If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to whip up but still packs a punch of flavor, then you’re going to fall in love with this Sausage Potato Soup Recipe. I absolutely love how this soup comes together with tender red potatoes and savory Italian sausage simmered in a creamy broth—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just want something satisfying and cozy, you’ll find that this recipe hits all the right notes without being complicated. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through my favorite way to make it, plus some tips I’ve learned along the way to make sure your soup turns out perfect every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Comforting Flavor: The combo of Italian sausage, creamy broth, and red potatoes creates a classic taste that always satisfies.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these in your pantry and fridge, making it an easy go-to.
- Versatile Method: Whether you want to cook it on the stove or in the slow cooker, this recipe adapts perfectly.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this soup, and I bet yours will too after the first spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sausage Potato Soup Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that come together to create a velvety and deeply flavorful soup. I always recommend using fresh vegetables and quality sausage to really boost the taste. Red potatoes are my top pick here because they hold their shape beautifully during simmering.
- Italian sausage: Hot or mild works — I prefer hot for a little extra kick, but mild keeps it mellow for everyone.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the veggies while building flavor.
- Yellow onion: A must for that sweet, savory base.
- Carrots: They bring a subtle sweetness and great texture.
- Celery: Adds a nice aromatic crunch.
- Garlic: A powerhouse that lifts all the flavors.
- Flour: Helps thicken the broth so the soup has a luscious texture.
- Soy sauce: You’ll be surprised how much depth this adds without making it taste “soy-saucey.”
- Hot sauce: Just a splash to brighten flavors, not to overpower.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base; homemade or store-bought both work well.
- Heavy cream: Makes the soup silky smooth and indulgent.
- Red potatoes: About six small ones, cubed — they hold shape and add creaminess as they cook.
- Cheddar cheese (optional): I usually toss some in at the end for a melty cheesy finish, but it’s entirely up to you.
- Seasonings: Dried basil, parsley, oregano, mustard powder, and pepper perfectly round out the taste.
Variations
I love that you can tweak this Sausage Potato Soup Recipe depending on what you have on hand or what mood you’re in. Adding your own spin keeps it exciting and means you can easily accommodate different dietary needs or preferences.
- Make it milder: Use mild Italian sausage and skip the hot sauce if you’re serving kids or prefer less heat—I’ve done this many times and it still tastes fantastic.
- Add veggies: Corn is a great boost of sweetness and color; I stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking for a fresh pop.
- Dairy-free option: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese or omit cheese altogether—you’ll still get a creamy texture with a subtle twist.
- Slow cooker version: If you’re short on time in the morning, toss everything (except cream and cheese) into your crock pot and let it cook all day—perfect for busy weekdays.
How to Make Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage with Love
Start by removing the casings from your sausage links if you bought them that way—I learned this trick after struggling with uneven cooking once. Preheat a large pot over medium heat and add the sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. About halfway through, cover it partially so it cooks through evenly without drying out, stirring occasionally. This takes about 10-12 minutes. Once it’s nice and browned, scoop it out and reserve a tablespoon of the flavorful drippings. If you don’t have enough, just add some butter instead. Trust me, those drippings make a big difference in flavor!
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies to Build Flavor
Using the same pot with reserved drippings and butter, toss in your diced onions, celery, and carrots. Cook these for about 5 minutes until they soften and the onions turn translucent—this step is where lots of flavor develops. Add in minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn. You’ll notice the kitchen starts smelling amazing right here.
Step 3: Make the Roux and Add Liquids
Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste—this thickens the soup. Then splash in chicken broth bit by bit, stirring well and scraping the bottom with your spatula to lift up any tasty browned bits (this little trick amps up flavor and makes cleanup easier!). Once combined, slowly stir in the heavy cream, soy sauce, hot sauce, and all your dried seasonings. Bring the pot to a boil, and then reduce to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Add Potatoes and Simmer to Perfect Tenderness
I like to clean and dry my red potatoes well before cutting them into roughly 1-inch cubes—that way they cook evenly and don’t fall apart. Add them to your simmering soup and let everything bubble away, uncovered, for about 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. If you rush this or use a starchier potato, you might end up with mush, and I learned that the hard way!
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Once the potatoes are perfectly tender, stir the cooked sausage back into the soup and let it warm through. If you’re feeling cheesy, turn the heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar until it melts into the soup, adding a velvety richness that my family adores. Now, it’s time to dish up and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
- Use Red Potatoes: They hold their shape better than russets, so your soup stays chunky instead of mushy.
- Don’t Skip the Drippings: Those little bits of pork fat carry so much flavor—reserve and use them in place of some butter if you can.
