.
- 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped: Adds vibrant color and a healthy boost that complements the richness perfectly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the soup.
- Optional: Red pepper flakes: Adds just the right touch of heat if you like things with a little kick.
How to Make Hearty Sausage and Potato Soup with Kale Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat, then add your Italian sausage. Break it apart as it cooks, letting it brown evenly until it’s fully cooked and wonderfully fragrant. This step is crucial because the sausage releases flavorful oils that will infuse the entire soup with rich, meaty goodness.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Once the sausage is browned, add your diced onion to the pot. Cook until translucent and slightly golden, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This creates the aromatic base that elevates your soup to something truly special.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Next, toss in the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender—usually around 15 to 20 minutes. This simmering step melds the flavors beautifully and softens the potatoes just right.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Kale
Once the potatoes are tender, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) along with the chopped kale. Allow the soup to simmer gently until the kale wilts and everything is warmed through. This adds creaminess and a fresh pop of green, balancing the hearty sausage and potatoes perfectly.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to your taste. Give the soup a good stir, then it’s ready to ladle into bowls and enjoy. Your Hearty Sausage and Potato Soup with Kale Recipe is now complete—and it’s pure comfort in a bowl.
How to Serve Hearty Sausage and Potato Soup with Kale Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of crunchy croutons can elevate your soup presentation and add delightful textures. A little shredded Parmesan on top adds a salty, nutty finish that pairs beautifully with the creamy broth.
Side Dishes
This soup shines wonderfully alongside crusty bread or a warm baguette to soak up every drop. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the hearty richness, making the meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in bread bowls—hollowed-out rounds of crusty bread, which make every spoonful extra cozy. You can also portion it into mason jars for a colorful, portable lunch option that keeps well in the fridge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup should be cooled completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this comfort food again with minimal effort.
Freezing
The Hearty Sausage and Potato Soup with Kale Recipe freezes well, but for best results, hold off adding the cream until after reheating. Freeze the soup in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months to preserve its flavor and texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, gently reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat. Stir occasionally and add the cream at the end to avoid curdling, letting the soup warm through for that fresh-from-the-pot taste.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Using turkey or chicken sausage will lighten the soup while still providing that savory flavor. Just be sure to adjust seasonings since these sausages can be milder.
Is kale the only green that works in this soup?
Not at all! Spinach, Swiss chard, or even collard greens can be great substitutes and will add their own unique flavors and textures to the soup.
How can I make this soup dairy-free?
You can swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer of your choice. This keeps the soup creamy without any dairy, perfect for those with allergies or lactose intolerance.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Yes! Adding red pepper flakes during cooking or topping each bowl with a splash of hot sauce gives the soup a pleasant kick without overpowering the other flavors.
What toppings work best for this soup?
Try crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, chopped herbs, or a dollop of sour cream to customize each bowl to your liking. These little touches make the soup feel even more indulgent.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Hearty Sausage and Potato Soup with Kale Recipe—it’s the perfect blend of comfort, nourishment, and pure deliciousness. Whether you’re warming up after a long day or looking to impress at a casual family dinner, this soup brings cozy joy in every bowl. I promise once you make it, it’ll become a staple you’ll happily return to time and time again.
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Hearty Sausage and Potato Soup with Kale Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Sausage Potato Soup combines savory Italian sausage with tender potatoes, aromatic onions, and fresh greens in a creamy broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is flavorful, easy to prepare, and serves six generous portions.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice!)
Vegetables
- 4 cups potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped
Liquids
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, crumble and cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, approximately 15 minutes.
- Add Greens: Mix in the chopped kale or spinach. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and soft.
- Finish with Cream and Seasoning: Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Heat through but do not boil after adding cream.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy your comforting, flavorful sausage potato soup.
Notes
- For a lighter soup, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
- You can use any type of leafy greens like spinach or kale depending on preference.
- If you prefer less spice, opt for mild Italian sausage and omit red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
