If there’s one bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, it has to be this Sausage Potato Soup Recipe. Imagine savory Italian sausage mingling with tender red potatoes in a creamy, hearty broth that’s perfectly balanced with just the right hint of spice and richness. This soup isn’t just satisfying; it’s the kind of dish that invites cozy evenings and second helpings, making every spoonful a celebration of flavor and texture. Whether you’re cooking for a big family dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe promises to be your new favorite go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Sausage Potato Soup Recipe is simple because it relies on straightforward ingredients that truly make the flavors shine. Each one plays an important role—from the spicy sausage adding boldness, to the red potatoes bringing heartiness, and the trio of aromatics creating a flavorful base that transforms this soup into something special.
- 1 lb. ground Italian sausage (hot or mild): Choose your heat preference to set the spice level just right for your family’s taste buds.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies for a silky base.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: Provides sweetness and depth once softened.
- ½ cup diced carrots: Offers a subtle natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 ribs celery, diced: Brings a crisp texture and aromatic flavor foundation.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with a fragrant punch that wakes up the senses.
- 3 tablespoons flour: Builds a deliciously thick and creamy roux without lumps.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Enhances umami and gives a subtle savory boost.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Adds just the right ‘kick’ to brighten the flavors.
- 5 cups chicken broth: The heartwarming liquid that carries all the flavors together.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious, velvety texture that coats every spoonful.
- 1 ¼ lbs. red potatoes, cubed: These creamy potatoes hold their shape beautifully and make the soup extra satisfying.
- Optional: 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup for a cheesy, gooey finish whenever you want to indulge.
How to Make Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and cooking the ground Italian sausage until it’s fully browned and crumbled. This step lets the sausage release its flavorful drippings, which you’ll partially reserve for the next stage. The browned bits left in the pot add incredible depth to your soup, so don’t rush this step—you want that rich, savory foundation to shine through.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, melt butter into the pot along with the sausage drippings you saved. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing them until they become tender and the onion turns translucent. This vegetable trio is the classic base that not only adds texture but fills the soup with inviting aromas that are hard to resist.
Step 3: Build the Roux and Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic for a minute until fragrant, then sprinkle in the flour. Cooking the flour with the garlic creates a roux, which is the magic ingredient to thicken your soup into that perfect creamy consistency. Keep stirring to avoid burning the flour and get a smooth, golden-coated mixture.
Step 4: Incorporate Broth and Scrape the Bottom
Slowly pour in the chicken broth a little at a time, stirring continuously. Use a spatula to scrape up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This not only prevents lumps but also ensures every bit of flavor is pulled into the broth, resulting in a rich, silky soup base.
Step 5: Simmer with Potatoes
Add your cubed red potatoes to the pot and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for about 20 to 25 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. This step is crucial because the potatoes release their natural starches, giving the soup a naturally creamy texture and a hearty character that’s incredibly satisfying.
Step 6: Add Cream and Final Flavors
Finish by stirring in the heavy cream for that indulgent smoothness, then season with soy sauce and hot sauce to balance all the flavors just right. If you love a cheesy touch, now’s the time to fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, letting it melt into the soup for a luscious, velvety finish.
How to Serve Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
You can keep things simple with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. For an extra cozy touch, add a dollop of sour cream or some crisp bacon bits on top—both bring an irresistible contrast in flavor and texture that’ll keep everyone coming back for more.
Side Dishes
This Sausage Potato Soup Recipe pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette or warm cornbread to mop up every last drop. A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing balance to the rich, creamy soup, offering a well-rounded meal that satisfies every craving.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, serve the soup in rustic bowls with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar and a few crispy fried onions on top. You could even hollow out a small round bread loaf and ladle the soup inside for a charming, edible serving bowl. It makes the meal feel extra special and is sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sausage Potato Soup Recipe keeps well in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your second bowl even more delicious. Just give it a good stir before reheating to recombine any separated cream or cheese.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months by placing it in freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind that the cream and potatoes might slightly change texture once thawed, so gently reheat and stir well to bring back that creamy consistency. For best results, freeze without cheese and add fresh cheese when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and to ensure it heats evenly. If it’s too thick after reheating, thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this soup?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds a lot of flavor, you can substitute with breakfast sausage, chorizo, or even a plant-based sausage alternative to customize the heat and taste to your liking.
Are red potatoes essential or can I use another potato?
Red potatoes hold their shape nicely and have a creamy texture, making them ideal. However, Yukon Gold potatoes are a great alternative if you want a slightly buttery flavor. Russet potatoes tend to break down more and result in a thicker soup.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Not as originally written, since it uses all-purpose flour for the roux. You can use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch as a thickener to make it gluten-free without sacrificing the creamy texture.
Can I make this Sausage Potato Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the sausage and sauté the veggies on the stove, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until potatoes are tender. Stir in the cream and cheese at the end.
What toppings do you recommend for extra flavor?
Some excellent toppings include shredded sharp cheddar, scallions, crispy bacon bits, sour cream, and even a pinch of smoked paprika for warmth. These add layers of texture and flavor that elevate the soup beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Making this Sausage Potato Soup Recipe is like welcoming a bowlful of comfort into your kitchen, perfect for feeding family and friends or simply savoring on a quiet night. It’s approachable, endlessly tasty, and utterly satisfying. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you’ll find it quickly becomes a cherished favorite that’s as easy to make as it is to love.
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Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 11 servings 1x
Description
This comforting Sausage Potato Soup combines savory Italian sausage with tender red potatoes in a creamy, flavorful broth. Enhanced with sautéed vegetables, a rich roux, and a hint of hot sauce, this hearty soup is perfect for chilly days and serves 11 people.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb. (453.6 g) ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- Optional: 2 cups (226 g) shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- ½ cup (65 g) carrots, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ¼ lbs. (567 g) red potatoes, cubed (about 6 small potatoes)
Other
- 3 tablespoons (24 g) flour
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) hot sauce
- 5 cups (1.18 L) chicken broth
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground Italian sausage for about 10-12 minutes until browned. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the drippings in the pot and discard the rest.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the reserved drippings and 2 tablespoons of butter to the pot. Sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery over medium heat for about 5 minutes until softened and onions become translucent, stirring frequently.
- Add garlic and make roux: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux without browning.
- Add chicken broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth in splashes, continuously scraping the bottom of the pot with a silicone spatula to incorporate the roux and lift any browned bits. Stir until smooth and no lumps remain.
- Simmer potatoes: Add the cubed red potatoes and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and begin releasing their starches to thicken the broth.
- Finish the soup: Stir in the heavy cream. Add 1 teaspoon each of soy sauce and hot sauce to enhance the flavor. If desired, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the soup is heated through gently before serving.
Notes
- Reserve some sausage drippings for enhanced flavor in the sautéed vegetables.
- Cook the roux carefully to avoid browning, which can alter the soup’s taste.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Optional cheddar cheese adds richness and depth but can be omitted for a lighter version.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better after the flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
