Hearty Sausage Potato Soup

This Sausage Potato Soup is a hearty and comforting meal made with Italian sausage, vegetables, and tender Yukon Gold potatoes in a creamy broth. Perfect for cold weather, this easy recipe is made in one pot and is full of flavor. Serve it with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chives for an extra touch. Great for family dinners, meal prep, or a quick weeknight dinner. This filling soup is a must-try for anyone looking for a cozy and delicious homemade dish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1½ lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, chopped
• ⅔ cup heavy cream, at room temperature
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings

• Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped chives
• Croutons

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Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage
   In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage. About halfway through, add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Continue to cook until the sausage is fully browned and the vegetables are softened.
2. Add Butter and Aromatics
   Add enough butter to make 3 tablespoons of total fat in the pot, including the sausage drippings. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the garlic, marjoram, thyme, basil, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Thicken with Flour
   Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook slightly and absorb the fat.
4. Add Broth and Potatoes
   Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add the chopped potatoes and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
5. Finish with Cream
   Remove the pot from heat and slowly stir in the room-temperature heavy cream until fully blended.
6. Season and Serve
   Taste and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped chives, or croutons if desired.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Full of comforting flavors with savory sausage and herbs
• Hearty and filling thanks to potatoes and cream
• One-pot convenience makes cleanup simple
• Perfect for meal prep, leftovers, or cold-weather dinners
• Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and toppings

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Tips

• Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamy texture that holds its shape.
• If using spicy sausage, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
• For a thicker soup, mash a few of the potatoes directly in the pot before adding the cream.
• Warm your cream slightly before adding to avoid curdling.
• Chop vegetables uniformly for even cooking.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Swap the sausage for ground turkey, chicken sausage, or plant-based sausage
• Use russet potatoes or red potatoes if Yukon Gold isn’t available
• Add a handful of chopped spinach or kale at the end for added greens
• Replace cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter version
• Stir in a handful of shredded cheese for an extra cheesy twist

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FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I freeze sausage potato soup?
Yes, but omit the cream if planning to freeze. Add it after thawing and reheating for best texture.

What kind of sausage is best?
Mild or hot Italian sausage works well. You can also use breakfast sausage or a smoked sausage for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken instead of all-purpose flour.

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Serving

• Serve hot with crusty bread or buttery biscuits
• Add a simple green salad for a complete meal
• Perfect in a bread bowl for a fun presentation
• Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, chives, or croutons for extra flavor and texture

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Suggestions

• Make it spicier by using hot Italian sausage or adding more red pepper flakes
• For a chunky version, cut potatoes into larger cubes and avoid mashing
• Make a lighter version by using chicken sausage and light cream or milk
• Serve with garlic toast or parmesan crisps on the side for dipping