This creamy Sausage Potato Soup is warm and filling, packed with tasty sausage, tender potatoes, and rich flavors. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl!
I love making this soup on chilly days. It warms me right up and makes my house smell amazing! Plus, it’s super easy—just throw everything in and let it simmer!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Sausage: You can use any type of sausage you like—mild or spicy based on your taste. If you’re looking for a lighter meal, try turkey or chicken sausage. For a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a meaty texture.
Potatoes: I recommend using Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for creaminess. If you want to bump up the nutrition, sweet potatoes are an excellent alternative—they add a different flavor and color!
Heavy Cream: While cream adds richness, you can substitute it with half-and-half or even milk for a lighter soup. If dairy-free is your goal, coconut milk or cashew cream works surprisingly well and adds a unique flavor.
Chicken Broth: This gives the soup its base. If you’re vegetarian, feel free to use vegetable broth instead. Homemade broth is also a great option if you have some lying around.
How Do I Cook the Sausage Just Right?
Cooking the sausage properly is crucial to avoid that greasy taste. Here’s how:
- Start by heating your pot over medium heat, adding oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Add the sausage and break it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s nicely browned—this should take around 5-7 minutes.
- Keep an eye on the heat; if it’s too high, the sausage might burn. You want it cooked through without excess fat pooling in the pot, so drain any excess if necessary.
Taking the time to brown the sausage gives this soup its wonderful depth of flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure My Potatoes are Perfectly Tender?
The key to tender potatoes is cutting them into even-sized cubes, about 1 inch thick. This allows them to cook evenly.
- Add the potatoes to the pot after the sausage is browned, and then cover with broth. Bringing everything to a boil before simmering helps them cook thoroughly.
- Check for tenderness by piercing them with a fork at the 15-minute mark. If they aren’t fork-tender yet, give them a few more minutes and check again.
Soft potatoes will melt in your mouth and soak up all the delicious flavors!
How to Make Sausage Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground sausage (mild or spicy, according to preference)
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, making a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once heated, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take about 4-5 minutes. This sets a flavorful base for your soup!
2. Add the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly until fragrant. This releases all those lovely garlic flavors that will make your soup irresistible!
3. Brown the Sausage:
Next, add the ground sausage to the pot. Using a spoon, break it up while cooking. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through—this will take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain some of it off!
4. Spice It Up:
Now, stir in the smoked paprika and dried thyme (or Italian seasoning) and cook for 1 more minute. This will enhance the aromas and flavors in your soup.
5. Add the Vegetables:
Drop in the cubed potatoes and drained diced tomatoes into the pot, stirring well to combine everything.
6. Bring to a Boil:
Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
7. Cook Until Tender:
Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Check the potatoes for tenderness by piercing them with a fork; they should be nice and soft!
8. Stir in the Cream:
Once the potatoes are tender, slowly stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Heat through, but be careful not to boil, as this can curdle the cream.
9. Season and Serve:
Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color!
10. Enjoy!
Serve hot with crusty bread or your favorite side dish. Enjoy your comforting and hearty Sausage Potato Soup!
This soup is perfect for chilly days and is sure to warm your heart. Happy cooking!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use any type of ground sausage you prefer, whether it’s spicy, mild, chicken, or turkey. For a vegetarian option, try using plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a similar texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, and if it thickens too much, you can add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Sausage Potato Soup! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove over low heat.
What Can I Serve with Sausage Potato Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or some garlic bread. You could also serve it with crackers or biscuits for a wholesome meal!