This Sausage Potato Soup is cozy and comforting! With savory sausage, tender potatoes, and a creamy broth, it warms you right up on chilly days. Perfect for sharing!
I love how this soup comes together quickly. Just brown the sausage, add the potatoes and broth, and let them mingle! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, and who doesn’t want that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Sausage: You can choose from mild or spicy sausage based on your preference for heat. If you want a healthier option, turkey or chicken sausage works well too!
Potatoes: Yukon Golds are fantastic for their creaminess, but feel free to use Russets or red potatoes. The key is to cut them evenly for even cooking.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, try using whole milk or even a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Just be aware this will alter the creaminess slightly.
Chicken Broth: If you want a vegetarian soup, use vegetable broth. It adds great flavor and keeps the dish plant-based.
What’s the Best Way to Get Perfectly Cooked Potatoes in Soup?
Cooking potatoes just right is key to a delicious soup. Here are some tips on how to achieve that texture:
- Ensure your potato chunks are roughly the same size to cook evenly.
- Start the potatoes in boiling broth; this helps them cook faster and absorb flavors.
- Check for doneness by poking a piece with a fork. If it goes through easily, they’re ready!
Remember not to overcook them; they should be tender but not mushy for the best soup experience!
How to Make Sausage Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
- 5-6 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1-2 medium tomatoes, diced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sausage Potato Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, for a total of about 40 minutes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is translucent and fragrant. This will enhance the flavor of your soup!
3. Add Seasonings:
Stir in the smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Let the spices cook for a minute to infuse their flavors into the mixture.
4. Include Tomatoes:
If you’re using them, add the diced tomatoes now and cook for another 2 minutes to soften them up. They add a nice touch of freshness!
5. Pour in the Broth:
Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. This will help combine all the flavors beautifully.
6. Cook the Potatoes:
Once boiling, add the potato chunks to the pot. Lower the heat and let it simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Check them with a fork!
7. Incorporate the Cream:
Once the potatoes are fork-tender, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes for that creamy goodness. Adjust the seasoning if needed—taste is everything!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
9. Enjoy!
Serve the soup hot, accompanied by warm crusty bread or crackers for the perfect comforting meal. Enjoy every warming spoonful!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground pork sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different, so you may want to adjust seasonings accordingly.
Can I Thicken the Soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash a few potato chunks against the side of the pot after they’ve cooked, or blend a portion of the soup in a blender and return it to the pot. Another option is to add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and let it simmer until thickened.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make this soup a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and when ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up before serving.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Sausage Potato Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing.
