A Hearty and Flavorful Comfort Meal
When it comes to warm, comforting meals that pack both flavor and nutrition, sausage potato soup is hard to beat. This satisfying, creamy soup combines the richness of Italian sausage with tender potatoes, savory vegetables, and spices, creating an unbeatable dish perfect for cozy nights. Below, we’ll walk you through each step to make this delicious sausage potato soup, from preparing the ingredients to perfecting the final touches. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients for Sausage Potato Soup
Seasonings
To achieve a balanced flavor, use these herbs and spices:
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Soup Ingredients
For a full-bodied, creamy soup, gather these ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground Italian sausage (hot or mild, depending on your preference)
- 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
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ¼ lbs. red potatoes (approximately 6 small potatoes), cleaned and cubed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate the soup’s presentation and flavor:
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions: How to Make Sausage Potato Soup
This soup is straightforward to make, but following each step carefully ensures a delicious, perfectly seasoned result.
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage
- Remove Casings and Cook the Sausage
If you purchased sausage in links, remove the casings to access the ground sausage. This makes it easier to crumble and cook evenly. - Cook the Sausage
Heat a large pot over medium heat, then add the sausage. Cook and crumble the meat as it browns. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes until fully browned. This step helps develop the savory flavors. - Reserve Drippings
Set the cooked sausage aside, keeping a tablespoon of the drippings in the pot. If you don’t have enough drippings, add an extra tablespoon of butter. These drippings will enhance the flavor of the vegetables.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add Butter and Cook the Vegetables
Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pot with the reserved drippings. Over medium heat, add the diced onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté these vegetables for 5 minutes until they start to soften and develop a slight sweetness. - Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute. Be careful not to overcook the garlic, as it can become bitter if it browns too much.
Step 3: Thicken the Soup Base
- Add Flour
Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of flour over the vegetables and cook for about 2 minutes. The flour will thicken the soup, creating a creamier consistency. - Incorporate Chicken Broth
Gradually pour in 5 cups of chicken broth, stirring continuously with a silicone spatula. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, as these will add rich, roasted flavors to the soup. - Add Heavy Cream and Seasonings
Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Add the soy sauce, hot sauce, and seasonings (dried basil, parsley, oregano, mustard powder, and black pepper). Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup with Potatoes
- Prepare and Add Potatoes
While the soup is heating, wash and pat dry the red potatoes. Cut them into 1-inch cubes, which will cook evenly without breaking down too much. - Simmer Until Tender
Add the potato cubes to the soup and bring everything to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for about 20-25 minutes. The potatoes should become fork-tender without disintegrating. - Reintroduce the Sausage
Once the potatoes are ready, add the cooked sausage back to the pot. Stir well to ensure the sausage is evenly distributed throughout the soup.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Garnish
- Incorporate Cheddar Cheese (Optional)
For an extra creamy texture, lower the heat and slowly stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted. This step is optional but adds a delicious, cheesy dimension to the soup. - Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with red pepper flakes and fresh parsley. The red pepper flakes will add a bit of heat, while parsley brings a fresh, bright note to each serving.
Tips for Making the Best Sausage Potato Soup
- Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. Using hot Italian sausage instead of mild can also add a pleasant heat.
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Red potatoes hold their shape well and are ideal for soups. Yukon Gold potatoes are another good option if you prefer a creamier texture.
- Storage and Reheating: Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream and cheese from separating.
Why Sausage Potato Soup is the Ultimate Comfort Food
This sausage potato soup brings together the hearty textures and flavors of ground sausage, tender potatoes, and vegetables in a creamy broth. The combination of soy sauce and hot sauce with classic Italian seasonings adds complexity and depth, making each spoonful a satisfying experience. With an optional cheesy finish and customizable spice level, this soup is adaptable to any palate.