This Sausage Potato Soup is not just deliciously creamy; it’s a hearty masterpiece, brimming with flavorful Italian sausage, tender baby gold potatoes, and a medley of fresh, wholesome vegetables. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for warming you up on a chilly evening and destined to become a beloved family favorite!

The Ultimate Creamy Sausage Potato Soup: A Comfort Food Classic

If you’re searching for a meal that offers both warmth and incredible flavor, look no further than this fantastic Creamy Sausage Potato Soup. Forget other creamy soups; this one takes the crown! Imagine succulent Italian sausage, soft, tender potatoes, and vibrant vegetables all swimming in a velvety, rich broth that’s infused with sharp Cheddar cheese and a hint of sour cream. It’s a step above your average soup and guaranteed to satisfy even the biggest appetites.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience. It’s especially perfect for those colder months when you crave something deeply nourishing and comforting. What makes this particular Sausage Potato Soup so special is its incredible depth of flavor without being overly complicated to prepare. We’ve even incorporated clever shortcuts to make your cooking journey smoother and quicker. For instance, consider picking up pre-chopped mirepoix (the classic blend of diced onions, celery, and carrots) from your grocery store, using pre-minced garlic, and leaving the skins on your baby gold potatoes. These small, time-saving tricks add up, ensuring you spend less time prepping and more time enjoying this delectable dish with your loved ones.

Why This Sausage Potato Soup Will Become Your New Favorite

There are countless reasons why this creamy Sausage Potato Soup stands out and is destined to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience:

• Irresistibly Creamy and Rich: The combination of whole milk, heavy cream, and freshly shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese creates an unparalleled creamy texture that’s pure indulgence. Every spoonful is smooth, luscious, and incredibly satisfying.
• Packed with Savory Flavor: The Italian sausage provides a robust, aromatic base, complemented by the earthy notes of vegetables and a medley of classic herbs. It’s a symphony of flavors that come together harmoniously.
• Hearty and Wholesome: This isn’t a light broth soup; it’s a substantial, filling meal that will keep you satisfied. The protein from the sausage and the carbohydrates from the potatoes make it a complete and nourishing dish, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
• Easy to Make with Smart Shortcuts: Despite its gourmet taste, the recipe is straightforward and accessible for cooks of all skill levels. With options like pre-cut vegetables and no-peel potatoes, you can significantly reduce prep time without compromising on quality or flavor.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: The flavors are universally appealing, making it a hit with both adults and children. You can adjust the spice level of the sausage to cater to everyone’s preference, from mild to a zesty kick.
• Customizable and Versatile: This recipe serves as an excellent foundation for customization. Want more veggies? Add them! Prefer a different type of cheese? Go for it! It’s flexible enough to adapt to your personal tastes and what you have on hand.
• Even Better as Leftovers: Like many great soups, this Sausage Potato Soup often tastes even more delicious the next day as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen. It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Sausage Potato Soup

Every great soup starts with quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create this comforting Sausage Potato Soup, along with tips for selection and preparation:

