Sausage Potato Soup Recipes That Will Warm Your Soul This Winter

Have you ever craved a meal that feels like a warm hug on a cold day? That’s exactly what this sausage potato soup delivers. Growing up in the Midwest, soup season was serious business in our household. My mom would make her famous sausage potato soup on Sundays, and the rich aroma would fill our home, drawing everyone to the kitchen before dinner was even ready.

This sausage potato soup recipe has evolved over the years, becoming my go-to meal when friends come over or when I need something hearty that will feed my family for multiple meals. It strikes that perfect balance between creamy and chunky, savory and comforting. The Italian sausage adds just enough spice, while the potatoes provide that stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction we all crave when temperatures drop.

Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea or a comfort food recipe to add to your rotation, this soup won’t disappoint. Let me walk you through how to create this bowl of goodness that’s become a reader favorite on Stack Sip Snack.

Ingredients for Sausage Potato Soup

Sausage potato soup starts with quality ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor. The combination of savory sausage, hearty potatoes, and aromatic vegetables creates a foundation for one of the most satisfying soups you’ll ever make.

• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, depending on your preference)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1½ pounds russet potatoes (about 4 medium), peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups fresh kale or spinach, chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Substitution ideas:

• For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk
• Turkey sausage works great for a leaner option
• Sweet potatoes can replace russet for added nutrition and a slightly different flavor profile
• Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth for a different flavor base

Timing

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

This hearty sausage potato soup comes together faster than most homemade soups, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something homemade. It’s about 30% quicker than traditional potato soups that often require longer simmering times.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sausage Potato Soup

1. Brown the Sausage

Remove the sausage from its casing and add to a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked sausage to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the fat in the pot.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

Add olive oil to the pot with the sausage drippings. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t rush this step—properly sautéed vegetables build the foundation of flavor for your sausage potato soup.

3. Add Potatoes and Seasonings

Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Add the diced potatoes, dried thyme, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to coat everything in the oils and spices, letting the flavors meld for about 2 minutes.

4. Add Liquid and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer, cover partially, and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 minutes.

5. Add Finishing Touches

Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. If using kale or spinach, add it now and stir until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to combine.

Nutritional Information

A hearty serving of this sausage potato soup (approximately 1½ cups) contains:

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 26g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 890mg

The potatoes provide an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium, while the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. The protein from the sausage makes this soup satisfying enough to serve as a complete meal.

Equipment Needed for Sausage Potato Soup

Making this creamy sausage soup doesn’t require fancy equipment, which is part of what makes it so appealing for everyday cooking:

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot (5-6 quart capacity)
• Sharp knife for chopping vegetables
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle for serving

If you want to make this soup extra creamy, an immersion blender can be used to purée a portion of the soup while leaving some chunks for texture. For more kitchen essentials, check out our guide to essential kitchen tools on Stack Sip Snack.

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Potato Soup

This hearty winter soup has become a reader favorite for good reason:

• It’s incredibly filling – The combination of potatoes and sausage makes this soup substantial enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
• One-pot wonder – Less cleanup means more time enjoying your evening.
• Budget-friendly – Using simple ingredients that stretch, this sausage potato soup feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.
• Versatile for any season – While perfect for winter, this soup can be enjoyed year-round with seasonal adaptations.
• Better the next day – Like many soups, the flavors develop overnight, making leftovers something to look forward to.

The beauty of this potato soup recipe is that it tastes like it simmered all day, but comes together in under an hour. It’s also endlessly customizable—add what you have on hand, and it will still turn out delicious.

Healthier Alternatives for the Sausage Potato Soup

Looking to make this sausage potato soup fit different dietary needs? Here are some smart swaps:

For lower calories:

• Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork
• Substitute milk thickened with 2 tablespoons of flour for the heavy cream
• Use half the amount of potatoes and add cauliflower florets for volume

For dairy-free:

• Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream
• Use dairy-free butter for sautéing if needed

For lower carbs:

• Swap half the potatoes for cauliflower or turnips
• Use less potatoes and more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers

For gluten-free:

• Ensure your sausage is certified gluten-free (some contain fillers)
• Double-check your broth is gluten-free

For more healthy cooking swaps, browse our collection of healthy comfort food makeovers that don’t sacrifice flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Sausage Potato Soup

This easy weeknight dinner shines on its own, but these accompaniments take it to the next level:

• A crusty loaf of sourdough bread for dipping
• Garlic breadsticks for a restaurant-quality experience
• A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness
• Sprinkle with toppings like:
  • Crispy bacon bits
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sliced green onions
  • A dollop of sour cream
  • Crispy fried onions

For a fun dinner party idea, create a “soup bar” with various toppings and let guests customize their bowls of sausage potato soup. This interactive approach always gets rave reviews, especially when hosting casual gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Sausage Potato Soup

Even this forgiving recipe has a few pitfalls to watch for:

Cutting potatoes unevenly – This leads to some potatoes being overcooked while others remain firm. Aim for uniform ½-inch cubes for even cooking.

Adding cream too early – Introducing dairy too soon or at too high a temperature can cause it to curdle. Always add cream at the end over low heat.

Under-seasoning – Potatoes absorb salt, so this soup often needs more seasoning than you might expect. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.

Rushing the vegetable sauté – Those first few minutes of cooking the onions, carrots, and celery build essential flavor. Give them time to soften and develop sweetness.

Using pre-shredded cheese as a topping – If garnishing with cheese, grate it yourself for better melting and flavor. Pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that affect texture.

Storing Tips for the Sausage Potato Soup

This creamy sausage soup is perfect for meal prep because it stores beautifully:

Refrigerator storage:
Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavor actually improves after a day as the ingredients meld together.

Freezer instructions:
This potato soup recipe freezes well for up to 3 months. For best results:

• Cool completely before freezing
• Leave about an inch of space at the top of containers for expansion
• For single servings, freeze in silicone muffin cups, then transfer to freezer bags

Reheating method:
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or milk to reach desired consistency. For quick lunches, microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.

Conclusion

This sausage potato soup represents comfort food at its finest—simple ingredients transformed into something magical through the alchemy of good cooking. From the first spoonful of this hearty winter soup, you’ll understand why it’s become a staple in so many households, including mine.

What makes this recipe special isn’t fancy techniques or rare ingredients—it’s the way it brings people together around the table. There’s something about a steaming bowl of homemade soup that encourages conversation and connection.

I’d love to know if you try this sausage potato soup and what personal touches you add to make it your own. Did you go spicy with hot Italian sausage or keep it mild? Did the kids ask for seconds? Share your experience in the comments below!

For more hearty soups to get you through winter, check out our collection of one-pot meals that minimize cleanup while maximizing flavor.

FAQs About Sausage Potato Soup

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