Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Comfort lurks in every spoonful of this hearty cheesy sausage potato soup waiting to warm your soul.

Cold evenings demand something special from the kitchen.

Rich flavors blend seamlessly with tender potato chunks and savory sausage bits.

Creamy textures invite you to savor each delightful bite.

Unexpected ingredients create a symphony of taste that surprises and delights.

Cheese melts into a smooth backdrop, enhancing every spoonful with deep, satisfying notes.

Simple ingredients come together in a magical culinary dance.

Pack your bowl with love and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup for a Cozy Bowl of Goodness

  • Easily adapt the recipe by swapping sausage types, adjusting spice levels, or making it vegetarian-friendly to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Create a restaurant-quality soup using just a few simple pantry staples, delivering a rich and creamy dish that feels luxurious without complex cooking techniques.
  • Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-pot recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a satisfying meal, saving time on both preparation and washing dishes afterward.

What to Gather for Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup

Main Protein:
  • Sausage: Adds rich, meaty flavor and protein to the soup; choose a spicy or mild variety based on preference.
Base Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: Provide aromatic foundation and depth of flavor; fresh ingredients offer the best taste.
Soup Foundation:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates liquid base for the soup; low-sodium options help control salt content.
  • Potatoes: Offer hearty texture and thickness; starchy varieties like Russet work best for creamy soups.
Creamy Elements:
  • Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and smooth consistency; full-fat version recommended for best results.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, tangy flavor and helps thicken the soup; sharp varieties provide more intense taste.
Seasoning and Garnish:
  • Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smoky undertone; optional but enhances overall complexity.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing soup's flavor profile.
  • Fresh Parsley, Green Onions: Provide fresh, bright garnish with additional mild herb notes.
Cooking Oils:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables; helps prevent sticking and adds subtle flavor.

How to Make Creamy Sausage and Potato Soup Step by Step

Step 1: Brown the Sausage Goodness

Heat a large pot over medium flame. Crumble sausage into small pieces and cook until golden and fully done. Scoop out the cooked sausage and set aside, leaving behind delicious drippings.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Flavors

In the same pot, splash some olive oil if needed. Toss in:
  • Chopped onions
  • Minced garlic

Sauté until onions turn soft and translucent, with garlic releasing its magical fragrance.

Step 3: Potato Simmering Magic

Pour in chicken broth and add diced potatoes. Bring to a rolling boil, then lower heat. Let potatoes simmer until they’re tender enough to easily pierce with a fork.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

For extra richness, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup. Alternatively, transfer a couple cups to a blender and blend until smooth. Return the creamy mixture to the pot.

Step 5: Reunite Sausage and Soup

Stir the cooked sausage back into the pot. Add:
  • Heavy cream
  • Smoked paprika

Step 6: Cheese Melting Extravaganza

Gradually sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously. Allow each handful to melt completely. Season with salt and pepper to match your taste.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Garnish with:
  • Fresh parsley
  • Chopped green onions

Pair with crusty bread or crispy crackers for the ultimate comfort meal.

Tips to Keep the Texture Creamy and the Flavor Savory

  • Sausage Selection: Choose high-quality smoked or spicy sausage for deeper flavor complexity and richer taste profile.
  • Potato Perfection: Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Blend Strategically: Partially blending the soup creates a creamy consistency while maintaining some chunky potato pieces for textural contrast.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese gradually and stir continuously to prevent clumping and achieve smooth, velvety incorporation.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a lactose-free version of the soup.

Best Storage and Reheat Methods for Sausage Potato Soup

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed soup stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups for best texture.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency if soup has thickened.
  • Heat soup in microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature.

What Goes Well with a Bowl of Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup

  • Serve alongside crusty sourdough or rustic garlic bread to soak up the creamy, cheesy soup's rich flavors and provide delightful textural contrast.
  • Choose a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir to balance the soup's robust sausage and creamy cheese notes without overwhelming the palate.
  • Prepare a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness and add a refreshing, light element to the hearty meal.
  • Select a malty amber ale or smooth wheat beer that complements the soup's savory profile and enhances the overall dining experience with its complementary flavor notes.

Ways to Change Up the Flavor in This Soup

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that maintains the creamy texture and rich flavor.
  • Vegetarian Protein Boost: Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or smoked tofu, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free alternative.
  • Dairy-Free Comfort: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of cheddar cheese to create a vegan-friendly soup with similar richness and depth.
  • Spicy Southwest Edition: Add diced green chiles, swap smoked paprika for chili powder, and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern-inspired variation that brings extra heat and complexity to the classic recipe.
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Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe

Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe


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4.9 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets flavor in this hearty cheesy sausage potato soup, a soul-warming dish perfect for chilly evenings. Creamy potatoes, savory sausage, and melted cheese combine to create a rich, satisfying meal that will comfort you from the first spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1 pound (450 g) ground sausage (Italian or breakfast sausage)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ pounds (680 g) potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold or Russets)

Liquid and Dairy:

  • 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Garnish:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup (10 g) chopped fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground sausage in a spacious cooking vessel over medium heat, methodically crumbling the meat into small uniform pieces until completely cooked and developing a rich caramelized exterior, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  2. Transfer the sausage using a perforated utensil, leaving behind residual drippings, and temporarily reserve the meat.
  3. Introduce olive oil to the identical pot if needed, then gently sauté diced onions until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  4. Quickly incorporate minced garlic and allow it to release its aromatic essence for roughly 30 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
  5. Pour chicken broth into the pot and introduce diced potatoes, raising the temperature to create a bubbling liquid state.
  6. Reduce heat and allow the potatoes to simmer, transforming into tender morsels that can be easily pierced with a fork, which typically requires 15-20 minutes.
  7. For enhanced creaminess, utilize an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, creating a luxurious texture with some remaining potato chunks.
  8. Reintroduce the previously cooked sausage into the simmering mixture, then incorporate heavy cream and a whisper of smoked paprika.
  9. Gradually fold in shredded cheddar cheese, allowing each handful to melt seamlessly into the soup while maintaining a smooth consistency.
  10. Season the soup with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
  11. Ladle the velvety soup into serving bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a vibrant finishing touch.
  12. Accompany the soup with crusty bread or crisp crackers for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Sausage Selection: Choose a spicy or mild Italian sausage to customize the soup’s heat level and flavor profile perfectly.
  • Potato Perfection: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for a creamy, smooth texture that breaks down beautifully during cooking.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to make this soup friendly for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners.
  • Blending Technique: When using a standard blender, allow soup to cool slightly and blend in small batches to prevent potential pressure buildup and kitchen mishaps.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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