- Scrape the Pot Bottom: When adding broth, use a spatula to loosen browned bits—that’s flavor gold!
- Simmer Uncovered: Letting the soup simmer without a lid thickens it naturally and concentrates flavors better.
How to Serve Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
When I serve this soup, I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. Sometimes I’ll add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess, especially for a little tang that cuts through the richness. A little extra shredded cheddar never hurts either if you’re serving cheese lovers like me at the table!
Side Dishes
A warm crusty bread, like a rustic baguette or sourdough, is my go-to for dipping. Garlic bread also pairs beautifully if you want something flavor-packed. For lighter sides, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls made from hollowed-out sourdough rolls—total crowd-pleaser and adds a rustic charm! You can also top each serving with crisp crumbled bacon or fried shallots to elevate the texture and flavor. For a fun twist, try garnishing with a little chopped fresh jalapeño for a mild heat surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover sausage potato soup in airtight containers in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to dig in again, just give it a good stir before reheating so the flavors redistribute evenly.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, but I recommend undercooking the potatoes slightly to avoid them becoming too mushy after thawing. Freeze in portion-sized containers or freezer bags, and it lasts for up to 3 months. When I thaw it, the texture is almost as good as fresh, which is a lifesaver for busy weeks.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat while stirring frequently. Adding a splash of broth or water helps loosen the soup if it’s a bit thick. Avoid boiling once cream and cheese are added, so the soup stays silky and doesn’t split.
FAQs
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Can I use different types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage works best for its seasoning, you can swap in breakfast sausage, chorizo, or even turkey sausage. Just make sure to adjust seasonings and spice levels accordingly to maintain the right flavor balance.
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Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage crumbles or use hearty beans and mushrooms for umami. You’ll want to replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the dairy or use plant-based alternatives to keep it vegetarian friendly.
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Is this soup spicy?
The recipe includes hot sauce, but it’s just a subtle flavor enhancer—not spicy at all. If you want to add heat, feel free to add extra hot sauce or some red pepper flakes when cooking.
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Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the sausage and vegetables first, then add everything except cream and cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4. Stir in cream and cheese at the end off heat. It’s a super easy way to make this soup hands-off.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Potato Soup Recipe quickly became my go-to comfort meal whenever I need something satisfying but not complicated. It’s a wonderful blend of rich, creamy goodness balanced with hearty potatoes and savory sausage that fills the house with mouthwatering aromas. I genuinely hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as my family does—there’s something so warm and inviting about a bowl of homemade soup, and this one truly delivers every time. So grab your pot, prep your ingredients, and treat yourself—you deserve it!
PrintSausage Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 11 cups (approximately 6 servings)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Sausage Potato Soup is a comforting, delicious dish perfect for chilly days. Featuring savory Italian sausage, tender red potatoes, and a blend of aromatic seasonings, this creamy soup comes together easily on the stovetop or in a Crock Pot. Enhanced with cheddar cheese and a splash of heavy cream, it offers rich flavor and satisfying warmth in every bowl.
Ingredients
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Soup
- 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
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (e.g., Texas Pete)
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ¼ lbs. red potatoes (about 6 small potatoes), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Remove the casings if using sausage links. Heat a large pot over medium heat, add the sausage and crumble it while cooking. Once halfway cooked, partially cover and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked, about 10-12 minutes. Set aside sausage and reserve 1 tablespoon drippings (or use butter if none).
- Sauté Vegetables: Add reserved drippings and 2 tablespoons butter to the pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, celery, and carrots; cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Flour and Broth: Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually add chicken broth in splashes, scraping the bottom of the pot with a silicone spatula to incorporate flavorful browned bits.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Slowly stir in heavy cream, soy sauce, hot sauce, dried basil, parsley, oregano, mustard powder, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cook Potatoes: Add cleaned and cubed red potatoes to the soup. Simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until potatoes are fork tender.
- Combine and Cheese: Return cooked sausage to the pot and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted (optional), then serve hot.
Notes
- The mustard powder, hot sauce, and soy sauce enhance flavor without making the soup spicy or overpowering.
- Red potatoes are preferred for their waxy texture, holding shape better during cooking. Yukon Gold potatoes are a good alternative; Russets are starchier and less ideal.
- Add corn at the end of cooking for extra sweetness and texture if desired.
- For Crock Pot method, skip drippings, butter, and flour; cook sausage and vegetables in skillet first, drain well, then transfer to slow cooker with remaining ingredients except cream and cheese. Cook low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours. Stir in cream and cheese at the end.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers; refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months. Potatoes reheat best if not overcooked initially.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.8 cups (about 280g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 80mg