Sausage potato soup is a hearty and comforting dish packed with savory sausage, tender potatoes, and a rich, creamy broth. This one-pot meal is perfect for chilly days, offering a delicious balance of flavors with minimal effort. Whether you prefer it spicy, creamy, or loaded with extra vegetables, this soup is easy to customize to your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and flavorful – Savory sausage adds depth to the broth.
- One-pot meal – Easy to make and requires minimal cleanup.
- Warm and comforting – Perfect for fall and winter meals.
- Customizable – Easily add vegetables, spices, or different types of sausage.
- Great for leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), diced
- Onion, chopped
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, diced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Heavy cream or milk
- Olive oil or butter
- Salt and black pepper
- Dried thyme
- Paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Directions
- Cook the sausage – In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove excess grease if needed.
- Sauté the vegetables – Add onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add potatoes and broth – Stir in the diced potatoes, broth, thyme, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Make it creamy – Stir in the heavy cream and let it heat through for a couple of minutes without boiling.
- Serve – Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve with crusty bread.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- Dairy-Free – Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
- Extra Veggies – Add spinach, kale, or bell peppers for more nutrients.
- Cheesy Twist – Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan before serving.
- Slow Cooker Method – Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add cream at the end.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals.
- Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
What’s the best type of sausage to use?
Italian sausage (mild or spicy) works best, but you can also use smoked sausage or breakfast sausage.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes! Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape well, while Russet potatoes create a creamier texture.
How do I thicken the soup?
Mash some of the potatoes or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! This soup is naturally gluten-free, just ensure the broth and sausage are GF-certified.
What side dishes go well with this soup?
Serve with crusty bread, biscuits, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the soup will be less rich. For a thicker texture, try half-and-half.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook the sausage on Sauté mode, then add the ingredients and pressure cook on High for 8 minutes, followed by a quick release. Stir in the cream at the end.
Can I add cheese to this soup?
Absolutely! Shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or Gouda would add great flavor.
How long does this soup last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Can I substitute the sausage with another protein?
Yes! Try using ground turkey, chicken, or bacon for a different twist.
Conclusion
Sausage potato soup is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors, creamy texture, and easy one-pot preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you make it spicy, cheesy, or packed with extra veggies, this soup is always a satisfying choice. Enjoy with a side of bread for a cozy meal!
PrintSausage Potato Soup
This Sausage Potato Soup is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, featuring savory sausage, tender potatoes, and a luscious broth. It’s an easy one-pot meal that’s perfect for cozy nights, meal prep, or family dinners!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 large potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet, diced into ½-inch cubes)
- 3 cups chicken broth (or more, if needed)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% preferred)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (chopped, optional but recommended)
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
For Serving:
- Crusty bread (perfect for dipping!)
- Extra Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sausage & Aromatics
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart (about 5-7 minutes). Remove excess grease if needed, leaving 1-2 tbsp for flavor.
- Stir in the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer the Soup
- Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Cream & Greens
- Stir in milk, heavy cream, and spinach/kale. Simmer for 5 minutes, until the greens are wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Notes
- Make It Spicier: Use hot Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes.
- Lighter Version: Replace heavy cream with extra milk or unsweetened coconut milk.
- Extra Thick Soup? Mash some of the potatoes before serving.
- Storage: Keeps in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.