Sausage Potato Soup

Sausage Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings with friends. This delicious soup combines Italian sausage, tender baby potatoes, and fresh veggies in a creamy broth, offering a rich and cheesy experience that warms the soul. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly night or as a hearty meal to impress guests, this dish stands out for its flavor and simplicity.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Filling: This Sausage Potato Soup is rich in flavor and will surely satisfy your hunger.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious meal quickly.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for dinner parties or family meals, it’s suited for any occasion.
• Hearty Ingredients: The combination of potatoes and sausage creates a filling dish that’s great for colder weather.
• Customizable: Feel free to add extra vegetables or modify spices to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this comforting recipe, gather your tools to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Medium pot
• Wooden spoon
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup in one batch; it allows even cooking of all ingredients.
• Medium pot: Perfect for preparing the creamy mixture separately before combining with the soup, ensuring a smooth texture.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pots while crumbling sausage or mixing ingredients.
• Whisk: A must-have when blending flour with milk to prevent lumps in your creamy base.

Ingredients

Sausage Potato Soup is rich, cheesy, and comforting, with Italian sausage, baby potatoes, and veggies in a creamy broth.

For the Soup Base

• 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)

For the Creamy Mixture

• 6 tablespoons flour
• 3 cups milk (1%, 2%, or whole)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Final Touches

• 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 sausage and let it sear for 1 minute. Use a wooden spoon to crumble it as it cooks until deeply browned. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving about 1 tablespoon grease in the pot. If there isn’t enough grease left, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add diced carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for 5–7 minutes (or longer if veggies are larger). Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

Step 3: Combine Potatoes and Stock

Stir in chopped potatoes along with dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken stock and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover the pot and cook for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Mixture

While potatoes cook, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a separate medium pot over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook while whisking constantly for 1 minute. Gradually pour in milk while continuing to whisk until smooth. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly and gently boils. Stir in heavy cream then remove from heat.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once veggies are tender, stir in the milk/cream mixture into the soup base. Turn off heat and add shredded cheese gradually while stirring gently until melted. Stir in sour cream then return cooked sausage to the soup. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Serve your warm Sausage Potato Soup alongside hearty buttered bread if desired. Enjoy this comforting dish!

How to Serve Sausage Potato Soup

Sausage Potato Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides and garnishes. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

With Hearty Buttered Bread

• This classic combination adds a satisfying crunch and warmth, perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish the soup with chopped parsley or basil for an aromatic touch that enhances the flavors.

Accompanied by a Side Salad

• A light, crisp salad offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. Try a simple mixed green salad with a vinaigrette.

With Grated Parmesan Cheese

• Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over each bowl for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.

Served in Bread Bowls

• For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This makes for a delicious edible container!

How to Perfect Sausage Potato Soup

Perfecting Sausage Potato Soup is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to make your soup the best it can be.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Select fresh vegetables and high-quality sausage for richer flavors.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor.
• Thicken to Your Preference: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or add a bit more flour during preparation.
• Add Veggies: Enhance nutrition by including additional vegetables like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking.
• Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar works well, try other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Sausage Potato Soup

Sausage Potato Soup is filling on its own but can be complemented beautifully by side dishes. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread
   A crispy garlic bread brings robust flavors that pair perfectly with creamy soups.
2. Cheesy Biscuits
   Fluffy biscuits made with cheese add a delightful texture and taste that complements the soup’s richness.
3. Coleslaw
   A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, balancing the creamy nature of the soup nicely.
4. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted veggies provide additional nutrients while enhancing the overall meal experience.
5. Stuffed Peppers
   These can be filled with rice, beans, or quinoa for a nutritious side that adds variety to your dinner plate.
6. Corn Muffins
   Sweet corn muffins bring a slight sweetness that contrasts beautifully with savory flavors in the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Sausage Potato Soup can be easy, but common mistakes can ruin its deliciousness.

• Boldly skipping the mirepoix: This flavor base is crucial for depth. Always include diced carrots, celery, and onions for a well-rounded taste.
• Boldly neglecting seasoning: Underseasoning can lead to bland soup. Taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout the cooking process.
• Boldly rushing the cheese addition: Adding cheese too quickly can cause it to clump. Gradually stir in cheese until fully melted for a creamy texture.
• Boldly using low-quality ingredients: Poor-quality sausage or cheese will affect the soup’s flavor. Opt for fresh and high-quality products for the best results.
• Boldly forgetting to check potato doneness: Overcooked potatoes can turn mushy. Check them with a fork to ensure they are tender but not falling apart.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Make sure the soup is completely cooled before sealing.

Freezing Sausage Potato Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container, as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Sausage Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place soup in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Use medium power for best results.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly. Add a splash of broth or milk if it thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Sausage Potato Soup.

Can I use different types of sausage in my Sausage Potato Soup?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option without compromising flavor.

What vegetables can I add to Sausage Potato Soup?

You can add vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.

How do I make my Sausage Potato Soup thicker?

For a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the potatoes in the soup or add more flour when making your roux.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use plant-based sausage alternatives and vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

How long does Sausage Potato Soup last in the fridge?

Sausage Potato Soup will last about 3–4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

Sausage Potato Soup is a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Its creamy texture combined with savory flavors makes it irresistible. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting spices to suit your taste!