This Sausage Potato Soup is a perfect blend of savory sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh greens, all simmered in a creamy broth that will warm you from the inside out. With each bite, you’ll enjoy a comforting combination of textures and flavors that are sure to satisfy.
It’s a great meal for a cozy family dinner or a make-ahead lunch for the week. Whether you serve it with crusty bread or enjoy it on its own, this soup is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your rotation. The optional heavy cream adds extra richness, but it’s just as delicious with a lighter touch. This recipe is a warm hug in a bowl!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
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1 1/2 cups chicken broth
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1 1/2 cups whole milk
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 cups kale or spinach, chopped
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1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
Directions:
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is softened.
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Stir in the diced potatoes, chicken broth, whole milk, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Add the chopped kale or spinach and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until wilted.
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If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why Sausage Potato Soup is a Family Favorite
One of the reasons this recipe is so popular is its simplicity and the comforting flavors it offers. The rich, savory taste of Italian sausage perfectly complements the creamy texture of potatoes, making every spoonful comforting and satisfying. The addition of greens like kale or spinach not only adds a vibrant pop of color but also provides a nutritious boost to the dish, making it a well-rounded meal. This soup is hearty enough to be a standalone dish, but it also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad, elevating the meal to the next level.
A Versatile Soup for Every Season
While Sausage Potato Soup is particularly popular during the colder months, it’s a recipe that can be enjoyed year-round. In the winter, it warms you up with its hearty texture and rich flavors, but you can also make it in the spring or fall when you’re looking for a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. The beauty of this soup lies in its ability to adapt to different tastes and preferences. You can swap the sausage for other types of meat, such as turkey or chicken sausage, or make it vegetarian by omitting the sausage altogether. The choice of greens can also vary depending on what’s available—kale, spinach, or even Swiss chard all work wonderfully in this dish.
Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the best things about Sausage Potato Soup is that it stores well, making it an ideal choice for meal prep. You can make a big batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it for several days. It keeps its flavor and texture when stored in the fridge, and if anything, the flavors tend to meld together even more, making the soup even more delicious the next day. For those who are busy or have a packed schedule, having a few servings of Sausage Potato Soup ready to go in the fridge can be a lifesaver. Just reheat, and you’ve got a wholesome, homemade meal ready in minutes.
A Soup That Fits Every Dietary Need
Sausage Potato Soup can be easily adjusted to fit different dietary preferences. For those who need gluten-free options, this recipe works perfectly as it doesn’t require any gluten-based ingredients. You can also make it dairy-free by leaving out the heavy cream or using a dairy-free alternative. If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can reduce the amount of potatoes or substitute them with cauliflower, making it just as filling without the added carbs. Additionally, those who prefer to avoid processed meats can use lean turkey sausage or even vegetarian sausage to make this soup a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.
How to Make Sausage Potato Soup Extra Creamy
One of the key features of this soup is its creamy texture, which comes from the combination of milk and optional heavy cream. For those who prefer an even richer version, adding extra cream will give the soup a luxurious, velvety consistency. If you prefer a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of cream or substitute it with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Additionally, blending part of the soup, especially the potatoes, will create a smoother, thicker consistency. Some people even like to use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot, creating a beautifully creamy base without the need for cream.
Add-Ins and Variations to Customize the Soup
Sausage Potato Soup is extremely customizable. You can enhance the flavor profile by adding different herbs and spices. A dash of red pepper flakes can give the soup a nice kick, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika adds depth and smokiness. If you like a little tang, try adding a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the richness. For a more indulgent variation, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top before serving—cheddar, Parmesan, or even a blend of Italian cheeses all work wonderfully.
In terms of vegetables, the options are endless. While kale and spinach are the go-to greens for this recipe, you can also add carrots, celery, or even parsnips to create a heartier soup. If you want to bulk up the soup, adding beans like cannellini or great northern beans can provide extra protein and fiber, making the dish even more filling. If you’re looking for more of a stew-like texture, simply reduce the amount of broth and allow the soup to simmer for a longer period of time until it thickens.
Sausage Potato Soup for Special Occasions
This Sausage Potato Soup is not only perfect for casual family meals but also works well for special occasions. If you’re hosting a winter gathering or a cozy dinner party, this soup can be served as an appetizer or even as the main course. It’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to make in large batches, so it’s ideal for entertaining. You can even serve it in individual bowls with a side of homemade bread, croutons, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Adding a touch of gourmet cheese, like Gruyère or Manchego, can take the dish up a notch and impress your guests.
Nutritional Benefits of Sausage Potato Soup
In addition to its delicious taste, Sausage Potato Soup offers a variety of nutritional benefits. Potatoes are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They also provide a satisfying, starchy base that makes this soup filling without being overly heavy. The sausage adds protein, while the greens contribute vitamins A, K, and iron. By making this soup yourself, you have full control over the ingredients, allowing you to make a healthier version if desired. The soup can be tailored to be lower in fat, sodium, or calories, depending on your dietary goals.
Conclusion
Sausage Potato Soup is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any season. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or a dish to impress guests, this soup checks all the boxes. With its versatility, you can customize the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs, making it a family-friendly option everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s great for meal prep and can be enjoyed throughout the week. So, next time you’re in the mood for a warm, hearty bowl of comfort, look no further than this delicious Sausage Potato Soup. It’s guaranteed to satisfy your hunger and warm your soul.