Sausage Potato Soup

Sausage Potato Soup is a delightful dish that warms both the body and soul. This rich, cheesy soup combines savory Italian sausage, tender baby potatoes, and fresh veggies in a creamy broth. Perfect for cozy evenings or family gatherings, Sausage Potato Soup stands out with its comforting flavors and satisfying texture. It’s an easy recipe that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage and creamy broth creates a deliciously warm dish that feels like a big hug.
• Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out vegetables or use different types of sausage to suit your taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe makes six hearty servings, making it ideal for family meals or gatherings with friends.
• Perfect Pairing: Serve with hearty buttered bread to soak up all the creamy goodness of the soup.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Sausage Potato Soup efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools that will help you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup base and allowing all ingredients to combine seamlessly.
• Medium saucepan: Used to prepare the creamy mixture separately, ensuring smooth consistency before adding to the soup.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware while crumbling sausage and mixing.

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: Brown the Sausage

• Heat a large pot over medium-high heat.
• Add the Italian sausage, allowing it to sear for about one minute.
• Use a wooden spoon to crumble the sausage as it cooks.
• Cook until deeply browned. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving about one tablespoon of grease in the pot. If there’s not enough grease, add one tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

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

Step 3: Cook Potatoes

• Stir in chopped baby gold potatoes along with dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
• Pour in chicken stock and bring everything to a boil.
• Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and cook for about 15–20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Prepare Creamy Mixture

• While potatoes cook, melt four tablespoons of unsalted butter in a separate medium saucepan over medium heat.
• Stir in flour and cook while whisking constantly for one minute.
• Slowly pour in milk while whisking until smooth.
• Continue cooking while whisking until thickened and gently boiling. Stir in heavy cream then remove from heat.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

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

Step 6: Serve Warm

Serve your delicious Sausage Potato Soup warm alongside hearty buttered bread if desired! Enjoy every comforting bite!

How to Serve Sausage Potato Soup

Sausage Potato Soup is a delightful dish that warms the soul. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a gathering, there are plenty of ways to enhance your meal.

With Hearty Bread

• Buttered Baguette: Serve slices of warm baguette spread with butter for a crunchy contrast.
• Garlic Bread: The savory flavor of garlic bread pairs perfectly with the creamy soup.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft, fluffy rolls are great for soaking up every last drop of the rich broth.

Topped with Fresh Ingredients

• Chopped Green Onions: A sprinkle of green onions adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
• Crumbled Bacon: For an extra layer of flavor, add crispy bacon bits on top.
• Fresh Herbs: Use chopped parsley or basil to garnish for a burst of freshness.

As Part of a Meal

• Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
• Cheese Platter: Offer a variety of cheeses alongside crackers to complement the flavors.

How to Perfect Sausage Potato Soup

Creating the perfect Sausage Potato Soup requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Use Quality Sausage: Choose high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or mash some potatoes.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheese types, like Gouda or Monterey Jack, for varied flavors.
• Add More Veggies: Incorporate vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.

Best Side Dishes for Sausage Potato Soup

To round out your meal featuring Sausage Potato Soup, consider these tasty side dishes that complement its flavors beautifully.

1. Caesar Salad: A classic salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing adds a refreshing crunch.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned and roasted seasonal vegetables provide earthy flavors that pair well with soup.
3. Cornbread: This slightly sweet bread is perfect for dipping into the hearty soup.
4. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on skewers offer a light and flavorful option.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice and ground meat create a satisfying companion dish.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for an excellent side that echoes the soup’s main ingredient.

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.

• Using the Wrong Sausage: Choosing a sausage that is too spicy or not flavorful can affect the soup’s taste. Opt for Italian sausage, either mild or hot, based on your preference.
• Neglecting the Mirepoix: Skipping the mirepoix (carrots, celery, and onion) will lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always sauté these vegetables to bring out their natural sweetness.
• Not Cooking Potatoes Properly: Overcooking or undercooking potatoes can ruin the soup’s texture. Ensure they are fork-tender by checking them at the 15-minute mark.
• Skipping the Cheese: The cheese is essential for that creamy, rich taste in Sausage Potato Soup. Don’t skip it; use freshly shredded extra-sharp Cheddar for the best results.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning before serving can leave your soup bland. Always taste before serving and add salt and pepper as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Sausage Potato Soup in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sausage Potato Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 2–3 months for best quality.

Reheating Sausage Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until evenly warmed.
• Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until it reaches your desired temperature, usually around 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Sausage Potato Soup that might help you make this dish even better!

What is Sausage Potato Soup?

Sausage Potato Soup is a comforting dish made with Italian sausage, baby potatoes, veggies, and cheese in a creamy broth.

Can I make Sausage Potato Soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Sausage Potato Soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a quick meal later. Just reheat before serving.

How do I customize my Sausage Potato Soup?

Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or kale, or swap out cheeses based on what you have on hand!

Is there a vegetarian version of Sausage Potato Soup?

You can create a vegetarian version by using plant-based sausage and vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

How can I thicken my Sausage Potato Soup?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add more flour during cooking or use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup.

Final Thoughts

Sausage Potato Soup is not only rich and cheesy but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep! Customize it with your favorite ingredients or enjoy it as-is. Give this comforting recipe a try; you’ll love how satisfying it is on chilly days!