There’s just something magical about a steaming bowl of soup on a chilly evening, isn’t there? It’s like a warm hug from the inside out. And when you’re craving something truly satisfying, something that feels like a complete meal without all the fuss, my Smoked Sausage & Potato Soup is absolutely the way to go. This isn’t just soup; it’s pure comfort in a bowl, packed with flavorful smoked sausage and tender potatoes that’ll chase away any chill and leave you feeling happy and full. It’s my go-to when I need a quick, delicious dinner that the whole family will devour without a complaint.
Why You’ll Love This Smoked Sausage & Potato Soup
It’s super easy to make – perfect for busy weeknights!
Packed with that amazing smoky flavor from the sausage.
So incredibly hearty and filling; it’s a meal in itself.
The creamy texture from the potatoes and milk is pure comfort.
You can totally customize it with your favorite veggies or a sprinkle of cheese.
It reheats like a dream, making leftovers just as good!
Ingredients for Your Smoked Sausage & Potato Soup
Alright, let’s get our mise en place ready for this delish soup! You won’t believe how simple it is. Just a few good quality ingredients, and you’re well on your way. Trust me, the star here is that smoky sausage!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (just to get things started)
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into nice rounds (your favorite kind is perfect here!)
- 1 large onion, chopped up (I like to chop mine pretty fine so it melts into the soup)
- 2 carrots, also chopped (adds a touch of sweetness and color!)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped (for that essential soup flavor base)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium is great if you want to control the saltiness yourself)
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed (Yukon Golds are my favorite for soup because they get so creamy!)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk gives the creamiest result, but 2% works too)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar is my pick, but use what you love!)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (this is where YOU are the chef!)
How to Make Smoked Sausage & Potato Soup: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get this cozy soup bubbling on the stove! It’s really quite simple, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you go from raw ingredients to a hearty bowl of pure deliciousness. My absolute favorite part is how the flavors all meld together. You can find inspiration for similar comforting dishes like crock pot potato soup and even enjoy other sausage and potato combos on cheesy ranch potatoes with sausage!
Searing the Sausage
First things first, grab a big, sturdy pot or Dutch oven. Heat up that olive oil over medium heat, and then toss in your sliced smoked sausage. Let it get nice and browned on both sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step is key – it really wakes up all those smoky flavors and gives the whole soup a delicious depth that you just can’t get otherwise.
Sautéing the Aromatics
Once the sausage has a good sear and some lovely bits are stuck to the bottom of the pot (that’s pure flavor!), it’s time for the veggies. Add in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery right into the pot with the sausage. Give it all a good stir, scraping up any browned bits, and let them cook for about 5 minutes, or until they start to soften up and smell amazing. You’ll know they’re ready when the onions look a little translucent and the veggies are tender-crisp.
Simmering the Potatoes
Now for the heart of our soup! Pour in that chicken broth and then add your cubed potatoes. Give everything a good stir. Bring the whole pot up to a boil, but don’t let it go crazy! Once it’s boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, pop a lid on, and let it cook for about 15 to 20 minutes. You want those potatoes to be fork-tender – easy to pierce with a fork with no resistance.
Finishing the Smoked Sausage & Potato Soup
Just a few more steps to pure comfort! Stir in your milk and then sprinkle in that shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring gently over low heat until the cheese is all melted and the soup gets nice and creamy. It’s like magic! Finally, taste your masterpiece and add salt and freshly ground black pepper until it’s just perfect for you. Remember, you can always add more, so start small! This is also where some folks love to mash a few potatoes against the side of the pot for an even thicker soup base, just like in smashed potato recipes!
Tips for the Best Smoked Sausage & Potato Soup
Okay, so you’ve got the basic recipe down, but let’s talk about taking this Smoked Sausage & Potato Soup from *good* to *absolutely amazing*. Little tweaks can make a huge difference! When picking your smoked sausage, don’t be afraid to go for something with a good punch of flavor – a good quality kielbasa or even a spicy smoked sausage can really elevate the soup. And for the potatoes? I just adore Yukon Golds because they break down beautifully and give the soup that lovely creamy texture, almost like a quick mashed potato base. If you want it thicker, just mash some of those tender potatoes right against the side of the pot as they cook, or even blend a small portion of the soup and stir it back in for ultimate creaminess, similar to how you’d approach smashed potato recipes.
Serving Suggestions for Your Hearty Soup
This Smoked Sausage & Potato Soup is a meal in itself, but for those days when you want something extra, it pairs beautifully with a few things! My absolute favorite has to be some crusty cheesy garlic bread – perfect for dipping into all that creamy goodness. And you can never go wrong with a basket of warm, fluffy dinner rolls. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also adds a nice fresh contrast to the richness of the soup.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let your Smoked Sausage & Potato Soup cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll stay yummy in the fridge for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, freezing is your friend!
To reheat, just gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. If it seems a bit thick, add a splash of milk or broth. Microwaving works too, just heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s piping hot.
Frequently Asked Questions about Smoked Sausage & Potato Soup
Got questions about this cozy soup? I totally get it! We all want our comfort food to be just right. Here are a few things people often ask, and honestly, if you love soup, you might also want to check out my recipes for taco soup or classic chicken noodle soup!
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You sure can! Just skip the smoked sausage and use a good quality vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You might want to add a bit more seasoning or maybe some smoked paprika to give it that smoky flavor back. It’s still delicious!
What kind of sausage works best for this soup?
Honestly, my favorite is a good, flavorful kielbasa or any kind of robust smoked sausage. A good quality one will give you the best smoky flavor that really makes the soup shine. Feel free to experiment with what you love!
How can I make the soup thicker?
Oh, that’s an easy fix! Remember in the recipe notes? You can totally mash some of those tender potatoes against the side of the pot with your spoon while they’re cooking. Or, you can carefully scoop out about a cup of the soup, blend it up until smooth (use an immersion blender right in the pot if you’re brave, or transfer to a regular blender), and stir it back in. It’ll thicken it right up!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Just a heads-up, the nutrition facts for this hearty Smoked Sausage & Potato Soup are just estimates, you know? They can totally vary depending on the exact brands you use and how much of everything you gobble down in one bowl! But generally, a serving (about 1.5 cups) will give you around 450 calories, 25g of fat, 20g of protein, and 35g of carbs. If you’re watching your sodium, using low-sodium broth and sausage can make a big difference!
Print
Smoked Sausage and Potato Soup
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting soup made with smoked sausage, potatoes, and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and add potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in milk and cheese until cheese is melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: smoked sausage, potato soup, hearty soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe