Sausage potato soup has always been my go-to comfort food, especially on chilly evenings. I remember one particularly blustery fall day when I first tried making it myself, hoping for a warm, satisfying meal. The aroma of savory sausage and simmering potatoes filled my kitchen, creating an instant cozy atmosphere. This recipe for easy sausage potato soup is a slightly simplified version of the one I perfected over time, resulting in a wonderfully hearty sausage potato soup that’s both delicious and incredibly satisfying. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Sausage Potato Soup
- Incredibly delicious, savory sausage paired with tender potatoes creates a comforting flavor explosion.
- It’s an easy sausage potato soup that comes together in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with wholesome ingredients, this soup offers a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet balanced.
- Budget-friendly ingredients make this a great option for feeding the whole family without breaking the bank.
- This is a fantastic family-friendly meal; even picky eaters usually love the creamy texture and savory taste.
- You can customize this easy sausage potato soup with your favorite toppings for a loaded experience.
- It’s a versatile dish, perfect for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner.
Ingredients for Sausage Potato Soup
Gathering the right sausage potato soup ingredients is key to achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. This recipe uses simple, wholesome components that come together beautifully. The Italian sausage provides a rich, savory base, while the Russet potatoes cook down to create a wonderfully creamy consistency, especially when you mash some against the pot. The aromatics like onion, carrots, celery, and garlic build layers of depth, and chicken broth forms the flavorful liquid foundation. A touch of heavy cream at the end makes it wonderfully luscious, but you can skip it for a lighter version. Don’t forget the fresh parsley for a bright finish!
- 1 pound Italian sausage – choose mild or hot, your preference!
- 4 medium Russet potatoes, diced – about 2 pounds, peeled or unpeeled
- 1 large onion, chopped – about 1.5 cups
- 2 medium carrots, diced – adds a touch of sweetness
- 2 celery stalks, chopped – for that classic soup base flavor
- 3 garlic cloves, minced – essential for aroma and taste
- 6 cups chicken broth – low-sodium is a good choice
- 1 cup heavy cream – for ultimate creaminess
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing
- 1 tsp salt – or to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper – freshly ground is best
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – for garnish and freshness
How to Make Sausage Potato Soup
Let’s dive into how to make this delicious soup. It’s a straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding results. This is truly an easy sausage potato soup to whip up, perfect for any night of the week.
- Step 1: Brown the SausageStart by heating 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 pound Italian sausage and cook until it’s nicely browned and crumbled. As it cooks, break it apart with your spoon. Once browned, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage and set it aside. You’ll want to drain off most of the excess grease, leaving just about a tablespoon in the pot. This step is crucial for flavor and helps make it an easy sausage potato soup to handle.
- Step 2: Sauté VegetablesNow, add the aromatics to the pot. Toss in 1 large onion, chopped, 2 medium carrots, diced, and 2 celery stalks, chopped. Sauté these vegetables until they start to soften and become fragrant, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Then, add 3 garlic cloves, minced and cook for just one more minute, stirring constantly until you can smell that wonderful garlicky aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Step 3: Combine Ingredients and SimmerReturn the cooked sausage to the pot. Add the 4 medium Russet potatoes, diced, and give everything a good stir to combine. Pour in 6 cups chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – that’s where a lot of flavor lives! Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer. You want to cook it until the potatoes are fork-tender, which typically takes about 20 minutes. This part of how to make sausage potato soup is all about letting those flavors meld beautifully, creating a fantastic sausage and potato soup recipe.
- Step 4: Thicken and FinishFor that signature creamy texture, you have a couple of options. You can gently mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot with your spoon, or for an even thicker soup, carefully use an immersion blender to pulse about half of the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. This is key for a truly creamy sausage potato soup. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and warm it through slowly, taking care not to let the soup boil after adding the cream. Finally, taste your masterpiece and season with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, or adjust as needed.
Pro Tips for the Best Sausage Potato Soup
To elevate your soup from good to absolutely amazing, try these simple tricks. These tips will help you achieve the most flavorful and satisfying bowl of comfort.
- For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of Italian sausage and a smoked sausage like kielbasa.
- Don’t skip mashing some potatoes or using an immersion blender; this creates a wonderfully creamy texture without needing extra thickeners.
- If you prefer a lighter soup, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk, though it won’t be quite as rich.
What’s the secret to perfect sausage potato soup?
The secret to the best sausage potato soup lies in building layers of flavor. Browning the sausage well and then deglazing the pot with broth to capture those browned bits is crucial. Also, don’t overcook the potatoes; they should be tender but not mushy. For more tips on building flavor in soups, check out this guide to making soup stock.
Can I make sausage potato soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this soup a day in advance. Cool it completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. The flavors often meld even better overnight!
How do I avoid common mistakes with sausage potato soup?
