Hearty Sausage Potato Soup : Ultimate Cozy Bowl

When the temperature drops and you’re craving something warm, filling, and packed with flavor, there’s nothing better than a big bowl of Sausage Potato Soup. This satisfying recipe brings together tender chunks of potato, flavorful sausage, and a creamy broth that’s both comforting and nourishing. It’s a one-pot wonder perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or sharing around the table with family and friends.

Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast sausage potato soup, a cheesy loaded dinner bowl, or a light lunch with chicken sausage, this recipe is easy to customize and even easier to love.

So grab your soup pot—this is one of those soups for cold days you’ll want to make on repeat.

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What Makes This Sausage Potato Soup Recipe So Special?

There are plenty of potato soup recipes out there, but this one stands out thanks to the bold, savory flavor of sausage paired with creamy potatoes and a touch of cheese. It’s the perfect middle ground between cheesy potato sausage soup and a lighter, broth-based option.

Here’s why this soup wins over everyone at the table:

• Hearty and protein-rich – thanks to sausage and potatoes
• Comforting – thick, rich, and full of classic soup flavors
• Flexible – perfect with pork, turkey, or chicken sausage
• One-pot friendly – fewer dishes, more flavor
• Meal prep approved – reheats and freezes well

This is one of the best easy soups with sausage to warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients for Sausage Potato Soup (With Exact Measurements)

This recipe makes 6 generous servings. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound ground sausage (pork, chicken, or turkey)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 5 cups russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Optional garnish: fresh parsley, chives, or extra cheese

These simple, wholesome ingredients create a soup that’s deeply flavorful, creamy, and satisfying.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for the Perfect Soup

Making this soup doesn’t require much, but having these tools on hand will make the process easier:

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Ladle for serving
• Potato masher (optional, for creamier texture)
• Airtight containers for storage

Everything comes together in one pot—easy to prep, easy to clean up.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Sausage Potato Soup

Step 1: Brown the sausage
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Add aromatics
Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, until vegetables soften and onion is translucent.

Step 3: Add potatoes and broth
Stir in the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Make it creamy
Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the milk (or half-and-half) and shredded cheddar cheese. Simmer gently for 5 more minutes, stirring until the cheese melts into the soup.

Step 5: Season and serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper if using. Garnish with chopped parsley or extra cheese before serving.

That’s it! You now have a hearty, homemade loaded potato soup with sausage that’s ready to warm everyone up.

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Tips for a Creamy, Flavor-Packed Potato Soup with Sausage

• Use Yukon gold or russet potatoes for a balance of texture and creaminess.
• Don’t overcook the potatoes—they should be soft but not mushy.
• For extra creaminess, mash some of the potatoes in the pot with a spoon or potato masher.
• Sauté the sausage well—the browning adds extra flavor to the soup base.
• Add cheese at the end so it melts smoothly without separating.

These simple techniques make a big difference in turning a basic potato sausage soup into something exceptional.

Slow Cooker and Crock Pot Instructions

Want to make this in a crock pot? No problem. Here’s how to adapt the recipe for potato sausage soup crock pots:

Step 1: Brown the sausage in a skillet. Transfer to the crock pot.
Step 2: Add potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and broth.
Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
Step 4: Stir in milk and cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir until smooth.
Step 5: Serve and garnish as desired.

Slow-cooking gives the flavors extra time to develop and results in a beautifully tender, rich soup.

Flavor Variations: Chicken Sausage, Corn, and Cheese Options

This recipe is super versatile! Try these creative twists to make it your own:

Protein swaps:

• Use chicken sausage potato soup ingredients for a leaner version.
• Try smoked sausage or kielbasa for a different flavor profile.
• Add cooked bacon or pancetta for an extra layer of richness.

Vegetable additions:

• Add corn kernels for a sweet twist (perfect for sausage potato corn soup).
• Stir in spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added nutrition.

Cheese choices:

• Swap cheddar for pepper jack or gouda.
• Stir in cream cheese for a tangy, velvety texture.

These variations keep your soup rotation fresh and exciting.

Serving Suggestions for Soups on Cold Days

Pair your sausage potato soup with sides that complete the comfort:

• Crusty bread or garlic toast – perfect for dipping.
• Simple green salad – a light contrast to the hearty soup.
• Roasted vegetables – great for an extra serving of fiber and nutrients.
• Baked sweet potatoes or biscuits – for a cozy Southern-style meal.

This soup is hearty enough to stand alone but shines when paired with simple sides.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Potato Sausage Soup

To store:
Let the soup cool completely. Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To freeze:
Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat:
Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen.

Meal prep tip:
Store in single-serve containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

Here’s an approximate breakdown for one serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: 410
Protein: 18 g
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 710 mg
Calcium: 15% DV
Iron: 10% DV

You can adjust the nutrition by choosing leaner sausage, low-fat dairy, or reducing cheese.

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Sausage Potato Soup FAQs

Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes. Skip the cheese and use a non-dairy milk alternative like oat milk or coconut cream for creaminess.

Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, diced frozen potatoes (like hash browns) can work. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes—as long as your sausage and broth are gluten-free. Always check labels.

Can I add pasta to the soup?
Absolutely. Add ½ cup of small pasta like elbow macaroni or ditalini during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

What’s the best way to thicken the soup?
Mash some of the potatoes or stir in a cornstarch slurry for a thicker consistency.

Final Thoughts and Invite to Share or Subscribe

This Sausage Potato Soup is the very definition of comfort in a bowl—rich, satisfying, and deeply flavorful. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a cold night, need a one-pot meal the whole family will love, or want to prep something hearty ahead of time, this recipe has you covered.

From breakfast sausage potato soup to cheesy loaded versions, this adaptable dish is ready for every table, every craving, and every cook—beginner or pro.

If you loved this soup, don’t forget to share it with your fellow soup lovers, pin it to your winter meal board, and subscribe to the blog for more easy, warming recipes that feed both the body and the soul.

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