As the winter months approach, there’s nothing quite like a warm, savory bowl of creamy sausage potato soup to cozy up with. The aromatic flavors of sausage and potatoes, combined with the tender texture of vegetables and the rich creaminess of a perfectly balanced broth, make for a truly delicious winter dinner. In this article, we’ll dive into the secrets of making the ultimate creamy sausage potato soup recipe, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening.
Before we get started, if you’re looking for more hearty soup recipes to add to your winter dinner rotation, be sure to check out our collection of Comforting Soup Recipes for Cold Weather.
Why This Recipe Works
This creamy sausage potato soup recipe works for several reasons. First, the combination of sweet Italian sausage and smoky bacon creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. The sausage adds a meaty, savory element, while the bacon contributes a rich, smoky note that enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
Second, the use of a mixture of Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes adds a nice balance of texture and flavor. The Russet potatoes break down and add body to the soup, while the Yukon Golds retain their shape and add a touch of sweetness.
Finally, the addition of heavy cream and grated cheddar cheese gives the soup a rich, creamy element that’s sure to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.
Key Ingredient Highlights
Here are some key ingredients to keep in mind when making this creamy sausage potato soup recipe:
- Sweet Italian sausage: This is the star of the show, so be sure to use high-quality sausage for the best flavor.
- Bacon: Because everything is better with bacon, right?
- Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes: These two varieties of potatoes work together to create a nice balance of texture and flavor.
- Heavy cream and grated cheddar cheese: These add a rich, creamy element to the soup that’s sure to satisfy.
THE RECIPE CARD
Creamy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
This hearty, comforting soup is perfect for warming up on a chilly winter evening. With a rich, creamy broth, tender potatoes, and flavorful sausage, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
- â–¢ 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
- â–¢ 6 slices of bacon, diced
- â–¢ 2 large onions, chopped
- â–¢ 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- â–¢ 2 large Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- â–¢ 1 large Yukon Gold potato, peeled and diced
- â–¢ 1 cup of chicken broth
- â–¢ 1 cup of heavy cream
- â–¢ 1 tsp dried thyme
- â–¢ 1 tsp dried rosemary
- â–¢ Salt and pepper, to taste
- â–¢ 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese, optional
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook until they’re translucent and starting to caramelize. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, thyme, and rosemary to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cook until the soup is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If desired, stir in the grated cheddar cheese until it’s melted and the soup is creamy.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs and crispy bacon.
Pro Tips
Here are a few pro tips to help you avoid common mistakes when making this creamy sausage potato soup recipe:
Lumps in the soup: To avoid lumps in the soup, make sure to cook the potatoes until they’re very tender. You can also use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth.
Undercooked sausage: Make sure to cook the sausage until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. You can also use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausage.
Overcooked potatoes: To avoid overcooking the potatoes, check them frequently as they simmer. You can also use a fork to test for doneness – if the potatoes are tender, they’re done.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about this creamy sausage potato soup recipe:
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply brown the sausage and cook the vegetables in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Can I use different types of potatoes? Yes, you can use different types of potatoes in this recipe. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of potato you use.
Can I freeze this recipe? Yes, you can freeze this recipe. Simply let the soup cool, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This creamy sausage potato soup recipe is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly winter evening. With its rich, creamy broth, tender potatoes, and flavorful sausage, it’s sure to become a new favorite. By following these simple tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a delicious and satisfying soup that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
For more hearty soup recipes, be sure to check out our collection of Comforting Soup Recipes for Cold Weather. And don’t forget to try our How to make Creamy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe for Winter Dinner for a step-by-step guide to making this delicious recipe.
