Why Sausage Potato Soup Is the Ultimate Cozy Dinner
There are few things more comforting than a bowl of creamy, hearty soup on a chilly day—and this Sausage Potato Soup hits all the right notes. Imagine a savory base of Italian sausage simmered with onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and spices, then made velvety with a touch of cream and gooey cheddar cheese. Add in tender red potatoes, and you have a one-pot dinner that’s rich, filling, and absolutely irresistible.
This soup feels like something your grandmother might have made on a cold evening, yet it’s simple enough for a busy weeknight. The sausage adds deep, savory flavor, while the vegetables give it that homemade touch. And because the potatoes cook directly in the broth, they soak up all those flavors and help thicken the soup naturally. The cream and cheese are optional but highly recommended—turning a humble pot of soup into something indulgent and satisfying.
I love serving this with a crusty loaf of bread or warm biscuits to soak up the creamy broth. It also pairs beautifully with a crisp salad if you want something lighter on the side. The best part? It reheats like a dream, so you can enjoy leftovers for days.
If you’re a fan of cozy soups, you might also enjoy browsing classic Italian-inspired sausage recipes or learning more about the history of potato-based comfort foods.
Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
Sausage Potato Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a plate and set aside. Leave a little bit of drippings in the pot.
- Sauté the veggies: Add butter, onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5–6 minutes, until softened. Stir in garlic and cook another minute.
- Make the roux: Sprinkle flour over the veggies, stirring to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
- Deglaze and season: Stir in soy sauce, hot sauce, dried herbs, and pepper. Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking to combine.
- Add potatoes and simmer: Stir in diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
- Finish the soup: Lower heat, stir in heavy cream and cooked sausage. If desired, stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- Texture preference: For thicker soup, mash a few of the cooked potatoes directly in the pot before adding cream.
- Spice level: Hot sausage adds great heat, but mild sausage keeps it family-friendly.
- Cheese tip: Adding cheddar makes it creamy, but the soup is delicious without it too if you want it lighter.
My Favorite Tricks for Making Sausage Potato Soup Irresistible
Why Browning the Sausage First Is Non-Negotiable
Cooking the sausage before adding it to the broth develops rich, caramelized flavor that infuses the entire soup. Skipping this step leaves the soup tasting flat.
Boosting Flavor with Soy Sauce and Hot Sauce
It might seem unusual, but soy sauce adds umami depth, while a splash of hot sauce brightens the flavors without overwhelming spice. These little extras make a big difference.
Playing with Different Cheeses for Creaminess
Cheddar is classic, but try smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, or even parmesan for unique twists. Each cheese gives the broth a slightly different character.
Getting the Perfect Potato Texture
Red potatoes hold their shape well, but if you want a creamier soup, use Yukon Golds. For an extra-thick version, mash a few before serving.
Turning It into a One-Pot Meal with Greens
I love adding a handful of chopped kale or spinach at the very end. It wilts beautifully into the hot soup and adds extra nutrition without changing the flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Sausage Potato Soup
Storing in the Fridge for Busy Weeknights
Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight.
Freezing Soup for Later
Since it contains cream, the texture can change a little after freezing. If you plan to freeze, leave out the cream and cheese, then add them when reheating.
My Favorite Containers for Soup Storage
Wide-mouth mason jars or glass containers are perfect for portioning. They reheat evenly and stack well in the fridge.
Reheating Without Losing Creaminess
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen if needed.
Making It Ahead for Stress-Free Dinners
This soup tastes even better the next day. Cook it fully, refrigerate overnight, and gently reheat when ready to serve.
Easy Adaptations for Every Diet
Lightening It Up Without Losing Flavor
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even evaporated milk. Use reduced-fat cheese if desired.
Making It Dairy-Free but Still Creamy
Coconut cream or unsweetened oat cream are great substitutes for heavy cream. Nutritional yeast adds cheesy flavor without dairy.
Gluten-Free Adjustments That Work
Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for the roux. Everything else in this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Vegetarian Version That Still Feels Hearty
Swap sausage for plant-based sausage or even white beans. The flavors hold up beautifully with veggie broth.
Lower-Carb Variation with Cauliflower
Replace half the potatoes with cauliflower florets. They soak up flavor and cut down on carbs while keeping the soup filling.
FAQs About Sausage Potato Soup
Can I Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! Brown the sausage first, then add everything (except cream and cheese) to the crockpot. Cook on low for 6–7 hours, stir in cream and cheese at the end.
Can I Use Yukon Gold Potatoes Instead of Red?
Absolutely. Yukon Golds add a buttery texture and work wonderfully in creamy soups. Russet potatoes will break down more.
How Do I Thicken the Soup Even More?
Mash a few potatoes in the pot, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water).
What Should I Serve with Sausage Potato Soup?
Crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or even a side salad pair perfectly. It’s filling enough to stand alone too.
Can I Make This Soup Spicy?
Yes! Use hot Italian sausage, add extra hot sauce, or stir in crushed red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
Wrapping Up: Why Sausage Potato Soup Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Box
This Sausage Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food: creamy, filling, and packed with flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table and makes even a busy weeknight feel special. With hearty potatoes, flavorful sausage, fresh veggies, and a touch of cream, it balances indulgence with nourishment perfectly.
What makes this soup truly special is its versatility—you can adapt it for different diets, spice it up, lighten it down, or make it in the slow cooker. It’s one of those recipes that feels both old-fashioned and modern at the same time: familiar, cozy, yet endlessly customizable.
Whether you’re craving a warm bowl of comfort on a chilly night, prepping ahead for a week of meals, or looking to impress friends with a hearty one-pot dinner, this soup delivers every time. Once you try it, I guarantee you’ll add it to your regular rotation.
So grab a pot, some sausage, and a few potatoes—you’re only about an hour away from the creamiest, most satisfying Sausage Potato Soup you’ll ever make.
