Creamy Sausage Potato Soup

There’s something magical about a bowl of steaming sausage potato soup on a chilly evening. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out – creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. I’ve been making this recipe for years, ever since my cousin shared it during one of our big family gatherings. Now it’s become our go-to comfort food whenever the temperature drops.

What I love most about this sausage potato soup is how simple it is to make, whether you’re using the stovetop or slow cooker method. The Italian sausage gives it such rich depth (use hot if you like a kick!), while the potatoes make it satisfying enough to be a meal on its own. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll understand why my kids start cheering when they smell it simmering on the stove.

I still remember the first time I made this for friends – one bite and they were begging for the recipe. That’s when I knew this sausage potato soup was something special. It’s become my secret weapon for easy weeknight dinners and cozy weekend lunches alike.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Potato Soup

This isn’t just any soup – it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy. Here’s what makes it so special:

• Weeknight magic: You can have this hearty soup on the table in under an hour – perfect when you’re short on time but still want something homemade.
• Flavor bomb: The combination of Italian sausage (hot or mild – your choice!), aromatic vegetables, and creamy potatoes creates layers of deliciousness in every spoonful.
• Flexible friend: Swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge – turkey sausage works great, and you can even use whatever potatoes you have on hand.
• Kid-approved: My picky eaters go crazy for this soup (they don’t even notice all the veggies hiding in there!).
• Comfort in a bowl: There’s something about that creamy broth and tender potatoes that just feels like a warm hug on cold days.

Seriously, this soup checks all the boxes – easy, delicious, and satisfying enough to be a complete meal. No wonder it’s been in my regular rotation for years!

Ingredients for Sausage Potato Soup

Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in this cozy sausage potato soup. Here’s everything you’ll need, organized by how you’ll use them:

For the sausage base

• 1 lb ground Italian sausage (hot or mild – whatever makes you happy!)
• 2 tablespoons butter (the real stuff, please)

The aromatic veggies

• 1 yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• ½ cup diced carrots (no need to be perfect – rustic is good)
• 2 celery ribs, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (fresh is best here)

For thickening & flavor

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (trust me on this one)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to your taste)

The liquid magic

• 5 cups chicken broth (I use full-sodium for best flavor)
• 1 cup heavy cream (the key to that velvety texture)

Star of the show

• 1 ¼ lbs red potatoes (about 6 small ones), diced into 1-inch cubes

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon each dried parsley and oregano
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder (my secret weapon)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional but amazing

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (because cheese makes everything better)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Life happens, and sometimes you need to swap things out – here’s how to make it work:

The sausage is flexible – turkey sausage works fine if you prefer it. For my vegetarian friends, plant-based sausage crumbles can stand in (just add a bit more seasoning).

No heavy cream? Whole milk will work in a pinch, though the soup won’t be quite as rich. Almond milk makes it thinner, so I’d reduce the broth if going that route.

Potato varieties matter less than you’d think – russets are fine (just peel them first), and Yukon Golds are my runner-up choice.

Warning about low-sodium broth: If that’s all you have, taste before serving and add salt as needed. The soup might need an extra pinch!

How to Make Sausage Potato Soup

Okay, let’s get cooking! This sausage potato soup comes together so easily once you know the sequence. I’ve made this dozens of times, and here’s exactly how I do it for perfect results every time:

1. Brown that sausage: Heat a large pot (I use my 5-quart Dutch oven) over medium heat. Add the sausage and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, breaking it into crumbles with your spoon as it browns. Drain off most of the grease but leave about a tablespoon – that’s flavor gold! Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
2. Sauté the veggies: In that same pot, melt your butter and add the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they start to soften – you’ll know they’re ready when the onions turn translucent. Now add the garlic and stir for just 1 minute (any longer and it might burn!).
3. Build your base: Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir constantly for 2 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste. Now slowly pour in the chicken broth, about a cup at a time, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom. Add the cream, soy sauce, hot sauce, and all those lovely dried herbs and spices.
4. Potato time: Crank the heat up to bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Now add your diced potatoes – I like to leave the skins on for texture. Let it bubble away uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Test a potato piece with a fork after 20 minutes – it should slide right in when they’re perfect.
5. Bring it all together: Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir. If you’re using cheese (and why wouldn’t you?), turn the heat to low and stir it in until melted. Let the soup sit for about 5 minutes off heat before serving – this helps all the flavors get to know each other.

