Hearty 1-Hour Sausage Potato Soup

There’s just something about a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening, isn’t there? It’s like a hug from the inside out. And when it comes to a soup that truly satisfies, my sausage potato soup recipe is an absolute winner. It’s incredibly simple to whip up, super hearty, and packed with that deep, comforting flavor that makes you feel right at home – much like my Grandma’s cooking always did back in North Carolina. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a bowl of pure, delicious comfort that comes together in a snap.

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Potato Soup

Trust me, this sausage potato soup is pure comfort food magic! Here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:

• Super Easy: Seriously, it comes together so quickly – perfect for a weeknight when you’re tired but craving something delicious.
• Packed with Flavor: The smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and hint of cheese create a taste that’s just out of this world.
• So Hearty: It’s a truly filling meal that’ll keep you satisfied for hours.
• So Versatile: It’s great on its own or jazzed up with your favorite toppings!

Ingredients for the Best Sausage Potato Soup

To make this amazing sausage potato soup, you don’t need anything fancy, just good, honest ingredients! The quality really makes a difference here, so grab the good stuff if you can. You’ll need:

• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced up – get your favorite kind!
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – just a splash to get things started.
• 1 large onion, chopped – I like mine diced up pretty small.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – don’t skip the garlic, it’s so important for flavor!
• 4 cups chicken broth – low sodium is great so you can control the saltiness.
• 2 cups diced potatoes – about 2 medium ones work perfectly. I usually leave the skin on for extra goodness.
• 1 cup milk – whole milk makes it richer, but any kind works!
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese – sharp cheddar gives it a nice bite.
• Salt and pepper to taste – always taste as you go!

Trust me, using good-quality sausage and fresh ingredients will really make this soup sing!

Tips for Making Perfect Sausage Potato Soup

Alright, so making this sausage and potato soup is pretty straightforward, but a few little tricks can make it absolutely spectacular. First off, the sausage is key! I always go for a good smoked sausage, because that smokiness is where so much flavor comes from. When you’re browning it, don’t rush it – let it get those nice little crispy bits in the pan, that’s pure gold. Leave those tasty drippings in the pot when you start your onions; it really amps up the flavor from the get-go.

Now, about those potatoes. I usually leave the skin on ’cause it adds a bit of texture and nutrients, but make sure they’re diced about the same size so they cook evenly. You want them tender, but not mushy. And here’s a crucial bit: once you add the milk and cheese, just heat it through. Seriously, do NOT let it boil! It’ll make the milk curdle and the cheese get greasy. Just a gentle simmer until everything is melty and hot. A little patience here makes all the difference!

How to Prepare This Easy Sausage Potato Soup

Alright, let’s get this cozy pot of goodness going! It really is super simple, I promise. You’ll be sitting down with a delicious bowl of homemade sausage soup before you know it.

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

First things first, grab a big pot or a Dutch oven. Toss in your sliced sausage and cook it over medium heat. You want it to get nicely browned and a little crispy – that’s where all that amazing flavor really comes from! Once it’s looking good, scoop the sausage out and set it aside for a bit. Don’t clean that pot, though – those tasty bits left behind are pure gold for your soup!

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Now, add your chopped onion to the pot with those sausage drippings. Cook it up until it’s nice and soft, usually about 5 minutes. Then, toss in your minced garlic and stir it around for just another minute until it smells incredible. Be careful not to burn that garlic; we just want it fragrant!

Step 3: Simmer the Base

Pour in that chicken broth. Give it a good stir, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pot. Now, bring this all up to a gentle simmer. This is the yummy foundation of your soup!

Step 4: Cook Potatoes and Sausage

Time to bring it all together! Add your diced potatoes and the browned sausage back into the pot. Let this all simmer away for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until those potatoes are nice and tender. You want them easy to pierce with a fork, but not falling apart into mush. If you’re a potato lover, you might want to check out these spicy potato wedges or parmesan potato wedges for other ideas!

Step 5: Add Dairy and Cheese

Now for the creamy magic! Stir in your milk and the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring gently until the cheese is all melted and the soup is heated through. Here’s the super important part: **do not boil** the soup after adding the milk and cheese. Just keep it on a low simmer until everything is combined. Boiling can make it curdle, and we don’t want that!

Step 6: Season and Serve

Give your soup a taste. Add salt and pepper until it’s just right for you. Ladle that beautiful, hearty sausage soup into bowls and serve it up hot. Enjoy!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Sausage Potato Soup

You know, one of the best things about this sausage potato soup is how flexible it is! For the sausage, smoked kielbasa or even a spicy Italian sausage works wonderfully if you don’t have smoked sausage on hand. Just remember that different sausages will bring slightly different flavors, so adjust your seasonings accordingly.

If chicken broth isn’t your thing, vegetable broth is a perfectly fine substitute, especially if you want to keep this soup vegetarian-friendly (just skip the sausage or use a plant-based one!). And for that creamy finish, if you’re feeling extra decadent or want to make it super rich, a splash of heavy cream instead of milk is just divine. It really makes the soup feel like a restaurant-quality treat!

Serving Suggestions for Hearty Sausage Soup

Now that you’ve got this amazing bowl of hearty sausage soup ready to go, what do you serve with it? Oh, I’ve got a few ideas that just make the meal perfect! Crusty bread is an absolute must for dipping – I love a good garlic bread roll or even a slice of Italian herb and cheese bread. And if you’re feeling like something a little simpler, don’t forget a slice of garlic bread. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a lovely contrast to the rich soup, too.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sausage Potato Soup

Got questions about this cozy soup? I’ve got answers! This sausage potato soup recipe is super flexible, so let’s dive in!

Can I make this a crockpot sausage potato soup?

Oh, absolutely! For a crockpot sausage potato soup, you can totally adapt it. Brown your sausage and sauté your onions and garlic first, just like the recipe says. Then, toss everything into your slow cooker – sausage, onions, garlic, broth, and potatoes. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender. Stir in the milk and cheese at the very end and heat through, but remember, no boiling!

How to make creamy sausage potato soup?

Want an even creamier sausage potato soup? Easy peasy! Instead of milk, use heavy cream – it adds a richer, silkier texture. Some folks also like to mash a few of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot before adding the dairy; that thickens it up beautifully without needing extra cream. A little swirl of sour cream or Greek yogurt when serving can also boost that creaminess!

Is this a quick sausage soup recipe?

You bet! This is designed to be a quick sausage soup. With about 15 minutes of prep and another 30 minutes of cooking time, you’re looking at a delicious, homemade meal in under an hour. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something hearty but don’t have a whole lot of time to spend in the kitchen.

Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, the nutrition info below is an estimate, like I always say! It can change a bit depending on the brands you use and exactly how much you put in your bowl. But generally, a serving of this yummy sausage potato soup has about 450 calories, 30g fat, 20g protein, 25g carbs, and around 1200mg sodium. It’s a hearty meal for sure!

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