A common pitfall is a bland soup. To prevent this, ensure you properly brown the sausage and don’t be shy with seasonings. If you find your sausage potato soup is bland, it might be due to not browning the aromatics enough or not adding enough salt and pepper. Also, avoid over-mashing the potatoes, which can make the soup gummy.
Best Ways to Serve Sausage Potato Soup
This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but serving it with the right accompaniments makes it even more special. For a truly satisfying experience, I love serving generous bowls of this sausage potato soup alongside crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also provides a lovely fresh contrast to the rich soup. If you’re feeling adventurous, create a loaded sausage potato soup bar with toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, sour cream, and chopped chives. It’s a fantastic way to let everyone customize their bowl!
Nutrition Facts for Sausage Potato Soup
This recipe provides a hearty and satisfying meal, and understanding the sausage potato soup calories can help you incorporate it into your diet. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving, which typically yields about 1.5 cups of soup.
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, such as the fat content of the sausage and whether you opt for heavy cream or a lighter substitute.
How to Store and Reheat Homemade Sausage Potato Soup
This delicious sausage potato soup is perfect for making ahead, which means you can enjoy this comforting meal on demand. Once you’ve finished cooking, it’s important to let the soup cool down properly before storing. Allow it to cool at room temperature for about an hour, then transfer it to airtight containers. For refrigeration, store it in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. If you plan to keep it longer, this soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just ensure your containers are freezer-safe and leave a little headspace for expansion.
When you’re ready to reheat your homemade sausage potato soup, you have a couple of easy options. On the stovetop, gently warm it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. Avoid boiling, especially if you’ve added cream, as it can cause separation. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. If the soup seems a bit thick after chilling or freezing, you can add a splash of chicken broth or milk while reheating to achieve the perfect consistency. Enjoy your comforting bowl!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sausage Potato Soup
What makes this sausage potato soup so creamy?
The creaminess comes from a combination of factors! Mashing some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot creates a natural thickener. For an even richer, more decadent texture, we stir in heavy cream at the end. This makes it a truly satisfying bowl, almost like a hearty sausage potato chowder.
Can I make sausage potato soup without cream?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter version or have dietary restrictions, you can definitely make sausage potato soup no cream. Simply omit the heavy cream. You can achieve a nice thickness by mashing more potatoes or even using an immersion blender to purée a portion of the soup. Using whole milk or half-and-half is also an option for a bit of creaminess without the richness of heavy cream.
What kind of sausage works best in this soup?
I find that Italian sausage, whether mild or hot, provides the best flavor base for this soup. Its blend of herbs and spices really complements the potatoes and vegetables. However, you could also experiment with other types of sausage, like a good quality breakfast sausage or even a smoked sausage like kielbasa, cut into bite-sized pieces.
Why is my sausage potato soup bland?
If your soup isn’t as flavorful as you’d like, it’s usually due to a few common reasons. Make sure you’re browning the sausage well and capturing all those flavorful bits left in the pan. Properly sautéing your onions, carrots, and celery until they’re softened and slightly caramelized also builds a solid flavor foundation. Don’t be afraid to season generously with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process, tasting and adjusting as you go. Sometimes, a pinch of dried thyme or a bay leaf simmered in the broth can add extra depth.
Variations of Sausage Potato Soup You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic sausage potato soup, you might want to explore some fun variations. These tweaks can change the flavor profile, cooking method, or dietary suitability of this already fantastic dish. For a truly hands-off approach, consider making a sausage potato soup slow cooker version. Just brown the sausage and sauté the veggies first, then toss everything else into your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours. Similarly, you can adapt this to an sausage potato soup instant pot recipe for a quick weeknight meal in under 30 minutes.
- Spicy Sausage Potato Soup: Use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onions for a fiery kick.
- Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese during the last few minutes of cooking until melted for a decadent, cheesy finish.
- Smoked Sausage Potato Soup: Swap the Italian sausage for smoked sausage like kielbasa or andouille, sliced into rounds, for a different smoky flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Sausage Potato Soup: Use plant-based Italian-style sausage crumbles and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
This hearty sausage potato soup is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can make it even more special. Consider serving it with a side of freshly baked cornbread or a simple side salad. For a more substantial meal, a grilled cheese sandwich is always a winner. If you’re looking for more easy family dinner ideas, this soup is a fantastic option.
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Sausage Potato Soup: 4 Steps to Comfort
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and creamy sausage potato soup recipe that is easy to make and perfect for a comforting meal. This homemade sausage potato soup balances savory Italian sausage with tender potatoes in a rich broth.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 4 medium Russet potatoes, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Remove most of the excess fat from the pot, leaving about one tablespoon.
- Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir. Add diced potatoes and stir to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen browned bits. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
- Mash some potatoes against the side of the pot or pulse half the soup with an immersion blender for a thicker texture.
- Stir in heavy cream, warming slowly without boiling. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Ladle the sausage potato soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
- Add spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.
- For a richer flavor, stir in shredded cheese before serving.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
- Serve with crusty bread or a side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: N/A
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