Slow Cooker Method

For those busy days when you want dinner waiting for you, here’s the slow cooker version that tastes just as amazing:

First, brown your sausage in a skillet (don’t skip this step – it adds so much flavor!). Transfer it to your slow cooker along with all the raw vegetables, potatoes, seasonings, and chicken broth. The only things you’ll leave out are the cream and cheese. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. When you’re ready to eat, stir in the cream and cheese right before serving – they’ll melt into the hot soup beautifully. Easy peasy!

Expert Tips for the Best Sausage Potato Soup

After making this soup more times than I can count, I’ve learned a few tricks that take it from good to oh-my-goodness amazing:

• Scrape that pot! When adding the broth, really work to deglaze all those browned bits from the sausage – that’s where the magic flavor lives. Your wooden spoon is your best friend here.
• Fresh garlic matters. I know it’s tempting to use jarred, but freshly minced garlic makes all the difference in flavor. Pro tip: smash your cloves with the flat side of a knife first – the skins will practically fall off!
• Patience pays off. Letting the soup sit for 10 minutes after cooking allows the flavors to deepen. I know it’s hard to wait when it smells this good, but trust me – it’s worth it.
• Potato perfection: Cut your potatoes evenly (about 1-inch cubes) so they cook at the same rate. Too small and they’ll turn to mush; too big and they’ll be crunchy in the middle.
• Cheese whisperer: If adding cheese, take the soup off heat first and stir it in gradually to prevent clumping. The residual heat will melt it beautifully.

These little touches might seem small, but they’re what make people ask for your recipe every time!

Serving Suggestions for Sausage Potato Soup

This sausage potato soup is practically a meal on its own, but I love dressing it up with a few simple touches that take it over the top. My family goes wild when I serve it with thick slices of crusty bread – perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy broth. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad makes a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

On extra cozy nights, we’ll have grilled cheese sandwiches alongside – the ultimate comfort food combo! A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color, while extra shredded cheese or crispy bacon bits make it feel extra special. The beauty of this soup is how it welcomes whatever you’ve got on hand to make it your own.

Storing and Reheating Sausage Potato Soup

This sausage potato soup keeps beautifully, and I often make a double batch because it tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re freezing, leave out the cream and cheese (add them fresh when reheating).

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, warm it gently on the stove with a splash of broth to bring back that perfect creamy consistency. Microwave works in a pinch, but stir every 30 seconds to prevent uneven heating. Trust me, you’ll love having this cozy soup waiting for you!

Sausage Potato Soup FAQs

Nutritional Information

Just a heads up – these nutrition facts are estimates since ingredient brands and sizes can vary. But here’s the general breakdown per serving of this glorious sausage potato soup:

One hearty bowl (about 1½ cups) contains roughly 420 calories, with 32g fat (16g saturated), 18g protein, and 20g carbs. You’re also getting 3g fiber from all those veggies and potatoes. Not bad for a meal that tastes this indulgent! Remember, these numbers don’t include any extra cheese you might sprinkle on top (not that I’m judging).

More Cozy Soup Recipes You’ll Love

If you loved this Sausage Potato Soup, you’ll definitely enjoy these other comforting and flavorful soup recipes from the blog. Each one is easy to make and perfect for warming up on chilly days:

• Creamy Tortellini Soup
• Stuffed Pepper Soup
• Lasagna Soup
• Thai Chicken Curry Soup

These recipes are full of flavor and just as satisfying as Sausage Potato Soup, giving you plenty of new comfort food ideas to try.

Why This Sausage Potato Soup Is the Best

This Sausage Potato Soup is the perfect cozy meal, rich, hearty, and full of flavor in every spoonful. With tender potatoes, savory sausage, and a creamy, comforting broth, it’s a recipe that warms you up from the inside out. The best part? It comes together easily with simple ingredients, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Whether you serve it with crusty bread or enjoy it on its own, this soup is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Try this recipe at home and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! And for even more cozy meal inspiration, don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for the latest recipes and kitchen tips.

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