Sausage Potato Soup

Sausage Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights and family gatherings. This rich and cheesy soup combines savory Italian sausage, tender baby potatoes, and fresh vegetables in a creamy broth. It’s an easy-to-make dish that warms you from the inside out, making it ideal for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a hearty bowl of goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of Italian sausage and cheddar cheese creates a mouthwatering taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, this recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it as a main dish or pair it with hearty bread for a complete meal that satisfies all appetites.
• Comforting Warmth: This soup is perfect for cold days, offering warmth and comfort in every spoonful.
• Family-Friendly: With its cheesy goodness and familiar ingredients, even picky eaters will love this dish.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your Sausage Potato Soup, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Medium pot
• Wooden spoon
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for cooking the soup evenly while allowing ample space for ingredients to combine.
• Whisk: Essential for ensuring a smooth consistency when mixing the milk and flour mixture.

Ingredients

Sausage Potato Soup is rich, cheesy, and comforting, with Italian sausage, baby potatoes, and veggies in a creamy broth.

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2-1/4 cups mirepoix (or 3/4 cup each: diced carrots, celery, and yellow onion)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 4 cups chopped baby gold potatoes (no need to peel)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 4 cups chicken stock (or broth)
• 6 tablespoons flour
• 3 cups milk (1%, 2%, or whole)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups freshly shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• Hearty buttered bread (for serving, optional)

How to Make Sausage Potato Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and let it sear for about one minute. Use a wooden spoon to crumble it as it cooks until it’s deeply browned. Transfer the sausage to a plate lined with paper towels while leaving about one tablespoon of grease in the pot. If there isn’t enough grease left, add one tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot where you cooked the sausage, melt one tablespoon of butter. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté these vegetables for about five to seven minutes or longer if they are cut larger. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional thirty seconds.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

Stir in chopped baby potatoes along with dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken stock and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it cook for fifteen to twenty minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Mixture

While your potatoes are cooking, melt four tablespoons of butter in a separate medium pot over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook while whisking constantly for one minute. Slowly pour in milk while whisking until smooth. Continue cooking while whisking until this mixture thickens slightly and gently boils. Stir in heavy cream before removing from heat.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Once your vegetables are tender, stir in the milk/cream mixture into the soup base. Turn off heat before adding shredded cheese in small handfuls while stirring gently until melted. Add sour cream next before returning cooked sausage to the soup mix. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste.

Step 6: Serve Your Soup

Serve your warm Sausage Potato Soup with hearty buttered bread on the side if desired! Enjoy this comforting meal with family or friends on those chilly days!

How to Serve Sausage Potato Soup

Sausage Potato Soup is a delightful meal that warms the soul. Here are some creative ways to serve this comforting dish to elevate your dining experience.

Pair with Hearty Bread

• Crusty Baguette – A warm, crusty baguette complements the creamy texture of the soup.
• Garlic Bread – The rich flavors of garlic bread enhance the savory notes in the soup.
• Dinner Rolls – Soft dinner rolls are perfect for dipping into the soup.

Add Fresh Toppings

• Chopped Green Onions – Sprinkle for a fresh, crunchy bite that adds color.
• Crispy Bacon Bits – Adds a smoky flavor and extra crunch, making each spoonful even more delicious.
• Shredded Cheese – A little extra cheese on top can make it even more indulgent and cheesy.

Serve in Unique Bowls

• Bread Bowls – For a fun twist, serve your soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for added flavor and presentation.
• Mason Jars – Individual servings in mason jars make for a charming presentation at gatherings.

Garnish Creatively

• Fresh Parsley or Basil – A sprinkle of herbs brightens the dish visually and adds freshness.
• Sour Cream Drizzle – A swirl of sour cream on top makes for an appealing finish and adds creaminess.

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How to Perfect Sausage Potato Soup

To achieve the best version of Sausage Potato Soup, consider these essential tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and quality sausage will enhance flavor significantly.
• Adjust Thickness – If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or add more flour to your roux.
• Experiment with Spices – Try adding red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for an extra kick of flavor.
• Let It Sit – Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Sausage Potato Soup

Sausage Potato Soup pairs well with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garden Salad – A light salad balances the richness of the soup and adds freshness.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies provide additional nutrients and enhance the meal’s heartiness.
3. Cheese Quesadillas – Crispy quesadillas filled with cheese are perfect for dipping into your comforting soup.
4. Stuffed Peppers – Flavorful stuffed peppers can be a filling side that works well with this hearty dish.
5. Coleslaw – The crunchiness of coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to creamy soups like this one.
6. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits – Fluffy biscuits add warmth and comfort while perfectly soaking up the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Sausage Potato Soup, there are common pitfalls that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Using the wrong sausage: Choosing a low-quality sausage can lead to bland soup. Opt for high-quality Italian sausage for richer flavor.
• Skipping the mirepoix: Not incorporating mirepoix (carrots, celery, and onion) can make your soup taste flat. This mix adds essential depth and sweetness.
• Not cooking potatoes enough: Undercooked potatoes will ruin the texture of your soup. Ensure they are fork-tender before adding other ingredients.
• Adding cheese too quickly: If you add cheese all at once, it may clump instead of melt smoothly. Gradually stir in cheese for a creamy consistency.
• Over-seasoning: Too much salt or pepper can overwhelm flavors. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning at the end for balance.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Sausage Potato Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
• The soup is best if consumed within 2-3 months.

Reheating Sausage Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and heat in a covered dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls; stir halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Sausage Potato Soup:

Can I use different types of sausage for Sausage Potato Soup?

Yes, feel free to experiment with chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter option. Just ensure it has good flavor.

How do I make my Sausage Potato Soup spicier?

To add heat, consider using spicy Italian sausage or adding red pepper flakes during cooking.

Can I substitute heavy cream in Sausage Potato Soup?

Absolutely! You can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version.

What can I serve with Sausage Potato Soup?

This comforting soup pairs well with hearty buttered bread or a fresh side salad.

Final Thoughts

Sausage Potato Soup is not only rich and comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste. Try this delightful recipe today and experience its warm satisfaction!