Sausage Potato Soup

Rich, Cheesy, and the Ultimate Comfort Food

Simple Introduction

Sausage Potato Soup is the kind of recipe that instantly makes a house feel warm and welcoming. From the moment Italian sausage hits the pot and starts to brown, filling the kitchen with savory aroma, you know something comforting is on the way. This soup is thick, creamy, deeply flavorful, and loaded with tender baby potatoes, classic vegetables, and plenty of melted extra-sharp Cheddar cheese.

Unlike lighter brothy soups, Sausage Potato Soup is hearty enough to stand alone as a full meal. It’s the perfect choice for cozy evenings, family dinners, or anytime you want a satisfying bowl of homemade comfort food that feels indulgent yet familiar. The combination of browned sausage, buttery vegetables, creamy broth, and cheese creates layers of flavor that keep you coming back for just one more spoonful.

This recipe strikes the ideal balance between rustic and comforting. It’s not fussy, doesn’t require hard-to-find ingredients, and comes together in under an hour. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving something warm and filling, Sausage Potato Soup delivers every single time.

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

• Servings: 6

Equipment

• Large pot (6-quart)

• Medium pot

• Wooden spoon

• Whisk

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Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)

• 2¼ cups mirepoix (or ¾ cup each diced carrots, celery, and yellow onion)

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

• 4 cups baby gold potatoes, chopped (no need to peel)

• 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)

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 cups freshly shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese

• ¼ cup sour cream

• Hearty buttered bread, for serving (optional)

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Why You’ll Love This Sausage Potato Soup

There are countless soup recipes out there, but Sausage Potato Soup stands out for so many reasons:

1. It’s incredibly comforting.
Creamy, cheesy, and rich, this soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s exactly what you want on chilly evenings or when you need something deeply satisfying.

2. It’s filling enough to be a meal.
With protein-rich sausage, tender potatoes, and a thick creamy base, this soup doesn’t need much else. A slice of buttered bread is nice, but not required.

3. Simple, everyday ingredients.
No specialty items or complicated techniques here. Everything in this Sausage Potato Soup is easy to find and budget-friendly.

4. Perfect for families.
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Kids love the creamy texture and cheesy flavor, while adults appreciate the savory depth from the sausage.

5. Customizable.
Mild or spicy sausage, extra veggies, different cheeses—this soup adapts beautifully to your taste preferences.

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Ingredients Breakdown & Tips

Italian Sausage

Italian sausage is the backbone of flavor in Sausage Potato Soup. Mild sausage keeps it family-friendly, while hot Italian sausage adds a welcome kick. For best flavor, use pork sausage rather than chicken or turkey, as the fat adds richness to the soup base.

Tip: Brown the sausage well. Those caramelized bits left in the pot are pure flavor gold.

Potatoes

Baby gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape while becoming tender and creamy. There’s no need to peel them, which saves time and adds texture.

Tip: Cut potatoes into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.

Mirepoix (Carrots, Celery, Onion)

This classic trio creates a flavorful base that supports the richness of the soup without overpowering it.

Tip: Dice vegetables finely for a smoother, more cohesive soup texture.

Butter & Flour

These form a roux that thickens the soup. Cooking the flour briefly in butter removes any raw taste and ensures a silky final texture.

Milk & Heavy Cream

Milk creates the bulk of the creamy base, while a splash of heavy cream adds luxurious richness.

Tip: Whole milk yields the creamiest Sausage Potato Soup, but 2% works well too.

Cheddar Cheese

Extra-sharp Cheddar provides bold flavor that balances the creaminess.

Tip: Always shred cheese fresh—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

Sour Cream

A small amount of sour cream adds tang and balances the richness beautifully.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and let it sear undisturbed for about 1 minute to develop a deep brown crust. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and continue cooking until fully browned.

Transfer the sausage to a paper-towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of grease in the pot. If the pot seems dry, add a tablespoon of olive oil.

2. Cook the Vegetables

Reduce heat to medium. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the same pot. Add carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

3. Simmer the Soup

Add chopped potatoes, dried parsley, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

4. Make the Creamy Base

While the soup simmers, prepare the roux. In a medium pot, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Continue cooking, whisking often, until the mixture thickens and gently bubbles. Stir in the heavy cream and remove from heat.

5. Finish the Soup

Stir the creamy mixture into the soup pot. Turn off the heat. Add shredded Cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Stir in sour cream, then return the cooked sausage to the pot.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

6. Serve

Ladle Sausage Potato Soup into bowls and serve hot. Pair with hearty buttered bread for the ultimate comforting meal.

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Tips for Success

• Use freshly shredded cheese for smooth melting.

• Control thickness by adding extra broth for a thinner soup or simmering uncovered for thicker texture.

• Don’t boil after adding dairy to avoid curdling.

• Season gradually—sausage and cheese already add saltiness.

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Variations

Spicy Sausage Potato Soup

Use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat lovers.

Veggie-Loaded Version

Stir in spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition.

Bacon Lover’s Twist

Add crumbled cooked bacon on top for smoky crunch.

Lighter Version

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce cheese slightly.

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Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Cream-based soups can separate, but this one freezes fairly well. Cool completely and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Warm gently over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk or broth if needed.

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Serving Suggestions

• Crusty buttered bread or garlic toast

• Simple green salad with vinaigrette

• Roasted vegetables on the side

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Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 480–520 kcal

• Protein: 20–22 g

• Fat: 34–36 g

• Carbohydrates: 25–28 g

• Fiber: 3–4 g

• Sodium: ~900 mg

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Final Thoughts

Sausage Potato Soup is everything comfort food should be: warm, filling, and deeply satisfying. It combines the bold, savory flavor of Italian sausage with tender potatoes and a luxuriously creamy, cheesy broth that feels indulgent without being overly complicated. Every spoonful delivers rich flavor, balanced seasoning, and that cozy homemade quality that makes soup such a beloved meal.

What truly makes this Sausage Potato Soup special is its versatility. It works just as well for a quiet family dinner as it does for feeding guests, and it adapts easily to personal taste—spicier, cheesier, or packed with extra vegetables. It’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again because it’s reliable, comforting, and always satisfying.