Hearty Sausage Potato Soup Recipe

Imagine a steaming bowl filled with tender potatoes, robust Italian sausage, and a velvety broth brimming with comfort—that’s the magic of Hearty Sausage Potato Soup. This soup gives you the best of cozy, homestyle cooking in every spoonful, marrying the savoriness of sausage with creamy potatoes and aromatic herbs. Whether you’re serving it up for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a soul-soothing meal you’ll crave all season long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Hearty Sausage Potato Soup is how uncomplicated these ingredients are, yet every one is essential for building up layers of flavor, color, and texture. From vibrant veggies to aromatic spices, everything plays a crucial role in creating a rich and satisfying bowl.

• Italian Sausage (1 lb): Choose mild or spicy depending on your heat preference; it’s the backbone of the soup’s savory depth.
• Yellow Onion (1 medium, chopped): Onions add a touch of sweetness and help build a mellow base.
• Celery (2 ribs, chopped): Don’t skip it! Celery brings earthiness and crunch to balance out the creamy elements.
• Carrots (2 large, peeled and chopped): These brighten the soup with natural color and a gentle sweetness.
• Butter (2 tablespoons, salted or unsalted): Richness for sautéing and developing silky mouthfeel.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds big flavor with aromatic punch, especially when briefly sautéed.
• Dried Marjoram (½ teaspoon): A unique, sweet herb that pairs beautifully with potato dishes.
• Dried Thyme (½ teaspoon): Essential for classic soup flavor; woody and lemony undertones.
• Dried Basil (¼ teaspoon): Just a pinch infuses gentle herbal notes without overpowering.
• Red Pepper Flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): A little heat goes a long way—sprinkle as much or little as you want.
• All-Purpose Flour (3 tablespoons): Helps thicken the broth into a lovely, creamy consistency.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (4 cups): The base that pulls all the flavors together; low-sodium gives you better control over seasoning.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes (1½ lbs, chopped): These potatoes are buttery and hold their shape well; perfect for soup.
• Heavy Cream (⅔ cup, at room temperature): Stirred in at the end for that luscious, creamy finish.
• Kosher Salt, to taste: Enhances all the flavors; add little by little so it’s just right.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste: Delivers a gentle bite that cuts through the richness.
• Optional Toppings: Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, chopped chives, croutons—all are welcome for extra flavor and fun.

How to Make Hearty Sausage Potato Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Veggies

Start with a large Dutch oven or sturdy soup pot over medium heat. Crumble in your Italian sausage and let it brown, breaking it up as it cooks. As soon as it’s halfway cooked, toss in the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. This combo not only boosts flavor but also softens the vegetables so they melt seamlessly into the soup’s base.

Step 2: Infuse with Butter and Aromatics

Once the sausage is fully cooked and the veggies have taken on a little color, add enough butter to make 3 tablespoons total fat in the pot. Turn the heat down to low, then stir in minced garlic, marjoram, thyme, basil, and red pepper flakes if you want a tiny kick. Let these aromatics sizzle gently for about a minute—the kitchen will smell incredible!

Step 3: Thicken with Flour

Sprinkle the flour right over everything in the pot and stir until the veggies and sausage are well coated. Let it cook for one to two minutes; this step toasts the flour’s raw taste away and starts thickening the soup before liquid is added.

Step 4: Build the Broth and Simmer

Slowly pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, stirring the whole time to avoid any lumps. Add your chopped Yukon Gold potatoes, then bring the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let everything simmer until the potatoes and carrots are perfectly tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. This is where the magic really happens, as all those flavors meld.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Season

Take the pot off the heat and pour in the heavy cream—make sure it’s at room temperature so it blends into the soup without curdling. Stir gently until everything is silky and smooth. Now’s the perfect time to taste and add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for the final seasoning touch. Ladle into bowls and add your favorite toppings for the ultimate Hearty Sausage Potato Soup experience!

How to Serve Hearty Sausage Potato Soup

Garnishes

This soup is made for toppings! Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for a gooey melt, add a dollop of cool sour cream, scatter fresh chives for a pop of green, or toss on croutons for a delightful crunch. Customizing with garnishes lets everyone make their bowl extra special.

Side Dishes

With Hearty Sausage Potato Soup as the star, keep sides simple and satisfying. Think slices of hearty sourdough or crusty baguette perfect for dunking, a crisp green salad with a zingy vinaigrette to cut the richness, or even warm, buttery biscuits. These sides perfectly balance the hearty soup and round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a memorable twist, serve the soup in bread bowls for extra coziness. If you’re hosting, try ladling the Hearty Sausage Potato Soup into espresso cups as a fun appetizer shooter, or top mini bowls with a handful of microgreens for an elevated look. Presentation can be as simple or as playful as you want—it’s all about warmth and joy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover Hearty Sausage Potato Soup cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavors often deepen even more by day two. When you’re ready for another bowl, just give everything a quick stir as it may thicken slightly overnight.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, this soup freezes fairly well. To help preserve the creamy texture, it’s best to freeze it before adding the heavy cream. Cool the soup, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw gently in the refrigerator, then reheat and stir in the cream just before serving for optimal silkiness.

Reheating

For reheating, use a pot over medium-low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid boiling after adding the cream to keep everything smooth and luscious—just heat until perfectly steamy and ready to ladle again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While Italian sausage brings classic flavor to Hearty Sausage Potato Soup, feel free to swap in chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a smoked sausage for something a little different. Just keep in mind that each variety will lend its own unique taste and texture.

What are the best potatoes for this soup?

Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their buttery texture and ability to hold their shape during simmering, but you can substitute with red potatoes or even Russets in a pinch. Just be aware that Russets will break down more, making the soup a bit thicker.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream?

For a dairy-free twist, try stirring in canned coconut milk or unsweetened oat or cashew cream. The result will be slightly different in taste but still rich and creamy, letting you enjoy Hearty Sausage Potato Soup regardless of dietary needs.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop, then transfer everything (except cream and toppings) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are fork-tender, then stir in the cream just before serving.

How can I make it spicier?

If you love a little more heat, simply use hot Italian sausage and increase the red pepper flakes to your liking. You can also add a diced jalapeño with the veggies for an extra kick or offer hot sauce on the side for a customizable spice level in each bowl.

Final Thoughts

Nothing says comfort quite like a homemade bowl of Hearty Sausage Potato Soup—it’s pure coziness in a pot! Give this recipe a try the next time you want something hearty, flavorful, and sure to win hearts at the table. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious spoonful!

Print