Sausage Potato Soup

Sausage Potato Soup is a delightful dish that warms the soul. This comforting soup combines rich, cheesy flavors with hearty Italian sausage and tender baby potatoes. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table. The creamy broth, loaded with veggies, makes it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of cheese and cream creates a luxuriously smooth texture that elevates the soup.
• Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples, making this recipe accessible for any home cook.
• Quick Preparation: With just 25 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious soup ready in under an hour.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Enjoy it as a main dish or alongside a salad or sandwich for a complete meal.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well, making it great for leftovers or freezing.

Tools and Preparation

To make Sausage Potato Soup successfully, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Medium pot
• Wooden spoon
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for cooking the entire soup at once while allowing enough space for all ingredients.
• Medium pot: Necessary for preparing the creamy mixture without overcrowding your main pot.
• Whisk: Essential for ensuring the milk mixture is smooth and lump-free.

Ingredients

Sausage Potato Soup is rich, cheesy, and comforting, with Italian sausage, baby potatoes, and veggies in a creamy broth.

Ingredients:
– 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
– 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2-1/4 cups mirepoix (or 3/4 cup each: diced carrots, celery, and yellow onion)
– 1 teaspoon minced garlic
– 4 cups chopped baby gold potatoes (no need to peel)
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 4 cups chicken stock (or broth)
– 6 tablespoons flour
– 3 cups milk (1%, 2%, or whole)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon pepper
– 2 cups freshly shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– Hearty buttered bread (for serving, optional)

How to Make Sausage Potato Soup

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and let it sear for about one minute. Use a wooden spoon to crumble the sausage as it cooks. Cook until deeply browned. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving about one tablespoon of grease in the pot. If needed, add one tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, melt one tablespoon of butter. Add diced carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for five to seven minutes (or seven to ten minutes if using larger veggies). Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional thirty seconds.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Seasonings

Stir in chopped potatoes along with dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and cook for fifteen to twenty minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Prepare Cream Mixture

While potatoes cook, melt four tablespoons of butter in a separate medium pot over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook while whisking constantly for one minute. Slowly pour in milk while whisking until smooth. Continue cooking until thickened and gently boiling. Stir in heavy cream before removing from heat.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once vegetables are tender, stir in the milk/cream mixture into the large pot. Turn off heat and gradually add shredded cheese while stirring gently until melted. Mix in sour cream then return cooked sausage to the soup. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve Your Soup

Serve warm with hearty buttered bread on the side if desired. Enjoy your delicious Sausage Potato Soup!

How to Serve Sausage Potato Soup

Sausage Potato Soup is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.
• Chives: Add finely chopped chives for a mild onion flavor that complements the soup well.

Accompanied by Bread

• Hearty Buttered Bread: Serve with warm, buttered bread for dipping into the creamy broth.
• Garlic Bread: The rich flavor of garlic bread pairs wonderfully with the soup.

Topped with Extras

• Shredded Cheese: Extra cheese on top adds richness and makes every bite more indulgent.
• Croutons: Crunchy croutons provide a delightful contrast to the creamy soup.

Served in Bowls

• Bread Bowls: For a creative twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun presentation.
• Classic Bowls: Use rustic ceramic bowls to enhance the comforting feel of this dish.

How to Perfect Sausage Potato Soup

To achieve the best results with your Sausage Potato Soup, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Sausage: Choose high-quality Italian sausage for optimal flavor in your soup.
• Don’t Rush Veggies: Sautéing vegetables until they are tender enhances their sweetness and depth.
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more flour or reduce the amount of chicken stock.
• Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for unique flavors.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go to ensure balanced seasoning throughout the cooking process.

Best Side Dishes for Sausage Potato Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Sausage Potato Soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options.

1. Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds freshness and crunch, balancing the creaminess of the soup.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables offer a warm, nutritious complement to your meal.
3. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs beautifully with savory soups, providing a delightful texture contrast.
4. Stuffed Peppers: These hearty stuffed peppers make for an excellent side dish packed with flavor and nutrients.
5. Baked Potatoes: A classic baked potato topped with sour cream can be a comforting addition to your meal.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings brightness and a refreshing touch to balance out the richness of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Sausage Potato Soup, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using the wrong sausage: Choosing a sausage that isn’t Italian can alter the flavor profile significantly. Stick to mild or hot Italian sausage for authentic taste.
• Not cooking the vegetables long enough: Under-cooked veggies can lead to a crunchy texture in your soup. Make sure to sauté them until they’re tender before adding potatoes.
• Skipping the cheese: Cheese adds creaminess and depth of flavor. Don’t forget it! Add shredded extra-sharp Cheddar for a rich finish.
• Overcooking the potatoes: If you cook the potatoes too long, they can become mushy. Check for doneness with a fork after 15 minutes.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Each ingredient has unique flavors. Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end for a perfectly seasoned soup.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Sausage Potato Soup can last in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Sausage Potato Soup

• Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Sausage Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, heat on medium power, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stir frequently until heated throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sausage Potato Soup?

Sausage Potato Soup is a creamy, hearty dish made with Italian sausage, baby potatoes, and vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth.

Can I customize Sausage Potato Soup?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like spinach or kale, or swap the sausage for chicken or turkey.

How do I make Sausage Potato Soup dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, use coconut milk instead of milk and heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can add cheesy flavor without dairy.

Is Sausage Potato Soup gluten-free?

If you replace the flour with a gluten-free thickener, such as cornstarch or rice flour, it can easily be made gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Sausage Potato Soup is not only rich and comforting but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or protein sources. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite that warms hearts and fills bellies!