This hearty sausage potato soup is warm and filling. It features crispy sausage, tender potatoes, and creamy broth—perfect for a cozy night in!
Whenever I make this soup, my home smells so good that even the neighbors might come knocking! It’s quick to prepare and tastes amazing. 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sausage: I like using Italian sausage for its great flavor, but any ground sausage works well. Feel free to use turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option. Vegetarian sausage can also substitute if you’re looking for a plant-based choice.
Potatoes: Using russet potatoes adds creaminess, but Yukon golds are also excellent. If you want to skip potatoes, try adding cauliflower for a low-carb twist.
Heavy Cream: This makes the soup rich and velvety. You can substitute half-and-half or coconut milk if you’re looking for a lighter or dairy-free option. Just add it gradually to avoid curdling.
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is great, but use low-sodium store-bought for convenience. Vegetable broth is a good alternative for a vegetarian version.
Spices: I enjoy smoked paprika for some depth, but feel free to omit it if you don’t have it. Fresh herbs like basil or rosemary can also brighten the flavor.
How Do I Cook the Perfect Potatoes for Soup?
Cooking potatoes in soup is all about timing. To get them just right, follow these steps:
- Cut potatoes into even chunks; small pieces cook faster.
- Add them after the sausage and onions so they can absorb all that wonderful flavor.
- Simmer until they’re tender but not mushy, about 15-20 minutes.
It’s best to check them with a fork; they should slide off easily. This ensures they stay in tasty chunks in your soup!
How to Make Sausage Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 pound ground sausage (pork or Italian sausage)
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into chunks
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious sausage potato soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook. In roughly 40 minutes, you can have a warm, comforting bowl of soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add in the ground sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want it to get nice and browned, which should take about 6-8 minutes. This is where the flavor begins!
2. Add Onions and Garlic:
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Sauté these ingredients together until the onions become translucent and fragrant, which will take about 3-4 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
3. Combine Potatoes and Spices:
Now, stir in the diced potatoes, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Let these cook for about 2 minutes so the potatoes can soak up some tasty flavors.
4. Add Chicken Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered until the potatoes are tender, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and you can check the potatoes with a fork!
5. Stir in Heavy Cream:
Lower the heat again and gently stir in the heavy cream. Heat it through, but be careful not to let it boil, as this can cause curdling. You’re going for a creamy texture here!
6. Season and Serve:
Season your soup with salt and black pepper to taste—remember, a little goes a long way. Now, ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle generous amounts of chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.
7. Enjoy!
Serve the soup hot and pair it with some crusty bread on the side for dipping. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
This creamy and savory sausage potato soup is not only delicious but also quick to make, perfect for chilly days!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds great flavor, you can use any ground sausage, including pork, turkey, or even a plant-based option. Just adjust the seasoning as needed to match the sausage’s flavor profile.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or even coconut milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just add it slowly to prevent curdling in the soup.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the consistency.
Can I Add Vegetables?
Certainly! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or kale. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces and add them at the same time as the potatoes, so they cook through perfectly.
