Sausage Potato Soup is a deliciously rich and creamy dish that warms you up on chilly days. With its blend of Italian sausage, tender baby potatoes, and fresh vegetables in a savory broth, this soup is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Whether you’re serving it as a comforting main course or pairing it with bread for a hearty meal, Sausage Potato Soup is sure to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: The combination of sausage and creamy broth makes this soup feel like a warm hug.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up this dish in under an hour.
- Versatile Flavor: Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or spice levels to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep or easy lunches.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and cheesy goodness.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the following essential tools.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Medium pot
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Perfect for cooking the entire soup without overflow, allowing all ingredients to blend seamlessly.
- Whisk: Essential for mixing liquids smoothly, especially when incorporating flour into the milk mixture to avoid lumps.
Ingredients
Sausage Potato Soup is rich, cheesy, and comforting, with Italian sausage, baby potatoes, and veggies in a creamy broth.
Ingredients:
– 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
– 4 cups chopped baby gold potatoes (no need to peel)
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 4 cups chicken stock (or broth)
– 6 tablespoons flour
– 3 cups milk (1%, 2%, or whole)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 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 Italian sausage and allow it to sear for about one minute. Use a wooden spoon to crumble it as it cooks until deeply browned. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving about one tablespoon of grease in the pot. If necessary, add one tablespoon of olive oil.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, melt one tablespoon of unsalted butter. Add diced carrots, celery, and yellow onion. Sauté for five to seven minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional thirty seconds.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Stock
Stir in chopped baby gold potatoes along with dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and cook for fifteen to twenty minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Prepare Cream Mixture
While the potatoes are cooking, melt four tablespoons of butter in a separate medium pot over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook while whisking constantly for one minute. Gradually pour in milk while whisking continuously until smooth. Continue cooking until thickened slightly; then stir in heavy cream before removing from heat.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the milk/cream mixture into the soup. Turn off the heat before adding shredded Cheddar cheese gradually while gently stirring until melted. Finally, stir in sour cream before returning the cooked sausage back to the soup mix. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste.
Step 6: Serve Your Soup
Serve warm with hearty buttered bread on the side if desired. Enjoy your delicious Sausage Potato Soup!
How to Serve Sausage Potato Soup
Sausage Potato Soup is a delightful dish that warms the soul. Serving it the right way can enhance its flavors and make for a comforting meal.
With Hearty Bread
- Buttered Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette slathered with butter complements the creamy soup perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: The aromatic garlic flavor adds an extra layer of richness when dipped into the soup.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft, fluffy rolls are great for soaking up every last drop of this delicious soup.
Topped with Fresh Ingredients
- Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle diced green onions for a fresh crunch and a pop of color.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch for a spicy kick if you enjoy some heat in your meal.
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or basil on top can elevate the visual appeal and flavor profile.
Accompanied by Salads
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing contrast nicely with the hearty soup.
- Garden Salad: A light, mixed green salad provides a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the soup.
How to Perfect Sausage Potato Soup
Creating the perfect Sausage Potato Soup involves attention to detail and a few handy tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality sausage will significantly enhance the flavor of your soup.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go; adjusting salt, pepper, and herbs can make all the difference in achieving your desired flavor.
- Don’t Rush Cheese Melting: Stir in the cheese gradually to ensure it melts smoothly without clumping.
- Experiment with Broths: Try using homemade chicken broth for a richer taste compared to store-bought options.
Best Side Dishes for Sausage Potato Soup
Pairing side dishes with Sausage Potato Soup can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delicious options.
- Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with vinaigrette adds freshness to your meal.
- Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: These cheesy delights are perfect for dipping into your savory soup.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly seasoned steamed veggies provide color and nutrition alongside your hearty soup.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Flavorful stuffed mushrooms offer a bite-sized treat that pairs well with the creamy texture of the soup.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad brings contrasting temperatures and flavors that complement hot soup beautifully.
- Quinoa Salad: This protein-packed option is nutritious and adds an interesting texture to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Sausage Potato Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Ignoring seasoning: Not seasoning at each stage can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper as you go.
- Overcooking the potatoes: If you cook the potatoes too long, they can turn mushy. Check for doneness after 15 minutes to ensure they stay tender yet firm.
- Skipping the cheese: Cheese adds richness and flavor. Don’t skip it; instead, add it gradually for the best melting texture.
- Not using enough liquid: If you find your soup too thick, it’s likely due to insufficient liquid. Always start with the recommended amount of stock and adjust as needed.
- Rushing the browning process: Properly browning the sausage enhances flavor. Don’t rush this step; allow it to sear well before moving on.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Sausage Potato Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers for expansion during freezing.
Reheating Sausage Potato Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring often until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sausage Potato Soup?
Sausage Potato Soup is a creamy, hearty dish made with Italian sausage, potatoes, and vegetables in a flavorful broth.
Can I customize my Sausage Potato Soup?
Absolutely! You can add your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own. Consider adding spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
How do I make Sausage Potato Soup vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, replace sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
How long does it take to make Sausage Potato Soup?
This delicious soup takes about 55 minutes from prep to finish, making it a great option for dinner.
Can I freeze leftover Sausage Potato Soup?
Yes! You can freeze leftovers for up to three months. Just ensure it’s stored properly in airtight containers.
Final Thoughts
Sausage Potato Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s perfect for any dinner table. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients based on your preferences!
Sausage Potato Soup
Sausage Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, ideal for chilly days. This rich and creamy dish combines hearty Italian sausage, tender baby potatoes, and fresh vegetables simmered in a savory broth. It’s perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, offering bold flavors that will satisfy everyone at the table. Whether enjoyed as a main course or paired with warm, crusty bread, this soup is sure to impress. Easy to make in under an hour, it’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your taste. Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2-1/4 cups mirepoix (diced carrots, celery, yellow onion)
- 4 cups chopped baby gold potatoes
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 3 cups milk (1%, 2%, or whole)
- 2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté mirepoix and garlic in butter until softened.
- Add potatoes along with seasonings and chicken stock; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cover until potatoes are tender.
- In a separate pot, melt remaining butter and whisk in flour. Gradually add milk until thickened; then stir in heavy cream.
- Combine milk mixture with soup and add cheese gradually until melted. Stir in sour cream and return cooked sausage to the pot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
