If you’re craving a hearty, comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Creamy Potato & Sausage Soup Recipe will quickly become your go-to meal. It perfectly balances the rich, savory flavor of Italian sausage with creamy potatoes and a medley of colorful vegetables, creating an irresistible, velvety texture with every spoonful. This soup is more than just food; it’s an experience of layered tastes and cozy satisfaction that’s surprisingly easy to whip up for family dinners or friendly gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe brings together simple yet essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and color. From the spicy warmth of Italian sausage to the creamy smoothness of heavy cream, every component contributes to making this soup a bowl of pure comfort.
- 16 ounces ground Italian sausage: Adds bold, savory depth packed with herbs and spices.
- 1 cup small-diced onion: Offers a subtle sweetness and foundational flavor.
- 1/2 cup small-diced celery: Contributes crunch and a fresh, earthy note.
- 1/2 cup small-diced carrots: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 cup small-diced red bell pepper: Provides a slightly sweet brightness and a pop of red.
- 1 1/2 pounds little yellow potatoes, cut into chunks: The star that delivers creamy texture and hearty substance.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses warmth and aromatic depth.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Perfect for sautéing and blending flavors.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Works as the thickening agent for that luscious, creamy body.
- 4 cups vegetable broth: Creates a flavorful, savory liquid base.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: Rounds out the soup with rich, silky creaminess.
How to Make Creamy Potato & Sausage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook it until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. This step builds the foundation of your soup’s rich, meaty flavor, so be sure to get a nice golden color without burning.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Once the sausage is ready, add the diced onion, celery, carrots, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Stir frequently and cook until the vegetables are tender and aromatic, about 5 to 7 minutes. This colorful veggie mix adds layers of taste and texture that make your soup exciting and balanced.
Step 3: Add Flour to Thicken
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sausage and vegetable mixture, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes. This coats the ingredients and begins the thickening process, giving the soup its signature creamy consistency without lumps.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Potatoes
Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while stirring to combine everything smoothly. Then add the chunked yellow potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer uncovered until the potatoes are tender, roughly 15 to 20 minutes. The potatoes soften and soak up all those wonderful flavors here.
Step 5: Stir in Heavy Cream
Finally, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Heat gently until the soup is heated through but avoid boiling to keep the cream from curdling. This step finishes off your soup with a luxuriously smooth and rich texture that’s absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Creamy Potato & Sausage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is the fun part where you get to personalize your bowl. Freshly chopped parsley or chives will add a bright, herbal touch. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or freshly cracked black pepper provides a beautiful contrast in flavor and color. If you like it extra cheesy, a small handful of shredded sharp cheddar or Parmesan is an excellent choice.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up every drop of the creamy goodness. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will complement the richness of the soup and add a refreshing crunch. For a heartier meal, roasted seasonal vegetables or a cheesy garlic breadstick work beautifully as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the Creamy Potato & Sausage Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out bell peppers to impress guests. Add a swirl of sour cream or pesto on top to add visual appeal and extra layers of flavor. For a cozy family dinner, serve large steaming mugs of soup for easy, casual enjoyment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Potato & Sausage Soup Recipe should be cooled completely before transferring into airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it will maintain its delicious flavors for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or dinners on busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for longer storage, but keep in mind that the cream and potatoes may slightly change texture after thawing. To freeze, use a freezer-safe container leaving some room for expansion. It stays best for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream to restore that creamy consistency. Avoid reheating in the microwave for best texture results.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this Creamy Potato & Sausage Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds a lot of flavor, you can use breakfast sausage, chorizo, or even turkey sausage. Just keep in mind the spices might change the soup’s overall taste a bit, but it will still be delicious.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the sausage and use extra vegetables or a plant-based meat substitute. Use vegetable broth as in the recipe to keep it vegetarian. Adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke can help mimic the smoky flavor sausage typically provides.
Can I make this soup ahead for a party?
Definitely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it a day in advance, refrigerate overnight, and gently reheat before serving. It’s an easy and impressive make-ahead option for entertaining.
What’s the best potato to use in this recipe?
Little yellow potatoes work best because they hold their shape when cooked and have a naturally buttery flavor. Russet potatoes could be too starchy and might break down too much, resulting in a thicker soup than intended.
Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the soup won’t be quite as rich and creamy. Adding a bit of cornstarch slurry can help thicken it if you choose lower-fat dairy.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Potato & Sausage Soup Recipe is truly a comforting classic that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Its blend of hearty potatoes, savory sausage, and silky cream creates a meal that feels like pure love in a bowl. I can’t recommend it enough for cozy nights or whenever you want to impress yourself with a homemade favorite. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this recipe in your kitchen!
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Creamy Potato & Sausage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Potato & Sausage Soup is a hearty, comforting dish combining flavorful ground Italian sausage, tender yellow potatoes, and a medley of diced vegetables in a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, this easy-to-make soup balances savory and creamy textures for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 16 ounces ground Italian sausage
- 1 cup small-diced onion
- 1/2 cup small-diced celery
- 1/2 cup small-diced carrots
- 1/2 cup small-diced red bell pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds little yellow potatoes, cut into chunks
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Others
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, celery, carrots, and red bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes or until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Flour and Create Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add Broth and Potatoes: Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the chopped yellow potatoes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Combine Sausage and Cream: Return the cooked sausage back into the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and heat through, but do not allow it to boil to prevent curdling. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the soup is creamy and heated evenly.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and color.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of vegetable broth slightly or add more flour to create a thicker roux upfront.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Use spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a bit of heat in the soup.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove.
- For gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
