This Sausage Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with rich, savory flavors from Italian sausage, tender red potatoes, and a creamy broth. With simple ingredients like chicken broth, heavy cream, and a blend of aromatic spices such as basil, oregano, and mustard powder, this soup is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. The addition of cheddar cheese makes it extra indulgent. This hearty, flavorful potato soup with sausage is easy to make and perfect for chilly days. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting a dinner party, this creamy sausage potato soup is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

Seasonings:

1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon each dried parsley, oregano, mustard powder
¼ teaspoon pepper

Soup:

1 lb. ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
2 tablespoons butter
1 yellow onion, diced
½ cup diced carrots
2 ribs celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce
5 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 ¼ lbs. red potatoes (about 6 small potatoes), diced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:

Cook the sausage: If using sausage links, remove the casings. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the sausage. Break it apart with a spoon, cooking for about 10-12 minutes until browned and crumbled. Once fully cooked, remove the sausage and set it aside, reserving 1 tablespoon of the drippings. (If you don’t have drippings, use butter instead.)
Cook the vegetables: Add the reserved sausage drippings (or butter) back into the pot. Heat over medium and add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Make the base: Stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes. Slowly add the chicken broth, stirring to loosen any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the heavy cream, soy sauce, hot sauce, and the prepared seasonings. Stir well to combine.
Cook the potatoes: Clean and dice the red potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Add them to the soup and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Add the sausage: Return the cooked sausage to the pot, stirring to combine. If using, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated.
Serve: Reduce the heat to low and give the soup one last stir before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sausage Potato Soup is a rich, comforting dish with a perfect balance of flavors. The Italian sausage gives it a savory depth, while the creamy base and seasoned broth make it irresistibly satisfying. Red potatoes are soft and tender in the soup, absorbing all the delicious flavors, while cheddar cheese (if added) gives it a cheesy, indulgent finish. This easy-to-make soup is ideal for a cozy family dinner or meal prep, offering both comfort and hearty nutrition.

Tips

Use quality sausage: The flavor of your soup depends on the sausage, so choose a good quality Italian sausage. Both mild and hot varieties work great, depending on your spice preference.
Thicken your soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, allow it to simmer longer, or you can mash some of the potatoes to help naturally thicken the broth.
Stir regularly: Stir the soup occasionally to prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom of the pot and ensure even cooking.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegetarian version: Swap the sausage for a vegetarian sausage or beans like cannellini beans for a hearty plant-based version.
Different cheese: If you don’t have cheddar, you can use Parmesan, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
Add greens: Toss in a handful of fresh spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrition and color.
Add more vegetables: Feel free to include other vegetables like zucchini, corn, or peas for extra flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen potatoes? It’s best to use fresh red potatoes in this recipe, as frozen potatoes may not hold their shape well when cooked in the soup.

Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, this soup keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days. In fact, the flavors may even improve as it sits. Just reheat gently before serving.

Can I freeze this soup? While you can freeze it, the texture of the potatoes may change after freezing and reheating. If you plan to freeze, omit the cheese and add it fresh when you reheat the soup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Sausage Potato Soup with a side of crusty bread, garlic bread, or breadsticks to soak up the creamy broth. It pairs well with a light green salad to balance the richness of the soup. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, top each bowl with additional cheddar cheese or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Enjoy!