Oh, let me tell you, this sausage potato soup is a hug in a bowl! Whenever the weather gets a bit chilly, or I’m just in need of some comfort, this recipe comes to my rescue. The combination of savory sausage, tender potatoes, and creamy goodness just warms my soul. I remember the first time I made it; my family couldn’t get enough! It’s the kind of soup that fills your belly and lifts your spirits. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up on a weeknight or for a cozy weekend gathering. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
Ingredients for Sausage Potato Soup
- 1 pound of sausage (I like to use Italian sausage for that extra flavor)
- 4 cups of diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work great—just peel and chop them up!)
- 1 onion, chopped (A sweet onion adds a lovely depth)
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced (Because garlic makes everything better, right?)
- 4 cups of chicken broth (Low-sodium is my go-to, but use what you have!)
- 1 cup of heavy cream (This makes it oh-so-creamy and luxurious)
- Salt and pepper to taste (I always go a bit heavy on the pepper for some kick!)
- 2 cups of kale, chopped (Feel free to swap in spinach or another leafy green if you prefer)
How to Prepare Sausage Potato Soup
- First things first, grab a large pot and heat it over medium heat. Toss in that pound of sausage and brown it up, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. This step is key, as it’ll release all those delicious flavors into your soup!
- Once the sausage is nicely browned and a little crispy, go ahead and add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté everything together until the onion is soft and translucent—about 3 to 5 minutes. Oh, the smell is already heavenly!
- Next, stir in those diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Give it a good stir to mix everything nicely. Turn up the heat and bring it all to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- After the potatoes are just right, it’s time to add in the heavy cream and chopped kale. Stir it in and let it cook for another 5 minutes. This is where the magic happens—watch as the kale wilts down and the soup turns creamy and luscious!
- Finally, taste your soup and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. I always find a little extra pepper adds the perfect kick!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-pot wonder—easy to clean up after a cozy meal!
- Rich and hearty, this soup is perfect for chilly nights or when you need a little comfort food.
- You’ll love how quickly it comes together; from start to finish, you can have a warm bowl ready in just about 45 minutes.
- The combination of savory sausage and creamy potatoes is absolutely irresistible.
- It’s totally customizable—add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own!
- This soup not only fills you up but also warms your heart with every spoonful.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a great meal prep option!
Tips for Success
- Choose Your Sausage Wisely: I love using Italian sausage for that extra flavor punch, but feel free to experiment with other types like chorizo or even chicken sausage for a lighter option!
- Don’t Rush the Browning: Give your sausage enough time to brown nicely. This adds depth and richness to the soup that you definitely don’t want to miss!
- Customize Your Veggies: If you have some veggies in the fridge that need using, toss them in! Carrots, celery, or even bell peppers can really enhance the flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or replace it with half-and-half. Just remember, the cream adds that luxurious touch!
- Herbs and Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of smoked paprika or some Italian seasoning to elevate the flavor profile. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme right before serving can also brighten things up!
- Let it Rest: If you can, let the soup sit for a little while after cooking. The flavors meld together beautifully, making each bite even more delightful!
- Perfect Your Seasoning: Taste as you go! Everyone’s palate is different, so adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. You might be surprised how a little extra seasoning can elevate the dish.
Variations of Sausage Potato Soup
- Veggie Boost: Want to sneak in some more greens? Try adding diced carrots, celery, or even corn for a pop of sweetness and color!
- Spice It Up: For a little kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños! You can adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can add an aromatic touch. Just throw in a few sprigs while it simmers for that fresh flavor boost!
- Different Proteins: Swap out the sausage for shredded chicken or turkey if you’re looking for a lighter twist. You can even make it vegetarian by using plant-based sausage or omitting the meat altogether!
- Cheesy Delight: Stir in some grated cheese like cheddar or Parmesan at the end for an extra creamy and cheesy version of your soup. Yum!
- Sweet Potato Swap: For a different flavor profile, replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes. They’ll add a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the sausage.
- Thai Twist: Add a can of coconut milk instead of heavy cream and some curry paste for a unique and comforting Thai-inspired soup!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this delicious sausage potato soup simmering away, let’s talk about the perfect accompaniments to really make your meal shine! I love serving this hearty soup with a nice crusty bread—think a warm baguette or some buttery garlic bread. Just imagine dipping that bread into the creamy goodness of the soup; it’s pure bliss!
If you’re looking for something lighter, a fresh garden salad is a fantastic pairing. Crisp greens with a zesty vinaigrette can really brighten up the meal and balance out the richness of the soup. I often toss in some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a sprinkle of feta for an extra flavor kick!
For a little twist, you could also serve it with some cheesy quesadillas or savory cornbread. The cheesy, melty goodness complements the flavors of the soup beautifully. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Don’t forget to have some grated cheese on hand for sprinkling on top of the soup just before serving. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives can add that extra touch of color and flavor too. Enjoy your cozy meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to keep that delicious sausage potato soup fresh for later! After you’ve enjoyed your cozy meal, simply let any leftovers cool down a bit before storing. I like to transfer the soup into an airtight container—this helps keep it nice and flavorful.
You can store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s well-sealed to avoid any unwanted fridge odors seeping in. If you know you won’t finish it within that time, you can freeze it! Just portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space for expansion, and it should stay good for about 2 to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. To reheat, you can warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. If it looks a little thick, don’t worry! Just add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until it’s piping hot. Enjoy that warm, comforting bowl all over again!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s chat about the nutritional goodness packed into this sausage potato soup! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but here’s a general estimate for a typical serving:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 15g
These hearty numbers mean you’re getting a filling meal that also warms your heart! Just remember, if you make any ingredient swaps, like using a lower-fat sausage or adding more veggies, those values will shift a bit. But hey, that just makes your soup even more personalized and delicious!
FAQ About Sausage Potato Soup
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While I love Italian sausage for its flavor, you can definitely experiment with other types. Chorizo adds a spicy kick, or you could use turkey sausage for a lighter version. Feel free to choose what suits your taste!
What if I don’t have kale?
No worries at all! If kale isn’t your thing, you can swap it out for spinach, Swiss chard, or even some frozen peas. Just toss in whatever greens you have on hand; they’ll all work beautifully!
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! To keep it dairy-free, simply replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. It’ll still be deliciously creamy without the dairy!
How do I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot after they’ve cooked to release their starches. Alternatively, a cornstarch slurry (mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water) can be stirred in towards the end of cooking.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Definitely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully. Just store it in the fridge after it cools, and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this sausage potato soup is naturally gluten-free, especially if you check the sausage label to make sure there are no hidden gluten ingredients. Always a good idea to double-check!
How can I add more flavor?
For a flavor boost, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary while it simmers. A splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can also elevate the taste profile—trust me, it’s worth it!
What should I do if my soup is too salty?
If you find your soup a bit too salty, you can balance it out by adding a little more cream or even some diced potatoes to absorb some of that saltiness. Let it simmer a bit longer to blend those flavors!
Sausage Potato Soup: 7 Reasons It’s Your New Comfort Favorite
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty sausage potato soup that warms you up.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of sausage
- 4 cups of diced potatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups of kale, chopped
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the sausage over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
- Stir in the potatoes and chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream and kale, cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more or less cream.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: sausage potato soup
