Sausage Potato Soup
Creamy Sausage Potato Soup made with Italian sausage, potatoes, vegetables, and a flavorful creamy broth. A comforting soup that can be made on the stovetop or Crock Pot.
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Ingredients
Seasonings
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Soup
1 lb. ground Italian sausage, hot or mild
2 tablespoons butter
1 yellow onion, diced
1/2 cup diced carrots
2 ribs celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce
5 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/4 lbs. red potatoes, about 6 small potatoes
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, optional
Instructions
- Remove sausage casings if needed.
- Cook sausage in a large pot until fully cooked.
- Remove sausage and reserve 1 tablespoon drippings.
- Add drippings and butter to the pot.
- Cook onion, celery, and carrots for 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add flour and cook for 2 minutes.
- Slowly add chicken broth while scraping the pot.
- Stir in heavy cream, hot sauce, soy sauce, and seasonings.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer.
- Add potatoes and cook for 20–25 minutes until tender.
- Return sausage to the pot.
- Add cheddar cheese if desired.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Mustard powder, hot sauce, and soy sauce enhance flavor but are not strongly noticeable in the finished soup.
- This recipe can also be prepared in a Crock Pot.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Nutritional Information Disclaimer:
- Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients and quantities used.
This Creamy Sausage Potato Soup is a comforting one-pot meal made with Italian sausage, tender potatoes, vegetables, and a rich creamy broth. The combination of savory sausage, aromatic vegetables, and simple seasonings creates a hearty soup that is perfect for family dinners and cozy evenings.
Made with hot or mild Italian sausage, this soup can be prepared on the stovetop or adapted for a Crock Pot. The creamy texture, flavorful broth, and optional cheddar cheese make it a satisfying comfort food recipe that is easy to prepare and full of familiar flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sausage potato soup combines simple ingredients into a filling and flavorful meal.
The Italian sausage creates a savory base with plenty of flavor.
Red potatoes add heartiness and help make the soup satisfying.
Carrots, celery, onion, and garlic add layers of flavor to the broth.
The creamy finish creates a smooth texture without complicated preparation.
The recipe works on the stovetop or in a Crock Pot, giving you flexible cooking options.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Seasonings
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
For the Soup
1 lb. ground Italian sausage, hot or mild
2 tablespoons butter
1 yellow onion, diced
1/2 cup diced carrots
2 ribs celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce
5 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/4 lbs. red potatoes, about 6 small potatoes
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, optional
Easy Substitutions
Italian Sausage
Hot Italian sausage adds more seasoning and spice, while mild Italian sausage creates a softer flavor. Choose based on your preference.
Red Potatoes
Red potatoes work well because they maintain their shape while cooking. Other potato varieties can also be used, but the texture may vary.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese is optional but adds extra richness. You can leave it out or use another cheese that melts well.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream creates the creamy consistency of the soup. Adjusting the amount may change the richness of the final dish.
How to Make Sausage Potato Soup
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
If using sausage links, remove the casings.
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook while breaking it apart into smaller pieces.
Once the sausage is halfway cooked, partially cover the pot and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked. This usually takes about 10–12 minutes.
Remove the sausage and set it aside.
Reserve 1 tablespoon of sausage drippings for the soup base.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Add the reserved sausage drippings and butter to the pot.
Add diced onion, celery, and carrots.
Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Create the Soup Base
Add flour and cook for about 2 minutes.
Slowly add chicken broth in small amounts while scraping the bottom of the pot with a spatula.
This helps incorporate the flavorful pieces left from cooking the sausage.
Slowly stir in heavy cream, hot sauce, soy sauce, and seasonings.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Step 4: Cook the Potatoes
Clean and dry the potatoes.
Cut them into 1-inch cubes and add them to the soup.
Simmer uncovered for about 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender.
Step 5: Finish the Soup
Add the cooked sausage back into the pot.
Reduce heat to low.
Stir in cheddar cheese if desired until melted and combined.
Serve warm.
Crock Pot Method
Cook the sausage until fully cooked and soften the vegetables.
Drain excess grease and transfer the sausage and vegetables to the Crock Pot.
Add all remaining ingredients except heavy cream and cheddar cheese.
Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
Reduce heat to warm and slowly stir in heavy cream.
Turn off the heat and add cheddar cheese if desired.
Serve once combined.
Tips for the Best Sausage Potato Soup
Brown the sausage well before adding other ingredients to build deeper flavor.
Cut potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Add broth gradually when making the soup base to create a smoother consistency.
Do not overcook the potatoes, especially if you plan to store or freeze leftovers.
Add the cream near the end of cooking for the best texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Potatoes
Potatoes that cook too long can become overly soft and affect the texture of the soup.
Adding Cream Too Early
Adding cream too soon during cooking can affect the smooth consistency of the broth.
Skipping the Flour Step
The flour helps create a thicker and creamier soup base.
Not Adjusting Seasonings
The sausage already adds flavor, so taste the soup before adding additional seasoning.
Variations
Spicy Sausage Potato Soup
Use hot Italian sausage and add extra seasoning for a stronger kick.
Mild Sausage Potato Soup
Choose mild Italian sausage and reduce additional heat ingredients for a gentler flavor.
Extra Cheesy Potato Soup
Add more cheddar cheese for a richer and creamier finish.
Slow Cooker Sausage Potato Soup
Use the Crock Pot method for a convenient hands-off cooking option.
What to Serve With Sausage Potato Soup
This soup pairs well with:
Crusty bread
Garlic bread
Dinner rolls
Simple green salad
Roasted vegetables
Bread is especially useful for soaking up the creamy broth.
How to Store Sausage Potato Soup
Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
How to Freeze Sausage Potato Soup
Freeze the soup for up to 3 months.
Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Leave some space at the top for expansion.
For the best texture after reheating, avoid overcooking the potatoes before freezing.
How to Reheat Sausage Potato Soup
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Stir occasionally while warming.
If the soup thickens after storage, additional liquid may be added to adjust consistency.
Make Ahead
The soup can be prepared ahead and stored until ready to serve.
For the best texture, avoid overcooking potatoes if preparing in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sausage Potato Soup spicy?
The soup is not necessarily spicy. The heat level depends on whether you use hot or mild Italian sausage and the amount of hot sauce added.
Can I make this soup in a Crock Pot?
Yes. The recipe includes a Crock Pot method where the cream and cheese are added near the end of cooking.
Can I freeze Sausage Potato Soup?
Yes. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Potato texture may change if they are overcooked before freezing.
What does hot sauce add to this soup?
Hot sauce works as a flavor enhancer and does not make the finished soup strongly spicy.
Can I use another type of sausage?
Yes. Different sausage varieties can be used, but the overall flavor will change.
