The first spoonful of Sausage Potato Soup delivers everything you want in a warming meal: tender vegetables, creamy broth, and rich, savory turkey sausage that adds depth without overpowering the bowl. This comforting recipe transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying dish ideal for any season. Because Sausage Potato Soup comes together in one pot, it’s as practical as it is delicious, making it perfect for weeknights or relaxed weekends when you need something hearty. Below, you’ll learn how to build exceptional flavor at each step while keeping the process easy, efficient, and enjoyable.
Sausage Potato Soup: The Complete Guide to a Cozy, Flavor-Packed Bowl
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: About 11 cups
Description
A creamy, hearty soup made with turkey sausage, tender potatoes, vegetables, and a smooth broth enriched with cream and cheddar.
Ingredients
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon each dried parsley, oregano, and mustard powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 lb ground turkey sausage (mild or hot)
2 tablespoons butter
1 yellow onion, diced
½ cup diced carrots
2 ribs celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce
5 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1¼ lbs red potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Warm a large pot over medium heat. Add the turkey sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Set aside and reserve about 1 tablespoon of the drippings.
2. Add the reserved drippings and butter to the pot. Stir in the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 2 minutes to cook it. Slowly add the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot. Stir in the heavy cream, soy sauce, hot sauce, and seasonings.
4. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add the diced potatoes and cook uncovered until tender, about 20–25 minutes.
5. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir well. Lower the heat and add shredded cheddar if using. Heat until melted and serve warm.
Notes
For extra richness, add more cheese.
Freeze without cheese added for best texture.
Yukon gold potatoes also work well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soups & Stews
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Sausage Potato Soup Overview & Flavor Profile
What Makes Sausage Potato Soup Rich and Satisfying
The heart of this dish lies in its balance of savory sausage, tender potatoes, and fragrant aromatics. The turkey sausage browns beautifully, releasing flavor that becomes the foundation of the soup. Red potatoes hold their shape well, adding substance without becoming mushy. When these components simmer together, they create a naturally rich texture elevated further by a splash of cream.
How This Sausage Potato Soup Balances Creaminess and Heat
Heavy cream softens the broth, making each bite feel velvety. Meanwhile, subtle heat from hot sauce and mild spices ensures the soup stays lively rather than overly rich. This dynamic combination keeps the dish layered and interesting, especially once the cheese melts into the final product.
Why Turkey Sausage Works Perfectly in This Classic Soup
Turkey sausage offers a lighter profile than pork yet still delivers bold flavor. It browns efficiently and absorbs seasoning well, which helps the soup remain hearty without becoming too heavy. Its versatility also allows for easy substitutions, whether you prefer mild, hot, or herb-seasoned varieties.
Ingredients Breakdown for Sausage Potato Soup
Seasonings That Build Depth and Aroma
A blend of basil, parsley, oregano, mustard powder, and black pepper creates gentle complexity. These herbs mirror classic American comfort-food flavors and complement the savory notes in the sausage. Because the soup simmers slowly, the dried herbs have time to fully bloom.
Vegetables That Create the Soup’s Signature Base
Onion, carrots, celery, and garlic form the aromatic backbone. When sautéed in sausage drippings and butter, they release sweetness that balances the more intense savory components. This combination results in a layered broth that feels full-bodied without requiring long cooking times.
Proteins, Dairy, and Broth for a Creamy Finish
Chicken broth forms the main liquid base, offering a clean, salty note that enhances the other ingredients. Heavy cream adds silkiness, while cheddar cheese—optional but encouraged—melts into the pot for a comforting finish. Combined with the tender diced potatoes, these ingredients create a cohesive texture that’s both smooth and satisfying.
Step-by-Step Method for the Best Sausage Potato Soup
Browning the Sausage for Maximum Flavor
Start by browning the turkey sausage in a heavy pot. This caramelization step builds complexity that will carry throughout the soup. Save a tablespoon of the drippings to enrich the roux later. If the sausage produces minimal fat, a little extra butter ensures the vegetables sauté properly.