• Italian Sausage: This is the backbone of the soup’s robust flavor. Choose between hot Italian sausage for a spicy, warming kick or mild Italian sausage for a more gentle, savory taste. The fennel and other spices in Italian sausage infuse the entire soup with incredible character. Ensure you brown it well to develop deep, caramelized notes.
• Unsalted Butter: Essential for both sautéing your aromatics and creating the roux that thickens the soup. By using unsalted butter, you gain precise control over the overall sodium content of your dish, allowing you to season to perfection.
• Mirepoix (Diced Onion, Celery, and Carrots): This classic French aromatic base is non-negotiable for building a rich flavor foundation. These vegetables soften and sweeten as they cook, providing an indispensable depth of flavor. For ultimate convenience, many grocery stores offer pre-chopped mirepoix mixes, saving you valuable prep time.
• Minced Garlic: A critical flavor enhancer in countless savory dishes, garlic adds a pungent, savory layer that beautifully complements the Italian sausage. Freshly minced garlic offers the most vibrant flavor, but high-quality pre-minced garlic is a perfectly acceptable shortcut.
• Baby Gold Potatoes: These small, waxy potatoes are ideal for soups because they hold their shape well during simmering and contribute a creamy texture without becoming mushy. Leaving the skins on not only saves you a step but also adds a rustic visual appeal and a boost of fiber and nutrients. Cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Dried Basil & Parsley: These two Mediterranean herbs are classic companions to Italian sausage and tomato-based (though this isn’t) dishes. They provide an aromatic warmth. While dried herbs are convenient, feel free to substitute with fresh basil and parsley for an even brighter, more fragrant soup. If using fresh, double the quantity and add them towards the end of cooking.
• Chicken Stock: The primary liquid component that brings the soup together. Opting for good quality chicken stock over broth often provides a deeper, more complex flavor profile due to the way it’s prepared (typically from bones and vegetables simmered longer). However, a good chicken broth will also yield excellent results.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used in conjunction with butter to create a roux, which is the traditional thickener for many creamy soups and sauces. A well-cooked roux ensures a smooth, luscious consistency without a raw flour taste.
• Whole Milk: Contributes significantly to the soup’s luxurious creaminess. Whole milk provides the richest texture and flavor, but if you prefer a slightly lighter soup, 1% or 2% milk can be used, though the final product may be less indulgent.
• Heavy Cream: This is where the soup truly gets its decadent, velvety mouthfeel. Heavy cream adds an unparalleled richness and silkiness that shouldn’t be skipped for the best possible results. It balances the savory and tangy notes beautifully.
• Extra-Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The choice of cheese is vital for that signature cheesy goodness. Extra-sharp Cheddar provides a robust, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the sausage and cream. Crucially, always shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can lead to a grainy texture and less smooth melting.
• Sour Cream: Stirred in at the very end, sour cream adds a delightful subtle tang and a final boost of creaminess, perfectly balancing the savory and rich elements of the soup. Full-fat sour cream will deliver the best texture and flavor.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are essential for enhancing all the other flavors. Always taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process to ensure your soup is perfectly balanced to your preference.

How To Make This Delicious Sausage Potato Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this flavorful and comforting soup is a straightforward process. Follow these detailed instructions to achieve a perfect, creamy bowl every single time:

1. Brown the Italian Sausage: Begin by placing a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage. Allow it to sear undisturbed for approximately 1 minute to develop a flavorful crust. Then, using a wooden spoon or spatula, break the sausage into smaller pieces. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is deeply browned and thoroughly cooked through. This browning step is crucial for building a rich, foundational flavor for your soup. Once cooked, carefully transfer the browned sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon of rendered fat in the pot. If there isn’t enough grease left, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables: In the same pot with the reserved grease (or added olive oil), melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion (your mirepoix). Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or 7-10 minutes if your vegetables are cut into larger pieces, until they begin to soften and become translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
3. Simmer Potatoes and Seasonings: Add the uniformly chopped baby gold potatoes, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper to the pot, stirring well to ensure everything is coated and combined. Pour in the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and easily pierced with a fork.
4. Prepare the Cream Sauce (Roux): While the potatoes are simmering, prepare your creamy base. In a separate medium-sized pot, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly foamy, stir in the all-purpose flour. Cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute to create a roux and cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly, gradually pour in the milk (1%, 2%, or whole), continuing to whisk vigorously to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce. Cook the mixture, continuing to whisk, until it thickens to your desired consistency and gently boils. Finally, stir in the heavy cream and immediately remove the pot from the heat.
5. Combine and Finish with Creaminess: Once the potatoes in the main soup pot are tender, stir the prepared milk and cream mixture into the soup, combining it thoroughly. Turn off the heat completely. Begin adding the freshly shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, stirring gently and continuously after each addition until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated, creating a wonderfully smooth, luscious soup. Stir in the sour cream for a final touch of tang and velvety texture.
6. Return Sausage and Serve: Add the browned Italian sausage back into the soup, stirring to distribute it evenly. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference. Serve your rich and creamy Sausage Potato Soup warm, ideally accompanied by some hearty buttered bread for dipping.

