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If you’re craving a bowl of cozy comfort that hits all the right savory, creamy, and hearty notes, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Sausage Potato Soup Recipe combines tender red potatoes, flavorful Italian sausage, and a rich, velvety broth spiced with herbs and a touch of heat, creating a soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s simple to make but packed with layers of deliciousness that will keep you coming back for seconds and make it an instant favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You'll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to achieving that perfect harmony of taste and texture in this Sausage Potato Soup Recipe. Each component plays a vital role—from the aromatic herbs that gently elevate the flavors to the creamy cheese that adds indulgence and richness.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Adds a sweet and slightly peppery herbal note that brightens the soup’s flavor.
- Dried parsley, oregano, mustard powder (½ teaspoon each): These keep the seasoning balanced and savory with a subtle earthy complexity.
- Pepper (¼ teaspoon): For a gentle kick of spice that complements the sausage’s heat.
- Ground Italian sausage (1 lb): The star protein that brings bold flavor and satisfying heartiness; choose hot or mild based on your spice love.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Softens and sweetens the veggies while adding a silky mouthfeel.
- Yellow onion (1, diced): Provides a foundational sweetness and depth once softened.
- Diced carrots (½ cup): Give a slight natural sweetness and lovely color contrast.
- Diced celery ribs (2): Offers a refreshing crunch and subtle vegetal undertones.
- Minced garlic (3 cloves): Packs savory punch and aromatic warmth into every spoonful.
- Flour (3 tablespoons): The secret to thickening the soup to that perfect luscious consistency.
- Soy sauce (1 teaspoon): Boosts umami richness and brings complexity to the broth.
- Hot sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
- Chicken broth (5 cups): The flavorful liquid base that ties all ingredients together.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the soup irresistibly creamy and comforting.
- Red potatoes (1 ¼ lbs, about 6 small): Offer a tender, starchy bite that soaks up all those delicious flavors.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, optional): Melts into the broth for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
How to Make Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
First things first, remove the casings from your Italian sausage if you bought it in links. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the sausage. Cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through. This takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Set the sausage aside but be sure to reserve about a tablespoon of the drippings; these add a punch of flavor to the base of your soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the reserved sausage drippings and butter, warm your pot again over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions, celery, and carrots. Give them about 5 minutes to soften and develop delicious sweetness. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This vegetable medley forms the aromatic backbone of your soup.
Step 3: Create the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over your softened vegetables and stir constantly for about 2 minutes. This step cooks out the raw flour taste while helping your soup thicken beautifully. Slowly splash in some chicken broth while scraping the pot’s bottom; this technique lifts all the tasty browned bits—your soup's flavor goldmine. Keep stirring to avoid lumps.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Now it’s time to stir in the remaining chicken broth, heavy cream, soy sauce, hot sauce, and your dried herbs and pepper. Bring the mixture up to a boil to get everything melding together, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Your kitchen will start smelling like pure comfort in no time.
Step 5: Simmer the Potatoes
Wash and dry the red potatoes, then chop them into uniform 1-inch cubes. Add these directly to the steaming broth and let them cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until fork-tender. The potatoes absorb all those rich flavors while lending the soup a satisfying creaminess when they start breaking down slightly.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Return the cooked sausage to the pot, stirring everything together gently. If you’re a cheese fan, stir in shredded cheddar now and let it melt into the soup’s warmth. Reduce the heat to low and let it all come together in a rich, luscious finale. Now your dreamy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe is ready to ladle into bowls.
How to Serve Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions adds a burst of color and lightness to each bowl. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or extra shredded cheddar cheese to amp up the creaminess. For a little crunch, crispy bacon bits or toasted bread crumbs make excellent toppings that contrast beautifully with the soup’s smooth texture.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls, perfect for dipping and savoring every drop of that velvety broth. A simple side salad with bright vinaigrette can cut through the richness and refresh your palate, making your meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve your Sausage Potato Soup Recipe in sturdy ceramic bowls with a small skillet of melted butter and garlic bread on the side. For entertaining, try mini bread bowls or hollowed-out potatoes as edible serving vessels, turning each serving into a wow-worthy presentation that’s as fun as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness and flavors. When you’re ready to enjoy, give it a gentle stir to reincorporate any separated cream or cheese.
Freezing
This Sausage Potato Soup Recipe freezes well but if you plan to freeze, consider skipping the cheese initially and adding it fresh when reheating. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Adding a splash of broth or cream can revive the soup's creamy texture if it thickened too much in the fridge or freezer. Avoid using high heat to keep your soup smooth and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in the Sausage Potato Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage works beautifully, you can experiment with bratwurst, chorizo, or turkey sausage for different flavor profiles. Just adjust seasoning accordingly, especially if your sausage is already spicy or highly seasoned.
Is there a vegetarian option for this soup?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by swapping the sausage for hearty mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and feel free to add extra herbs and spices for depth.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the sausage and sauté the veggies on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the potatoes, broth, and seasonings, and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Stir in cream and cheese towards the end of cooking for best results.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If your soup feels thinner than you like, you can simmer it uncovered a bit longer to reduce it naturally. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it in, cooking for a few more minutes until thickened.
Can I substitute heavy cream for something lighter?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but keep in mind the soup won’t be as rich or creamy. To add body without cream, try blending some of the cooked potatoes before adding the sausage back in to create natural thickness.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Potato Soup Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly day — comforting, satisfying, and utterly delicious. It’s easy to make yet impressively flavorful, perfect for sharing with family and friends or simply savoring on a quiet evening. I hope you give it a try and find as much joy in cooking and eating it as I do!
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Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 11 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Sausage Potato Soup combines flavorful Italian sausage, tender red potatoes, and a creamy broth, seasoned with herbs and spices for a comforting meal. Perfect for chilly days, this stovetop soup is rich, cheesy, and full of satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Sausage and Dairy
- 1 lb. ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- ½ cup diced carrots
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ¼ lbs. red potatoes (about 6 small potatoes), cut into 1-inch cubes
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
Other Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 5 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Remove the casings from the sausage if using links. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the sausage. Crumble and cook until halfway done, then partially cover and continue cooking, stirring occasionally until fully cooked, about 10-12 minutes. Set aside the cooked sausage and reserve 1 tablespoon of the drippings. If no drippings are available, butter can be used.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the reserved sausage drippings along with 2 tablespoons butter to the pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, celery, and carrots, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add Flour: Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the soup.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot with a silicone spatula to incorporate browned bits for flavor. Slowly add heavy cream, soy sauce, hot sauce, and the dried herbs and spices (basil, parsley, oregano, mustard powder, and pepper). Stir well.
- Simmer with Potatoes: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Add the cubed red potatoes to the pot. Simmer uncovered until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 20-25 minutes.
- Finish the Soup: Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir to combine. Lower the heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese if using, allowing it to melt and enrich the soup. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a Crock Pot Method: Brown the sausage in a skillet, then add all ingredients except cheddar cheese to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding cheese at the end.
- Use mild or hot Italian sausage depending on your spice preference.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity to control the spice level in the soup.
- Red potatoes hold their shape well for soups, making them ideal for this recipe.
- Shredded cheddar cheese is optional but adds extra creaminess and flavor.

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