This Sausage Potato Soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Packed with flavors from Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and creamy goodness, this soup is an ideal choice for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. Whether you make it on the stove top or in a Crock Pot, it’s sure to warm your heart and fill your belly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage and herbs creates a savory base that’s simply irresistible.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a main course or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Creamy Texture: The addition of heavy cream makes each spoonful incredibly smooth and satisfying.
- Easily Scalable: Perfect for feeding a crowd, this recipe can be doubled or halved easily.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience seamless.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering the soup evenly and holding all the ingredients.
- Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pots while ensuring even mixing.
- Measuring spoons: Ensures accuracy in ingredient quantities for consistent flavor every time.
Ingredients
This Creamy Sausage Potato Soup features a delightful blend of ingredients that come together to create a nourishing meal.
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon EACH: dried parsley, oregano, mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- ½ cup diced carrots
- 2 ribs celery (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Thickening Agents and Liquids
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Vegetables
- 1 ¼ lbs. red potatoes (about 6 small potatoes)
Optional Toppings
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
How to Make Sausage Potato Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add butter to the pot along with diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Add Flour and Seasonings
Sprinkle flour over the sautéed mixture, stirring well to incorporate. Add dried basil, parsley, oregano, mustard powder, and pepper. Mix thoroughly for about 1 minute.
Step 4: Combine Liquids
Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce to simmer.
Step 5: Add Potatoes and Simmer
Add diced red potatoes to the pot. Cover and let simmer for approximately 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Step 6: Stir in Cream and Cheese
Once the potatoes are tender, stir in heavy cream and hot sauce. If desired, add shredded cheddar cheese at this point for an extra creamy texture.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional cheese if desired. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Sausage Potato Soup!
How to Serve Sausage Potato Soup
Sausage Potato Soup is a hearty dish that warms you up on chilly days. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious soup.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Bread: This tangy bread complements the creamy soup perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds flavor and makes for a delightful pairing.
- Breadsticks: Soft, warm breadsticks can be dipped into the soup for extra enjoyment.
Topped with Cheese
- Shredded Cheddar: Sprinkle some fresh cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy finish.
- Parmesan: Grated Parmesan adds a nutty flavor and enhances the overall taste of the soup.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the dish visually and adds freshness.
- Green Onions: Sliced green onions provide a mild onion flavor and add color to your bowl.
Served with a Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad pairs well with the richness of the soup.
- Mixed Greens Salad: Light and refreshing, this salad balances out the meal nicely.
How to Perfect Sausage Potato Soup
To elevate your Sausage Potato Soup, consider these tips for an even more delicious experience.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor significantly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preference.
- Cook Slowly: Allowing the soup to simmer longer develops deeper flavors in each ingredient.
- Blend for Creaminess: For an ultra-creamy texture, blend part of the soup before serving.
- Experiment with Sausage Types: Try different types of sausage like chicken or turkey for variations in taste.
Best Side Dishes for Sausage Potato Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Sausage Potato Soup can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some excellent options.
- Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized offer great flavor contrast.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provide a refreshing side that complements the richness of the soup.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs add texture alongside your soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers packed with rice and meat can create a filling meal combo.
- Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad offers a light and refreshing complement to hot soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Sausage Potato Soup can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can ruin it. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Using low-quality sausage: Cheap sausage can lead to bland flavors. Choose high-quality Italian sausage for the best taste.
- Not seasoning adequately: Underseasoning can leave your soup flat. Taste as you cook and adjust spices accordingly.
- Adding potatoes too late: If you add them at the end, they won’t cook properly. Add potatoes early in the cooking process for perfect tenderness.
- Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing vegetables enhances their flavor. Always sauté onions and garlic before adding liquids.
- Ignoring texture: A creamy soup should have a balance of smooth and chunky textures. Blend only part of the soup if you want some potato pieces left.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Let the soup cool completely before sealing it to maintain freshness.
Freezing Sausage Potato Soup
- You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion as it freezes.
Reheating Sausage Potato Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for 20-30 minutes until hot. Stir occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring between each until heated through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about Sausage Potato Soup, here are some common questions answered.
What is Sausage Potato Soup?
Sausage Potato Soup is a creamy and hearty dish made with Italian sausage, potatoes, and vegetables. It’s perfect for warming up on chilly days.
Can I make Sausage Potato Soup in a Crock Pot?
Yes! Simply brown the sausage and sauté vegetables first, then combine everything in the Crock Pot with broth and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.
How do I thicken Sausage Potato Soup?
To thicken your soup, you can blend a portion of it or add more flour during cooking. Cornstarch mixed with water also works well!
What can I serve with Sausage Potato Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh side salad. It also goes great with crackers for dipping!
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Sausage Potato Soup is not just delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or cheese options. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Sausage Potato Soup
Savor the warmth and comfort of this Sausage Potato Soup, a delightful combination of rich Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and a medley of fresh vegetables. This creamy soup is perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy a nourishing meal that fills your home with enticing aromas. Whether served on its own or paired with crusty bread, this soup guarantees satisfaction in every bowl.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 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)
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add butter followed by diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well. Add seasonings and mix for about a minute.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring; bring to a boil then reduce to simmer.
- Add diced red potatoes and cover; simmer for about 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and hot sauce; if desired, add shredded cheddar cheese for extra creaminess.
- Serve hot in bowls garnished with additional cheese if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