Expert Tips for Crafting the Perfect Sausage Potato Soup

While this recipe is straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your Sausage Potato Soup from delicious to absolutely extraordinary:

• Shred Your Own Cheddar Cheese: This is arguably one of the most important tips for a truly creamy soup. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain cellulose or other anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly, resulting in a grainy or clumpy texture. For the silkiest, most luscious soup, always shred a block of extra-sharp Cheddar cheese yourself. The extra-sharp variety also offers a more profound and satisfying cheesy flavor that truly shines through.
• Mastering the Sausage Sear: Don’t just crumble your sausage immediately. Allow the Italian sausage to sear undisturbed for a minute or two on medium-high heat before breaking it apart. This initial sear creates a beautiful, deep brown crust and develops flavorful “fond” (caramelized bits stuck to the bottom of the pot). These bits will later be deglazed by the vegetables and stock, adding an incredible depth of umami flavor to your entire soup. Avoid over-stirring or crumbling the sausage too finely; slightly larger, textured pieces provide a more satisfying bite.
• Uniform Potato Cuts for Even Cooking: To ensure every potato piece in your soup is perfectly tender, it’s crucial to cut them into roughly the same size. This consistency guarantees they will cook at the same rate, preventing some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked. For baby gold potatoes, quartering them or cutting them into 1-inch pieces is generally ideal.
• Achieving a Lump-Free Roux: When making your cream sauce, continuous and vigorous whisking is your best friend. Cook the flour and butter mixture, whisking constantly, for at least a minute to eliminate any raw flour taste. Then, when gradually adding the milk, continue to whisk constantly and thoroughly. This diligent whisking technique will prevent lumps from forming, ensuring your soup’s creamy base is wonderfully smooth and silky.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning Throughout: The saltiness of chicken stock and Italian sausage can vary greatly between brands. Therefore, it’s essential to taste your soup at different stages of cooking—after adding the stock, after the potatoes simmer, and especially after incorporating the cheese and sour cream. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor profile that suits your palate.

What To Serve With Your Hearty Sausage Potato Soup

This rich and satisfying Sausage Potato Soup is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate the dining experience. Here are some excellent suggestions:

• Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Absolutely essential for soaking up every last drop of that creamy, delicious broth! A warm, crusty loaf of No-Knead Bread or soft, pillowy dinner rolls are perfect for dunking and savoring the flavors.
• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp and vibrant garden salad, perhaps with a light vinaigrette dressing, offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. It’s a wonderful way to balance the meal and add some freshness.
• Simple Roasted Vegetables: Healthy and delicious sides like tender roasted carrots, perfectly charred broccoli, or asparagus make excellent complements to the soup, adding extra nutrition and flavor without being too heavy.
• Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich: For the ultimate comfort food pairing, a warm, gooey grilled cheese sandwich is unbeatable. Dipping the cheesy sandwich into the creamy soup is a nostalgic and incredibly satisfying delight.
• Garlic Bread: A fragrant, buttery garlic bread provides another excellent vehicle for soaking up the soup, with its savory garlic notes harmonizing beautifully with the Italian flavors in the main dish.

Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Leftover Soup

One of the many delights of this Sausage Potato Soup is that its flavors often deepen and improve overnight, making it an ideal candidate for enjoying as leftovers. Proper storage and reheating are key to preserving its wonderful taste and texture:

• Refrigeration: Always allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it will remain fresh and delicious for 3-4 days.
• Reheating on the Stovetop: For best results, gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low to medium-low heat. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and to prevent the bottom from scorching. It’s important to avoid bringing the soup to a vigorous boil, as high heat can cause the dairy components to separate or the potatoes to become overly mushy. If the soup has thickened considerably in the fridge, add a splash of chicken stock or milk during reheating to achieve your desired consistency.
• Freezing for Longer Storage: This soup freezes remarkably well! Once it has cooled completely, ladle it into freezer-safe bags (laying them flat before freezing saves valuable freezer space) or sturdy airtight containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months without significant loss of quality. To enjoy, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop following the instructions above. Note that the texture of the potatoes might be slightly softer after freezing and thawing, but the overall flavor will still be excellent.

Creative Variations and Simple Substitutions to Explore

This Creamy Sausage Potato Soup recipe is incredibly versatile, inviting you to experiment and customize it to your personal preferences or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to get creative!

