Hearty Sausage Potato Soup Recipe

There’s just something wonderfully comforting about diving into a steaming bowl of Hearty Sausage Potato Soup. Imagine a melody of savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and sweet carrots swirling together in a creamy, herb-scented broth—it’s a hug in a bowl! This soup isn’t just filling; it’s downright crave-worthy, perfect for chilly nights or any time you need soul-warming comfort. Packed with colorful veggies and finished with a splash of rich cream, this recipe is guaranteed to have everyone clamoring for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Hearty Sausage Potato Soup is how a handful of classic kitchen staples can transform into something so utterly satisfying. Each ingredient brings special flavor, texture, or balance, and together they create a soup that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts.

• Italian sausage: Adds robust, spicy flavors and heartiness to each bite—use mild or hot, depending on your mood.
• Yellow onion: Lends sweet undertones and depth to the base of the soup.
• Celery: Offers fresh aroma and classic soup backbone, helping balance out the richness of the sausage.
• Carrots: Bring beautiful color and a natural sweetness that lifts every spoonful.
• Butter: Enhances the mouthfeel and encourages all the aromatics to shine.
• Garlic: Delivers an irresistible savory aroma as soon as it hits the pot.
• Dried marjoram, thyme, and basil: These herbs layer in subtle earthy and floral notes.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional, but perfect for delivering a gentle undercurrent of heat.
• All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup just enough for that spoon-coating, creamy consistency.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful foundation—ensure it’s low-sodium so you can season to taste.
• Yukon Gold potatoes: Creamy and buttery, these hold their shape and give the soup its signature texture.
• Heavy cream: Luxuriously smooth, it ties every flavor together without overpowering.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Tailor to your taste and bring every ingredient to life.
• Optional toppings—shredded cheddar or Jack cheese, sour cream, chives, croutons: Customize every bowl with these fun finishing touches.

How to Make Hearty Sausage Potato Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Vegetables

Start by heating your largest Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat. Crumble the Italian sausage right in and let it sizzle away until it begins to brown. About halfway through, toss in your chopped onions, celery, and carrots—this lets the veggies soak up all the flavorful sausage drippings as they soften. Keep stirring now and then until the sausage is fully cooked and the vegetables are glossy and tender, about 7-8 minutes.

Step 2: Add Butter and Aromatics

Now for the magic: stir in enough butter to make about 3 tablespoons of total fat in the pot—even if your sausage is lean, you want plenty to sauté the aromatics. Turn the heat down low and toss in your minced garlic, marjoram, thyme, basil, and a dash of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling bold. Give everything a good stir and let the herbs bloom, infusing the kitchen with savory fragrance for about a minute.

Step 3: Thicken with Flour

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sausage and vegetables and mix well. You want the flour to be well incorporated and absorb the fats, creating a quick roux. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously. This step is key for thickening the soup later, but don’t rush—no raw flour taste allowed!

Step 4: Add Broth and Potatoes

Pour in the chicken broth little by little, stirring constantly so you don’t get lumps. Once everything’s smooth, add in those gorgeous chunks of Yukon Gold potatoes. Turn up the heat and bring everything to a gentle boil. Then, drop the heat to a simmer and cook for another 15-20 minutes. Your signal that you’re done? The potatoes and carrots are fork-tender, and the broth smells irresistible.

Step 5: Finish with Cream

Take the pot off the heat and slowly stir in the room-temperature heavy cream. This is where the soup transforms into the creamy, dreamy Hearty Sausage Potato Soup you’re craving! Stir until it’s velvety and well-blended, being careful not to boil the soup with cream in it.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste, then season generously with kosher salt and fresh black pepper until everything pops with flavor. Ladle your Hearty Sausage Potato Soup into bowls and make it yours with a shower of cheddar or Jack cheese, a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chives, or a scatter of croutons.

How to Serve Hearty Sausage Potato Soup

Garnishes

Bring your bowls to life with toppings! Hearty Sausage Potato Soup is fantastic under a melting layer of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack, a cool swirl of sour cream, or some snappy fresh chives. A crunchy handful of croutons never hurts, either.

Side Dishes

Although this soup makes a meal on its own, a loaf of crusty bread is the perfect partner for dunking. For something lighter, a crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette cuts the richness. I also love serving simple roasted vegetables for a color-packed, nourishing spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Hearty Sausage Potato Soup presentation up a notch by serving it in rustic bread bowls—or try mini mugs for a party appetizer. Scatter a variety of garnishes on a platter so guests can customize at the table, turning a simple supper into a hands-on feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Hearty Sausage Potato Soup in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeks.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the soup, it’s best to do so before stirring in the cream (dairy can sometimes separate after freezing). Cool the soup completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge, bring to a gentle simmer, then add the cream just before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup over low-medium heat, stirring often. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of extra broth or cream to loosen it to your liking. Stir frequently to keep the base creamy and prevent sticking.

FAQs

Can I use another type of sausage in Hearty Sausage Potato Soup?

Absolutely! While Italian sausage delivers the classic flavor, you can swap in turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter or different twist. Just make sure to taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

What potatoes work best for this soup?

Yukon Gold potatoes are fantastic since they hold their shape and have a creamy texture, but red potatoes are a solid alternative. Avoid Russet potatoes, as they’ll break down and become mushy in the broth.

How can I make Hearty Sausage Potato Soup gluten-free?

It’s easy! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, or substitute with cornstarch or potato starch to thicken the soup. Double-check that your sausage and broth are certified gluten-free, and you’re all set.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup a day or two in advance. The flavors will actually get richer as they meld in the fridge. Just remember to add the cream right before serving for best texture.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Of course! Swap the butter for olive oil and use a dairy-free creamer or unsweetened full-fat coconut milk in place of heavy cream for a creamy finish that’s totally dairy-free. It will be a slightly different flavor, but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

Give yourself (and anyone lucky enough to join you at the table) the gift of Hearty Sausage Potato Soup soon. Whether it’s your first bite or your fiftieth, there’s nothing like the cozy satisfaction this soup brings—so grab a ladle and enjoy!

Print