Growing up, sausage potato soup was always a comforting dish that brought my family together. I can still remember the aroma of sausage and potatoes simmering on the stove, filling the house with the most mouthwatering scent. It was one of those meals that just made you feel right at home.
My mom would start by browning the sausage, the sound of it sizzling in the pot always signaling that something delicious was about to happen. Then she’d add the potatoes, onions, and a blend of spices that she’d been perfecting for years. As the soup slowly came together, we’d all gather around the table, eagerly awaiting our steaming bowls.
There was just something about that first spoonful of sausage potato soup that was pure magic. The creamy broth, the tender chunks of potato, the savory sausage – it was a flavor explosion in your mouth. And the best part? It was a dish that everyone in the family loved, from my grandparents down to the youngest cousin.
To this day, whenever I make sausage potato soup, it takes me right back to those cozy, childhood memories. It’s a recipe that has become a true family tradition, and one that I’m excited to share with you.
Why This Sausage Potato Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect sausage potato soup
What sets this sausage potato soup recipe apart is the attention to detail and the use of a few key techniques that really take it to the next level. First and foremost, we’re going to start with high-quality sausage that’s been perfectly browned and crumbled. This adds an unbelievable depth of flavor that you just can’t get with subpar sausage.
Next, we’ll be using a combination of chicken and beef broth, which gives the soup a richness and complexity that you won’t find in a standard potato soup. And the secret ingredient? A splash of cream at the end, which takes the creaminess factor up a notch.
Trust me, once you try this sausage potato soup recipe, it’s going to become a permanent fixture in your meal rotation.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Sausage: Look for a spicy or Italian-style sausage to really amp up the flavor.
– Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best, as they’ll hold their shape and texture.
– Onion: Diced yellow or white onion adds essential aromatics.
– Garlic: Minced garlic is a must for that savory backbone.
– Chicken broth: Opt for a high-quality, low-sodium broth.
– Beef broth: Combining the chicken and beef broths creates a rich, complex base.
– Cream: A touch of heavy cream or half-and-half makes the soup wonderfully creamy.
– Seasonings: A blend of salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika brings it all together.
Step-by-Step sausage potato soup Instructions
Preparing Your sausage potato soup
This sausage potato soup is a relatively simple dish to prepare, but the key is taking the time to really develop the flavors. You’ll need about an hour from start to finish, and the only equipment required is a large pot or Dutch oven.
1- Begin by browning the sausage in the pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once it’s nicely browned, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
2- In the same pot, sauté the onions in a bit of olive oil until they’re soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3- Next, add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, and beef broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4- Once the potatoes are cooked through, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to gently mash some of them, creating a thicker, creamier texture. You don’t want to mash them all, just a few to help thicken the soup.
5- Stir the cooked sausage back into the pot, along with the heavy cream, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6- Ladle the sausage potato soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect sausage potato soup is all in the technique. Here are a few pro tips to ensure your soup turns out absolutely amazing:
– Be sure to brown the sausage really well before removing it from the pot. The more caramelization, the better the flavor.
– Don’t be afraid to mash some of the potatoes – this helps create a wonderfully creamy texture.
– Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Some sausages are saltier than others, so you may need to add more or less salt.
– If the soup is too thick, thin it out with a bit more broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to allow the potatoes to break down further.
Serving and Storing Your sausage potato soup
Perfect Pairings for sausage potato soup
This sausage potato soup is truly a meal in itself, but there are a few delicious accompaniments that can really take it to the next level. A crusty loaf of bread or some warm, buttery biscuits are always a fantastic choice for sopping up every last drop of that creamy broth.
For a lighter pairing, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the soup. And if you’re really looking to indulge, a grilled cheese sandwich or a side of garlic bread would be the perfect companion.
As for beverages, a crisp, dry white wine or a robust red would both be excellent choices. But if you’re in the mood for something a little more casual, a cold beer or a hot cup of coffee would also pair beautifully.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Sausage potato soup is the perfect meal to make in advance, as it actually gets better as the flavors have time to meld. Once the soup has cooled completely, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When you’re ready to serve it, simply reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot and bubbly. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for sausage potato soup
Creative sausage potato soup Variations
While this classic sausage potato soup recipe is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. One delicious variation is to swap out the sausage for diced ham or crumbled bacon. You could also add in some diced carrots or celery for extra veggies.
For a slightly spicier version, try using a blend of hot and mild Italian sausage, or stir in a bit of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. And if you’re in the mood for a heartier soup, you can add in some cooked, diced chicken or shredded beef.
The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this sausage potato soup your own!
Making sausage potato soup Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking to make this sausage potato soup a bit more diet-friendly, there are a few simple swaps you can make. For starters, you can use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage to cut down on the fat and calories.
To make it gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup, rather than all-purpose flour. And for a dairy-free version, you can substitute the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk.
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can reduce the amount of potatoes and instead use cauliflower florets or diced turnips. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
No matter which dietary adaptations you choose, this sausage potato soup will still be just as comforting and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of sausage besides Italian or spicy?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of sausage you prefer, such as kielbasa, chorizo, or even breakfast sausage. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile of the soup will vary depending on the sausage you choose.
Q: How can I make the soup thicker or creamier?
A: There are a few things you can try to achieve a thicker, creamier texture. First, mash more of the potatoes as they cook, which will help release their natural starch and thicken the broth. You can also blend a portion of the soup in a blender or use an immersion blender to puree some of the ingredients. Finally, you can stir in a bit more heavy cream or a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
A: Yes, you can absolutely make this sausage potato soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. For the slow cooker, simply brown the sausage, sauté the onions, and then add all the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. For the Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the sausage and sauté the onions, then add the remaining ingredients and pressure cook for 10-15 minutes.
Q: How can I reheat leftovers without the potatoes getting mushy?
A: When reheating leftover sausage potato soup, be gentle to avoid breaking down the potatoes. The best method is to reheat it slowly on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, checking and stirring every 30 seconds to a minute.
Sausage Potato Soup
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6
Description
This classic sausage potato soup is a comforting and delicious one-pot meal that’s perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender potatoes, savory sausage, and a rich, creamy broth, it’s a family-favorite dish that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
– 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. – In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
2. – Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
3. – Pour in the chicken broth and add the cubed potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
4. – Stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. – Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
This sausage potato soup can be made ahead of time and reheated. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Sausage potato soup is truly a comfort food classic, and this recipe is guaranteed to become your new go-to. With its rich, creamy broth, tender chunks of potato, and savory sausage, it’s a dish that’s sure to warm you from the inside out.
I hope you’ll give this sausage potato soup a try – and don’t be afraid to get creative with the variations and adaptations. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just cooking for yourself, this soup is sure to be a hit. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!
