If you’re craving a soulful bowl of something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Creamy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a luscious blend of hearty Italian sausage, tender red potatoes, and vibrant veggies all swimming in a rich, creamy broth that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or prepping something satisfying to enjoy throughout the week, this soup recipe offers that perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and texture that keeps you coming back for every last spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this soup is a breeze because each one plays an essential role in building the dish’s comforting layers of flavor and texture. From the savory sausage to the creamy broth and tender vegetables, every element contributes to what makes this recipe so memorable.
- 1 lb. ground Italian sausage (hot or mild): The star protein that brings bold, savory depth and a touch of spice.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables perfectly.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: Provides a sweet and aromatic base flavor.
- ½ cup diced carrots: Adds a natural sweetness and color to the soup.
- 2 ribs celery, diced: Lends a mild, refreshing crunch and balances the richness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with savory warmth and depth.
- 3 tablespoons flour: Thickens the soup, creating that dreamy creamy texture.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: A subtle umami kick that enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Offers gentle heat without overpowering the soup.
- 5 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that ties everything together.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the soup luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- 1 ¼ lbs. red potatoes (about 6 small potatoes): The hearty, waxy potatoes that hold their shape beautifully.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melts in for an extra layer of cheesy indulgence.
- Seasonings (1 tsp dried basil, ½ tsp dried parsley, ½ tsp oregano, ½ tsp mustard powder, ¼ tsp pepper): Blend together to add herbal nuance and subtle spice.
How to Make Creamy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by removing the casings if you bought sausage links, then heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and break it up as it cooks. When it’s halfway done, cover it partially and stir occasionally until fully cooked through, which takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Once cooked, set the sausage aside and reserve one tablespoon of the drippings for flavor-packed sautéing.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In the same pot, melt the reserved sausage drippings with butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions, celery, and carrots. Let them cook for about 5 minutes until they soften and start to become fragrant. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to bring out its sweet aroma.
Step 3: Create the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and stir it continuously for 2 minutes. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and begins building the soup’s creamy base. Slowly pour in the chicken broth in small splashes, scraping the bottom of the pot with your spatula to capture all those browned bits bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Add Cream and Seasonings
Once the broth is well incorporated, gently stir in the heavy cream, soy sauce, hot sauce, and the combined dried herbs and spices. Bringing it all together here sets the savory and aromatic tone that makes this soup so irresistible.
Step 5: Simmer with Potatoes
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat. Wash and cube the red potatoes into one-inch pieces and add them to the pot. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the potatoes are tender but still hold their shape.
Step 6: Finish with Sausage and Cheese
Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir everything together. Reduce the heat to low and, if you’re using cheese, fold it in so it melts beautifully into the creamy broth. Now, your Creamy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe is ready to be ladled up and enjoyed!
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or green onions really brighten up the bowl. Adding a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream can elevate the creaminess and add richness that balances out the sausage’s savory notes perfectly.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the luscious broth. For a lighter side, a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables brings a fresh contrast to this hearty dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it in rustic bread bowls for a pretty presentation that also doubles as edible serving vessels. Alternatively, layering with a drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top creates a beautiful pop of color and an extra dimension of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making leftovers taste even better.
Freezing
You can freeze this Creamy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe for up to three months. Just be sure the potatoes aren’t overcooked before freezing, as they can become a bit mushy when reheated. Freeze in portions for easy weeknight meals.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream while warming helps loosen any thickening and keeps the soup silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative that still imparts great flavor. Keep in mind it may be a little less fatty, so adding a touch of butter during sautéing can help maintain richness.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
You can! Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a similar umami effect. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, the Crock Pot method works wonderfully. Just cook the sausage and vegetables on the stove first, then combine everything except the cream and cheese in the Crock Pot for several hours before stirring those in at the end.
What type of potatoes work best?
Red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well during cooking. Yukon Gold potatoes work as a backup, but starchy Russets can turn mushy if overcooked, so adjust cooking times accordingly.
Does the hot sauce make the soup very spicy?
Not at all. The hot sauce adds depth and a subtle kick without overwhelming heat—perfect for those who enjoy gentle warmth without too much spice.
Final Thoughts
There is something so special about a homemade bowl of Creamy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe that feels like a celebration of cozy times at home. It’s straightforward to make, utterly satisfying, and perfect for sharing with loved ones on chilly days. I hope you dive into this recipe soon and experience the joy of crafting comfort from scratch—you deserve a little delicious warmth on your table!
PrintCreamy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
This Creamy Sausage Potato Soup combines hot or sweet Italian sausage with tender red potatoes and savory vegetables for a comforting, hearty bowl. Perfect for a cozy meal, it can be effortlessly prepared on the stovetop or in a Crock Pot, featuring a rich broth enhanced by cheese and cream for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 11 cups
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Soup
- 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
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Texas Pete or Frank’s)
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ¼ lbs. red potatoes (about 6 small potatoes), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Remove casings if using sausage links. Heat a large pot over medium heat, add the sausage and crumble it as it cooks. Cover partially and stir occasionally until cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Set aside sausage and reserve 1 tablespoon of drippings for cooking vegetables (or substitute with butter).
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add reserved sausage drippings and 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add diced onions, celery, and carrots; cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Create Roux and Add Liquids: Sprinkle flour over vegetables and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually add chicken broth in splashes, scraping the bottom of the pot with a silicone spatula to release flavors. Slowly stir in heavy cream, hot sauce, soy sauce, and seasonings (basil, parsley, oregano, mustard powder, and pepper).
- Simmer Potatoes: Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Add the cubed red potatoes. Simmer uncovered until potatoes are fork tender, approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Combine Sausage and Cheese: Stir the cooked sausage back into the soup. Reduce heat to low and, if desired, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined. Serve hot.
Notes
- The mustard powder, hot sauce, and soy sauce enhance flavor without making the soup spicy.
- Red potatoes hold their shape well; Yukon Gold can be a substitute. Russets are starchier and less ideal.
- Adding corn complements the soup and can be stirred in at the end of cooking.
- This soup stores well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freezes for up to 3 months; avoid overcooking potatoes for better reheating.
- Crock Pot Method: Cook sausage and vegetables in a skillet, drain excess grease, then combine all ingredients except cream and cheese in Crock Pot. Cook low 6 hours or high 4 hours, then stir in cream and cheese off heat before serving.
- This recipe appears on page 40 of The Cozy Cookbook.