Sautéing the Vegetables and Building the Roux
The vegetables soften in butter and drippings, releasing aroma and sweetness. As they cook, they develop a base that bonds with the sausage flavor. After adding the garlic, sprinkle in the flour to create a light roux. This technique thickens the soup while preventing the dairy from separating. Soy sauce and hot sauce add subtle depth and brightness, rounding out the broth’s profile.
Simmering, Thickening, and Finishing the Soup Properly
After adding broth and cream, the soup simmers gently as the potatoes cook. This slow simmer ensures even softening without breaking the potato cubes. Once the potatoes are tender, return the sausage to the pot and stir. The final touch—melting cheddar—creates a unified, creamy dish perfect for serving warm.
Serving, Storing, and Reheating Sausage Potato Soup
Ideal Side Dishes and Toppings
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, simple salads, or roasted vegetables. For garnishes, consider fresh parsley, cracked pepper, or a sprinkle of cheese. Because the soup is already rich, use toppings sparingly to maintain balance.
Storage Tips for Maintaining Freshness
Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to four days. The potatoes hold their shape well, and the cream remains stable thanks to the roux. For longer storage, freeze without the cheese added; then melt shredded cheese into the reheated soup later.
Reheating Without Losing Creaminess
Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to preserve texture. If the soup thickens in the fridge, a splash of broth or cream brings it back to its ideal consistency.
Recipe Variations Inspired by Sausage Potato Soup
How to Make a Lighter or Dairy-Free Version
Substitute coconut milk or a plant-based cream for the heavy cream. Use olive oil instead of butter and skip the cheese. The soup remains flavorful thanks to the sausage, broth, and herbs.
Adding Greens Like Kale for a Hearty Twist
A handful of chopped kale or spinach adds color and nutrition. Add greens during the final 5–10 minutes of simmering so they soften but retain vibrancy.
Turning This Sausage Potato Soup Into a Spicy or Cheesy Variation
Extra hot sauce creates a bolder soup, while pepper jack or smoked gouda brings sharper depth. You can also stir in fire-roasted tomatoes for a twist with more acidity.
Related Soups to Try
Cozy Alternatives to Sausage Potato Soup
If you’re in the mood for a different style of cozy bowl, consider exploring other stovetop soups with similar creamy textures. Many share the same comforting blend of vegetables, broth, and warmth.
How This Recipe Compares to Classic Zuppa-Style Soups
This dish shares roots with classic Italian-inspired soups made with sausage and potatoes. The cream-based broth and tender vegetables offer a familiar comfort found in recipes like Zuppa Toscana.
When to Try Options Like a creamy tortellini soup or a hearty Zuppa Toscana
Both of these soups make excellent additions to your rotation. They offer similar richness, and each provides its own unique take on creamy, sausage-forward comfort food.
FAQ About Sausage Potato Soup
How does this recipe compare to Sausage Potato Soup Chelseasmessyapron?
Both versions lean into comforting flavors with sausage, potatoes, and cream. This recipe uses turkey sausage and introduces hot sauce, soy sauce, and a roux, creating a slightly thicker texture and more layered flavor.
Can I turn this into a kale soup with sausage?
Absolutely. Adding kale transforms the dish into a vibrant, nutrient-rich variation that maintains the same hearty base. Stir the greens into the pot near the end of cooking so they soften without overcooking.
What type of potatoes work best for this soup?
Red potatoes hold their structure exceptionally well, which prevents the soup from becoming grainy. Yukon gold potatoes are another excellent choice for a naturally creamy finish.
Can I make this soup ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes. This recipe reheats beautifully because the roux stabilizes the broth. Prepare the soup up to three days ahead and warm it gently when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Why This Soup Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation
This dish offers a comforting balance of protein, vegetables, and creaminess, delivering both convenience and satisfaction. Its one-pot method makes it a dependable choice for busy evenings.
Final Tips for Customizing the Recipe
Try adjusting the seasoning ratio, swapping cheeses, or adding greens. Each variation builds on the original while staying true to its cozy nature.
How to Make Every Batch Consistently Delicious
Brown the sausage well, simmer the potatoes gently, and finish with cheese only after lowering the heat. These simple steps guarantee a bowl that’s rich, warm, and deeply flavorful every time.
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