This Sausage Potato Soup is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. With its rich and creamy texture, this soup combines the savory flavors of Italian sausage with tender potatoes and fresh vegetables. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or just need a warm meal on a chilly day, this recipe fits the bill. Plus, it’s easy to prepare on the stove top or in a Crock Pot, making it versatile for busy lifestyles.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious soup ready in no time.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of Italian sausage and fresh vegetables creates a mouth-watering taste that everyone will love.
- Creamy Comfort: The addition of heavy cream gives this soup a rich, comforting texture that warms you up from the inside out.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: You can easily make this soup on the stove top or use a slow cooker for added convenience.
- Family-Friendly Meal: This soup is packed with flavors and nutrients that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing your Sausage Potato Soup easier and more efficient. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
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: Ideal for cooking your soup evenly and allowing plenty of space for all ingredients.
- Crock Pot: Perfect for those who prefer to set it and forget it; great for busy days when you want dinner ready when you are.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this delicious Sausage Potato Soup:
Herbs and Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon EACH: dried parsley, oregano, mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Meat
- 1 lb. ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- ½ cup diced carrots
- 2 ribs celery (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Thickening Agents
- 3 tablespoons flour
Flavor Enhancers
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
Broth and Cream
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Potatoes
- 1 ¼ lbs. red potatoes (about 6 small potatoes)
Optional Topping
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
How to Make Sausage Potato Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating your large pot over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Once the sausage is cooked through, remove it from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add butter, diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Add Flour
Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to combine and cook for another minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Step 4: Pour in Broth & Seasonings
Gradually whisk in chicken broth while scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Add basil, parsley, oregano, mustard powder, pepper, soy sauce, and hot sauce.
Step 5: Incorporate Potatoes & Simmer
Add diced red potatoes back into the pot with the sausage. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Step 6: Finish with Cream & Cheese
Stir in heavy cream before serving. If desired, add shredded cheddar cheese as a topping for extra creaminess.
Enjoy your homemade Sausage Potato Soup warm with crusty bread or a salad!
How to Serve Sausage Potato Soup
Sausage Potato Soup is a hearty dish that warms the soul. You can serve it in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette: A slice of warm baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Garlic Breadsticks: These add a delightful crunch and garlic flavor that pairs well with the soup.
With Toppings
- Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for a pop of color and flavor.
- Crispy Bacon Bits: Add bacon for an extra layer of taste and texture.
As a Complete Meal
- Serve with Salad: A side salad adds freshness and balances the rich flavors of the soup.
- Pair with Grilled Cheese: The classic combo of grilled cheese sandwiches makes for a comforting meal.
How to Perfect Sausage Potato Soup
To elevate your Sausage Potato Soup, consider these simple tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Depending on your taste, feel free to modify the amount of hot sauce or sausage used.
- Blend for Creaminess: For an ultra-smooth texture, blend half of the soup before serving.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in additional vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition.
Best Side Dishes for Sausage Potato Soup
When enjoying Sausage Potato Soup, pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad balances the richness of the soup perfectly.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread complements the savory flavors of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add a great texture contrast.
- Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: These biscuits bring a cheesy element that pairs beautifully with the soup.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges echo the potatoes in the soup while adding crunch.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides a sweet contrast to the hearty soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can lead to a better Sausage Potato Soup experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your soup properly can result in bland flavors. Always taste and adjust seasonings as you cook.
- Overcooking the potatoes: If you leave potatoes in for too long, they can become mushy. Add them at the right time to maintain their texture.
- Neglecting the browning: Failing to brown the sausage and onions can miss out on rich flavors. Take time to sauté until golden before adding other ingredients.
- Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality ingredients can affect the final taste. Opt for fresh vegetables and good-quality sausage for better results.
- Rushing the cooking process: Cooking on high heat can lead to uneven results. Allow the soup to simmer gently for a more harmonious blend of flavors.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Sausage Potato Soup in an airtight container.
- It will remain fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Sausage Potato Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Sausage Potato Soup
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat until warmed through, about 25-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until hot, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, usually taking about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Sausage Potato Soup.
What makes this Sausage Potato Soup creamy?
The heavy cream added during cooking gives this soup its rich and creamy texture, making it comforting and satisfying.
Can I make Sausage Potato Soup in a Crock Pot?
Yes! Simply brown the sausage and vegetables first, then transfer everything into your Crock Pot with broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
How do I customize my Sausage Potato Soup?
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn, or swap out cheddar cheese for your favorite cheese variety.
What kind of sausage should I use?
You can use either hot or mild Italian sausage based on your flavor preference. Both options offer great taste!
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Sausage Potato Soup is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize it according to your taste. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a gathering, this cozy recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Don’t hesitate to try different ingredients and make it your own!
Sausage Potato Soup
Savor the warmth and comfort of this Sausage Potato Soup, a delightful blend of creamy texture and hearty flavors. Perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings, this soup features savory Italian sausage paired with tender potatoes and fresh vegetables. The addition of heavy cream creates a rich, satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out. Whether made on the stovetop or in a Crock Pot, this recipe is easy to prepare and versatile enough to suit any busy lifestyle. With just one taste, you’ll understand why this comforting bowl is a favorite among families!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop/Crock Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ¼ lbs red potatoes (about 6 small potatoes)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- ½ cup diced carrots
- 2 ribs celery (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon EACH: dried parsley, oregano, mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground Italian sausage over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter and sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add flour to the vegetables and stir well for another minute.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot to release flavor bits.
- Stir in herbs and return the sausage along with diced red potatoes. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for about 30 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Finally, stir in heavy cream before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
