“`html

If you’re craving a bowl of cozy comfort, this Sausage Potato Soup Recipe hits every note just right. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender potatoes and savory Italian sausage, it’s a wonderfully satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out. Every spoonful blends hearty textures with just the right balance of herbs and a luscious velvety broth, making it an instant favorite for chilly nights or whenever you need a bit of soul food delivered straight from your kitchen.

The image shows a creamy soup in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The soup has several layers of ingredients visible: soft yellow potato chunks, small orange carrot pieces, browned ground meat bits, and green herbs scattered throughout. The creamy broth is pale yellow with a smooth texture, blending all the ingredients together. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side, partly immersed in the soup. Fresh parsley leaves are visible in the background, adding a touch of green to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may be simple, but each plays an essential role in building the rich flavors, creamy texture, and appealing color that make this soup unforgettable. From the savory sausage to the fresh herbs and sharp cheddar, every component contributes something special.

1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot): The soul of the soup, adding robust savory flavor and a satisfying meaty bite.
5 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): Key for sautéing and creating a silky base for the cream sauce.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Enhances cooking and helps develop beautiful caramelization on the sausage and vegetables.
2-1/4 cups mirepoix (or 3/4 cup each diced carrots, celery, and yellow onion): This classic vegetable mix brings sweetness, depth, and texture layers to the soup.
1 teaspoon minced garlic: Adds a punch of aromatic flavor that brightens the broth.
4 cups chopped baby gold potatoes: No peeling needed here—the tender skins add rustic charm and body.
1 teaspoon dried parsley: A subtle herbaceous note that complements the sausage perfectly.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings a gentle earthiness that lifts the overall flavor.
4 cups chicken stock (or broth): The flavorful liquid that holds everything together with savory sweetness.
6 tablespoons flour: The thickening agent for a luxuriously creamy soup base.
3 cups milk (1%, 2%, or whole): Blends with butter and flour for that smooth, velvety texture you love.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and indulgent creaminess.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing all flavors beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon pepper: Provides a gentle hint of heat without overwhelming the dish.
2 cups freshly shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese: The melty, sharp star that makes this soup irresistible.
1/4 cup sour cream: Adds breezy tang and silky mouthfeel harmonizing the flavors.
Hearty buttered bread (for serving, optional): Perfect for soaking up every last spoonful of the delicious broth.

How to Make Sausage Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating your pot over medium-high heat to get it nice and hot. Toss in the Italian sausage, letting it sear for a minute before breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s deeply browned and packed with flavor. Remove it to a paper-towel-lined plate, preserving about a tablespoon of the sausage grease for extra richness. If it’s looking a little dry, add a splash of olive oil to keep the base lush for the next step.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Using the same pot, melt a tablespoon of butter and toss in the diced carrots, celery, and onion. These veggies need a few minutes to soften and develop that sweet depth, so cook them gently for about 5 to 7 minutes. Right before you finish, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for 30 seconds to fill your kitchen with irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Herbs

Now it’s time for the star ingredient: the baby gold potatoes. Stir them into the pot along with dried basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken stock, bringing everything to a boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the potatoes cook through until fork-tender—around 15 to 20 minutes. This simmer phase builds the hearty foundation of your soup.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Sauce

While your potatoes are gently cooking, melt four tablespoons of butter in a separate medium-sized pot over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and keep stirring for about a minute to cook off any raw flour taste. Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture is perfectly smooth. Let it cook until it thickens and bubbles gently, then stir in the heavy cream before removing it from the heat. This luscious sauce is what transforms the soup into the creamy comfort food you adore.

Step 5: Combine and Add Cheese

When your potatoes are tender, stir in the warm cream sauce from the other pot. Turn off the heat and carefully add the extra-sharp cheddar cheese, handful by handful, stirring gently until the cheese melts and melds beautifully. A swirl of sour cream goes in next, followed by returning the browned sausage to the pot. Give everything a good mix and taste to adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve Your Soup

Ladle the hot, creamy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe into bowls, ideally accompanied by hearty buttered bread for dipping. It’s a bowlful of pure comfort and joy that’s perfect any time you want a satisfying homemade meal.

How to Serve Sausage Potato Soup Recipe

Sausage Potato Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

While this soup is delicious on its own, adding a garnish can elevate the experience. Try fresh chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of extra shredded sharp cheddar or a dollop of sour cream on top adds richness and visual appeal. For an extra touch of indulgence, crispy bacon bits or fried shallots also work wonders.

Side Dishes

A bowl of Sausage Potato Soup Recipe pairs beautifully with crusty, buttered bread—you’ll want something sturdy for dunking. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are also fantastic side options. If you’re aiming for a lighter accompaniment, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the rich soup perfectly, brightening up your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining or family dinners, serve this soup in small bread bowls to impress your guests and make cleanup a breeze. Layering it with toppings bar-style invites everyone to customize their bowl. Alternatively, be playful and present it as part of a cozy soup and sandwich combo, using grilled cheese or a panini for a nostalgic, comforting pairing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, the Sausage Potato Soup Recipe stays fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. It’ll maintain its creaminess for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing with the cheese garnishes added—hold off and add those fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to keep the soup smooth and creamy. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. Microwave reheating works too, but stir frequently to avoid hot spots and keep the texture perfect.

FAQs

Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage works as a leaner alternative, and it still adds plenty of flavor. Just keep in mind it might be a bit milder, so consider adding extra herbs or a pinch of spice to keep your soup vibrant.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?

There’s no need to peel the baby gold potatoes, which saves prep time and adds a nice rustic texture to your soup. The skins are tender and nutritious, blending right into the creamy broth.

Can this soup be made dairy-free?

With a few substitutions, yes. Swap butter for olive oil or a dairy-free alternative, use a plant-based milk like almond or oat, and leave out the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute. The flavor will differ slightly but still delicious.

What can I use if I don’t have chicken stock?

Vegetable broth is a great alternative that keeps the soup flavorful. You can also use water with added herbs and seasoning in a pinch, but stock really enhances the depth of taste.

Is it possible to make this soup spicier?

Definitely! Choose hot Italian sausage instead of mild, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes while sautéing the veggies, or top each bowl with a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat according to your liking.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage Potato Soup Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s creamy, comforting, and loaded with hearty flavors that bring people together around the table. Whether you’re feeding the family or cozying up solo, this recipe is bound to become one you reach for time and again. I hope you love making and enjoying it as much as I do!

“`