• Boost Your Veggies: Enhance the nutritional content and flavor by adding other vegetables. Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking until wilted, or incorporate diced bell peppers, frozen corn, or peas along with the potatoes for extra color and goodness.
• Alternative Meats: While Italian sausage is a classic choice, you can easily swap it out for other ground meats. Ground chicken or turkey sausage makes for a lighter alternative, while ground beef can offer a different savory profile. Ensure you season these alternatives well to match the flavor depth.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: To make this soup suitable for dairy-free diets, simply substitute dairy milk with unsweetened full-fat coconut milk or a rich plant-based milk like oat or cashew milk. Use a dairy-free butter alternative and a good quality dairy-free shredded cheese that is known to melt well. Plant-based sour cream can also be used for that final creamy tang.
• Amplify the Spice: For those who truly love heat, beyond opting for hot Italian sausage, you can further intensify the kick by adding a pinch or two of cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes along with the other dried herbs.
• Cheese Exploration: Don’t limit yourself to Cheddar! Experiment with other excellent melting cheeses like Monterey Jack for a milder flavor, Gruyere for a nutty depth, or even smoked Gouda for a wonderfully unique and smoky twist.
• Herb & Seasoning Switches: While basil and parsley are fantastic, fresh rosemary or thyme can also add beautiful aromatic dimensions to the soup. Add them along with the dried herbs for a different herb profile. A bay leaf can also be simmered with the stock and removed before serving for added depth.

Creamy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe

By Chelsea Lords

This incredibly rich, cheesy, and comforting Sausage Potato Soup features savory Italian sausage, tender baby gold potatoes, and a blend of fresh vegetables in a luscious creamy broth. It’s a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings

Equipment:

• Large Pot (6-quart capacity recommended)
• Medium Pot (for making the cream sauce)

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (choose mild or hot based on your preference)
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided for various steps)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (use if not enough sausage grease remains)
• 2-1/4 cups mirepoix (a mix of 3/4 cup each: diced carrots, celery, and yellow onion)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 4 cups chopped baby gold potatoes (no need to peel; ensure uniform size)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 4 cups chicken stock or broth
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (1%, 2%, or whole milk for creaminess)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground recommended, or to taste)
• 2 cups freshly shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese (shred your own for best melt)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (full-fat for richest results)
• Hearty buttered bread (for serving, optional, but highly recommended for dipping)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Sausage: Heat the large pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and let it sear for about 1 minute before crumbling it with a wooden spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is deeply browned. Transfer the cooked sausage to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving approximately 1 tablespoon of grease in the pot. If needed, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to reach this amount.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion (mirepoix). Sauté for 5-7 minutes (or 7-10 minutes for larger cuts) until they soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
3. Simmer Potatoes: Stir in the chopped baby gold potatoes, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Prepare Cream Sauce: While the potatoes cook, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in a separate medium pot over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously until smooth and lump-free. Cook, continuing to whisk, until the mixture thickens and gently boils. Stir in the heavy cream, then immediately remove from heat.
5. Combine and Finish: Once the vegetables in the main pot are tender, stir the prepared milk/cream mixture into the soup. Turn off the heat. Gradually add the freshly shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, stirring gently after each addition until it is completely melted and smooth. Stir in the sour cream.
6. Serve: Return the browned Italian sausage to the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired. Serve the creamy Sausage Potato Soup warm, ideally with hearty buttered bread for dipping.

Recipe Notes:

• Uniform Cuts: For consistent cooking and an appealing texture, ensure all your vegetables and potatoes are cut into roughly the same size pieces.
• Cheese Quality: For the best flavor and a wonderfully smooth, creamy soup, always use freshly shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese from a block. Pre-shredded varieties may contain additives that can result in a grainy texture.
• Storage Guidelines: Allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe bag (lay flat) or container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stovetop; add a splash of chicken stock or milk if needed to thin.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving):

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 533 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 23.8g
• Protein: 18.6g
• Fat: 41g
• Cholesterol: 110.6mg
• Sodium: 635mg
• Fiber: 2.3g
• Sugar: 6.8g

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