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If you’re craving a bowl of cozy, creamy comfort that feels like a warm hug in every spoonful, this Sausage Potato Soup Recipe is going to be your new favorite. Packed with tender baby potatoes, savory Italian sausage, and a luscious blend of sharp cheddar and cream, it strikes the perfect balance between hearty and indulgent without being complicated. Whether you’re in need of a satisfying weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for family gatherings, this soup delivers incredible flavor and texture that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view of multiple white bowls and plates arranged on a white marbled surface, each filled with different ingredients for cooking. There is a square black tray in the center with raw ground beef, surrounded by white bowls containing diced orange carrots, chopped white onions, yellow chopped potatoes, and shredded orange cheese. Smaller white bowls hold what looks like minced garlic and mixed dried herbs. A white plate contains a block of butter, and a small pile of chopped green celery sits nearby. To the right, a white milk carton and a white bag of flour are partially visible. The overall scene is bright and colorful, showing fresh and prepared ingredients ready for cooking. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the flavors just right starts with simple, wholesome ingredients that blend together beautifully. Each one brings something special, from sweetness in the mirepoix to the rich creaminess of the dairy, creating that soul-warming harmony you expect from a great soup.

1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot): Choose your heat level here to customize the soup’s kick and flavor depth.
5 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): Used to develop richness and help create the creamy base for the soup.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a touch of fruitiness and helps brown the sausage nicely without burning.
2-1/4 cups mirepoix (or 3/4 cup each diced carrots, celery, and yellow onion): This classic vegetable trio forms the aromatic foundation and adds subtle sweetness and texture.
1 teaspoon minced garlic: Boosts savory layers with its fragrant and robust flavor.
4 cups chopped baby gold potatoes (no need to peel): The star of the dish, their creamy texture and slight earthiness elevate every bite.
1 teaspoon dried parsley: Provides a mild, fresh herbaceous note without overpowering the other flavors.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a delicate sweet aromatic flavor to complement the sausage.
4 cups chicken stock (or broth): The savory liquid base that brings everything together and intensifies the flavor.
6 tablespoons flour: Used to thicken the soup, making it luxuriously creamy and smooth.
3 cups milk (1%, 2%, or whole): Adds body and softness, balancing the spices and savoriness of the sausage.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Enriches the soup for that velvety, indulgent feel.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other ingredients.
1/2 teaspoon pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and bite.
2 cups freshly shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and a gooey, melty finish that makes the soup irresistible.
1/4 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess that brightens and rounds out the flavors wonderfully.
Hearty buttered bread (for serving, optional): Perfect for dipping and soaking up every bit of this delightful soup.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Sausage Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start with a large pot heated over medium-high. Add the Italian sausage and let it sear for a minute before using a wooden spoon to break it apart. Let it brown deeply to bring out those rich, caramelized flavors. Then transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving around one tablespoon of its flavorful grease behind. If the pan looks dry, add a splash of olive oil to keep things from sticking.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Next, melt one tablespoon of butter in the same pot and add your diced carrots, celery, and onion. These veggies should cook low and slow until they’re softened and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes, or slightly longer if your pieces are bigger. A quick stir-in of minced garlic at the end just elevates the whole aroma and taste profile.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Herbs

Bring in the stars of the show — the baby gold potatoes — along with dried basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken stock and let everything come to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Sauce

While the potatoes soften, melt the remaining butter in a separate medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk constantly for a minute to cook out the raw taste. Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture is completely smooth. Keep whisking as it thickens and just begins to bubble, then stir in the heavy cream and remove from heat. This luscious béchamel-style base is what makes this Sausage Potato Soup Recipe truly decadent.

Step 5: Combine and Add Cheese

Once your veggies and potatoes are tender, stir in the creamy milk mixture. Turn off the heat, then gradually add the shredded extra-sharp Cheddar, stirring gently so it melts into a rich, cheesy river of flavor. Finish by mixing in the tangy sour cream and returning the browned sausage to the pot. Give the soup a final taste and add salt or pepper as needed for a perfect balance.

Step 6: Serve Warm and Cozy

Dish up your soup in generous bowls and if you like, pair with some hearty, buttered bread for dipping. This is comfort food at its finest, guaranteed to fill you up and keep you smiling.

How to Serve Sausage Potato Soup Recipe

The image shows two close-up views of a black pot filled with a creamy, light beige sauce with visible pepper specks. In the first view, shredded bright orange cheese is being stirred into the sauce with a wooden spoon. In the second view, crumbled browned meat is placed on top of the same creamy sauce, piled in the center, showing the contrast between the smooth sauce and the textured meat. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling fresh chopped green onions, a touch of crisp bacon, or even extra shredded cheddar on top can add bursts of texture and flavor contrast that elevate the whole bowl.

Side Dishes

This soup shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a fresh crisp salad, crusty artisan bread, or a light side of roasted vegetables to round out the meal without overpowering the rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, try serving the soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out roll cups for a charming rustic look. You can also drizzle a touch of chili oil or swirl in some pesto to add exciting pops of color and spice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Sausage Potato Soup Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and creamy texture. Before reheating, give it a good stir since ingredients might settle.

Freezing

To enjoy this soup later, freeze it in meal-sized portions. However, take note that dairy-heavy soups can sometimes change texture upon thawing, so it’s best to use frozen soup within two months for optimal taste. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

Warm your soup slowly on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and to evenly distribute the creamy sauce. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up to your preferred consistency.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage will lighten the soup a bit but still add plenty of flavor—just be sure to select one that is well-seasoned to keep that savory punch.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?

Nope! Baby gold potatoes have tender skins that add an earthy texture and nutrients. Just be sure to wash them well before chopping.

Can this soup be made vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and substitute vegetable broth for the chicken stock. You can use smoked paprika or smoked tofu for some smoky depth.

What cheese works best if I don’t have sharp cheddar?

Sharp cheddar is ideal for its tang and meltability, but aged gouda, Fontina, or even a good quality Monterey Jack can be delicious substitutes.

Is this soup spicy if I use hot Italian sausage?

Using hot Italian sausage will add a nice gentle spice, but it’s usually well-balanced by the creamy base. If you want it milder, choose the mild sausage option.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage Potato Soup Recipe is the kind of meal that feels like a heartfelt invitation to slow down and savor every bite. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but special enough to share with friends and family when you want to impress with minimal fuss. Give it a try, and watch it become a deliciously comforting staple in your kitchen rotation.

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