Italian Sausage Potato Soup

This hearty Sausage Potato Soup brings together savory Italian sausage with tender red potatoes in a creamy broth that warms you from the inside out. The rich combination of vegetables, seasonings, and a silky cream base makes this an irresistible comfort food perfect for chilly evenings.

I first created this soup during a particularly cold winter when my family needed something substantial yet comforting. Now it's our go-to meal whenever anyone feels under the weather or when we need a hearty dinner that pleases everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• Italian sausage provides the foundational flavor for this soup. Choose hot for a spicy kick or mild for a more family friendly option.
• Red potatoes hold their shape beautifully during cooking. Their waxy texture prevents them from falling apart in the soup.
• Heavy cream creates that silky smooth texture that makes this soup so satisfying. It balances the savory elements perfectly.
• Chicken broth forms the base of our soup. Use homemade for exceptional flavor or a good quality store bought variety.
• Butter adds richness when sautéing the vegetables. It creates a wonderful flavor foundation.
• Yellow onion carrots and celery create the classic mirepoix that adds depth and complexity to the broth.
• Garlic brings essential aromatic qualities that elevate all the other flavors.
• Flour helps thicken the soup to achieve that perfect creamy consistency.
• Soy sauce and hot sauce work as flavor enhancers that add umami depth without making the soup spicy.
• Dried herbs including basil parsley oregano and mustard powder create a balanced flavor profile.
• Cheddar cheese is optional but adds a wonderful richness and slight tanginess to the finished soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Sausage

Begin by removing casings if you purchased links. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the sausage. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes total breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Cover partially while cooking to help retain moisture. Once fully cooked remove the sausage to a plate but reserve about a tablespoon of the flavorful drippings.

Create the Aromatic Base

Return the pot to medium heat and add the reserved drippings along with butter. Add diced onions celery and carrots cooking for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. The vegetables should become translucent and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for just one minute more until aromatic but not browned.

Build the Creamy Base

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for two full minutes stirring constantly. This step is crucial for removing the raw flour taste and creating a proper thickening agent. Gradually add chicken broth in small amounts using a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These caramelized bits add tremendous flavor. After incorporating all the broth slowly stir in the heavy cream hot sauce soy sauce and all seasonings.

Cook the Potatoes

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil then reduce to a simmer. Prepare the red potatoes by washing thoroughly patting dry and cutting into 1inch cubes. Add them to the simmering broth and cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until they are fork tender but still hold their shape. This timing allows the potatoes to absorb the flavors while maintaining their texture.

Finish the Soup

Once potatoes are tender add the cooked sausage back to the pot stirring to combine. Reduce heat to low and if desired add the shredded cheddar cheese stirring until completely melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed before serving hot in bowls garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Bookmark This

My favorite thing about this recipe is how the sausage infuses the entire soup with its savory goodness. Even though you cook it separately at first when it rejoins the broth it shares its richness with every spoonful. My children who normally pick vegetables out of their food somehow devour every last carrot and celery piece in this soup which counts as a major parenting win in my book.

Making Ahead and Storage

This soup actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. For best results store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating do so gently over medium-low heat to prevent the cream from separating. This soup also freezes beautifully for up to three months just be sure not to overcook the potatoes initially or they may become mushy when reheated.

Perfect Substitutions

If youre looking to lighten this recipe half and half can replace the heavy cream though the soup wont be quite as rich. Turkey sausage offers a leaner alternative to traditional Italian sausage while still providing excellent flavor. For a gluten free version substitute cornstarch slurry for the flour by mixing 2 tablespoons cornstarch with cold water and adding it after the broth has heated rather than cooking the flour with vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A crusty baguette or garlic bread makes the perfect accompaniment for dipping into the creamy broth. For a complete meal consider adding a fruit-based dessert like baked apples or poached pears to provide a sweet contrast to the savory soup.

Slow Cooker Success

The Crock Pot method offers wonderful convenience for busy days. The key difference is skipping the roux made with butter and flour which means your soup will be slightly less thick. After cooking the sausage and vegetables on the stovetop transfer everything to the slow cooker along with the broth potatoes and seasonings. Adding the cream at the very end prevents any risk of curdling and ensures a smooth velvety texture.

Bookmark This

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of potato in this soup?

Yes, though red potatoes are recommended for their waxy texture that holds shape best during cooking. Yukon Gold potatoes make a good alternative, while Russets can be used but may break down more during cooking due to their higher starch content.

→ Is this soup spicy?

The heat level depends mainly on your choice of Italian sausage. Using mild Italian sausage creates a non-spicy version. The hot sauce in the ingredients is used as a flavor enhancer rather than adding significant heat to the final dish.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers after cooling completely. When reheating, just ensure you didn't overcook the potatoes initially, as they may become too soft after freezing and reheating.

→ What can I add to customize this soup?

Corn makes an excellent addition and can be stirred in at the end of cooking. Other possible additions include spinach, kale, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You could also substitute the cheddar with different cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan.

→ How can I make this soup lighter?

To create a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream (though the texture won't be quite as rich). You can also use turkey Italian sausage instead of pork, reduce the amount of cheese, or increase the vegetable-to-meat ratio.