This Sausage Potato Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, this soup combines the savory taste of Italian sausage with tender potatoes and vibrant vegetables. It’s an easy recipe that you can prepare on the stovetop or in a Crock Pot, making it a versatile option whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This soup can be made in just 60 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and Filling: With a combination of sausage and potatoes, it’s satisfying enough to serve as a main course.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it great for leftovers.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this soup is sure to please everyone.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking this Sausage Potato Soup easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you need to gather before starting.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Crock Pot (optional)
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Crock Pot: Great for those who prefer slow cooking, allowing for deep flavor development without constant monitoring.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
- Knife and cutting board: Necessary for efficiently chopping vegetables.
Ingredients
To make this delicious Sausage Potato Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Herbs and Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon EACH: dried parsley, oregano, mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 lb. ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- ½ cup diced carrots
- 2 ribs celery (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Additional Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ¼ lbs. red potatoes (about 6 small potatoes)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
How to Make Sausage Potato Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop your vegetables into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Once the sausage is cooked through, add butter to the pot. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Add Flour and Broth
Sprinkle flour over the sautéed mixture and stir well. Cook for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually stir in chicken broth while scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Incorporate Potatoes and Seasonings
Add diced red potatoes along with dried herbs, pepper, soy sauce, and hot sauce. Bring everything to a gentle boil then reduce heat to simmer. Cover the pot and cook until potatoes are tender.
Step 6: Finish with Cream and Cheese
Stir in heavy cream. If using cheddar cheese, add it now as well. Stir until melted and combined thoroughly. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot.
Enjoy your warm bowl of delicious Sausage Potato Soup, perfect for any day!
How to Serve Sausage Potato Soup
Sausage Potato Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
Top with Cheddar Cheese
- Adding shredded cheddar cheese on top creates a melty, creamy texture that complements the soup’s flavor.
Serve with Crusty Bread
- A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup, providing a satisfying crunch.
Pair with a Side Salad
- A fresh side salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the soup. Consider a simple green salad or a Caesar salad.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkling fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top brings vibrant color and enhances the aroma of the dish.
Offer Hot Sauce on the Side
- For those who enjoy a bit of heat, serving hot sauce alongside allows everyone to customize their spice level.
How to Perfect Sausage Potato Soup
To make your Sausage Potato Soup even more delicious, consider these helpful tips.
- Use quality sausage – Opt for high-quality Italian sausage for better flavor and texture.
- Cut potatoes evenly – Chop the potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly throughout.
- Adjust thickness – If you prefer a thicker soup, add more flour or reduce the chicken broth slightly.
- Balance flavors – Taste and adjust seasoning as needed; sometimes a touch more salt or pepper can elevate the dish.
- Let it simmer longer – Allowing the soup to simmer longer enhances its flavors and gives it time to thicken slightly.
- Add veggies – Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Sausage Potato Soup
Sausage Potato Soup pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread – This classic side is perfect for soaking up every last drop of soup.
- Coleslaw – The crunchiness and tanginess of coleslaw provide a nice contrast to the creamy soup.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables can add depth and nutrition to your meal.
- Stuffed Peppers – These can serve as an exciting complement packed with flavor and texture.
- Baked Apples – For a sweet ending, baked apples offer a warm, comforting dessert that balances savory flavors.
- Cornbread – Moist cornbread adds sweetness and pairs perfectly with the heartiness of Sausage Potato Soup.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges make for an excellent side that echoes the potato element in your soup.
- Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad refreshes the palate between bites of rich soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Sausage Potato Soup can be simple, but it’s easy to make common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using old or stale ingredients can affect flavor. Always check the freshness of your vegetables and herbs before cooking.
Skipping the sauté step: Not sautéing the sausage and vegetables first can lead to less flavor. Take the time to brown the sausage and soften the onions for a richer taste.
Not adjusting seasoning: Failing to taste your soup as it cooks may result in blandness. Regularly sample and adjust salt, pepper, and spices as needed.
Overcooking potatoes: Cooking potatoes too long can make them mushy. Add them at the right time and keep an eye on their texture for a perfect bite.
Neglecting dairy integration: Adding cream too early can cause it to curdle. Stir in heavy cream towards the end of cooking for a smooth finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Sausage Potato Soup lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Sausage Potato Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months; just leave out the cheese until reheating.
Reheating Sausage Potato Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
- Stovetop: Place in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers some common questions about making Sausage Potato Soup.
How do I make my Sausage Potato Soup thicker?
To thicken your soup, you can add more flour or use a cornstarch slurry. Blend some of the soup and stir it back in for a creamy texture.
Can I use different types of sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute with chicken sausage or turkey sausage if you prefer a leaner option while still getting great flavor.
What vegetables can I add to Sausage Potato Soup?
Feel free to customize by adding spinach, corn, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color!
Is this Sausage Potato Soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Just remember to leave out any dairy until you’re ready to reheat it.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Sausage Potato Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust spice levels to suit your taste. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or feeding a crowd—give it a try today!
Sausage Potato Soup
Indulge in the warmth and richness of Sausage Potato Soup, a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings. This creamy soup combines savory Italian sausage with tender red potatoes and fresh vegetables, creating a hearty meal that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. With its delightful blend of flavors and textures, it’s an ideal choice for both cozy evenings at home and entertaining guests. In just under an hour, you can create a satisfying bowl of goodness that everyone will love!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- ½ cup diced carrots
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1¼ lbs red potatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground Italian sausage until fully cooked.
- Add butter and sauté onions, celery, carrots, and garlic until softened.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook for a couple of minutes before gradually adding chicken broth.
- Stir in diced potatoes along with seasonings; bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Finish by stirring in heavy cream (and cheese if desired) until melted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
