Name: Creamy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 carrots, peeled and chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 4 cups russet or gold potatoes, peeled & cubed; 4 cups chicken broth; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp dried parsley; 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional); Salt & pepper, to taste; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese (for extra richness); 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (optional, to thicken)

Jump to Recipe

There’s just something magical about sitting down to a steaming bowl of Creamy Sausage Potato Soup. Between the savory sausage, tender potatoes, vibrant veggies, and that impossibly luscious, creamy broth, this soup wins hearts every single time! Whether you’re looking for a soul-warming dinner after a long day or hosting family on a cozy weekend, this one-pot wonder delivers old-fashioned comfort with every spoonful. It’s hearty enough to stand alone but always leaves you wanting just one more bowl—and that’s just the charm of Creamy Sausage Potato Soup.

Creamy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I adore about this recipe is that it comes together with straightforward, wholesome ingredients—each one carefully chosen to contribute its flavor, texture, and color. Even if you’ve never made Creamy Sausage Potato Soup before, these familiar staples will help you create a dish that’s unbelievably flavorful and satisfying.

Ground Italian Sausage: Brings a bold, savory bite; opt for spicy if you like a little heat!
Olive Oil: Adds extra richness and helps sauté the veggies to perfection.
Onion: Forms a flavor base that’s subtle but essential in every spoonful.
Garlic: Infuses a comforting aroma and an irresistible depth to the soup.
Carrots: Lend a pop of color and a gentle sweetness that balances the richness.
Celery: Adds an earthy, herby freshness that makes the flavors pop.
Potatoes (russet or gold): Get delightfully tender and creamy, soaking up all the broth’s goodness.
Chicken Broth: The backbone of the soup’s flavor—choose low-sodium so you control the saltiness.
Dried Thyme: A little pinch brings an unmistakable herbaceous warmth.
Dried Parsley: Brightens everything up and rounds out the herb flavor.
Smoked Paprika (optional): For a subtle smoky finish that takes it to the next level.
Salt & Pepper: Perfect for seasoning to taste and balancing all the flavors.
Heavy Cream: Makes the soup decadently creamy—don’t skimp!
Sour Cream or Cream Cheese: Adds that extra luxurious silkiness and a gentle tang.
Cornstarch Slurry (optional): Mix cornstarch with cold water for a thicker, heartier soup if you like.

How to Make Creamy Sausage Potato Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Crumble in the Italian sausage and let it cook until fully browned, breaking it into small pieces as it goes. Browning the sausage is crucial—it caramelizes those bits and creates a savory, flavor-packed base for the rest of your Creamy Sausage Potato Soup. Once browned, scoop it out with a slotted spoon and set it aside; you’ll add it back in later so every bite has a taste of sausage.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same glorious pot (don’t even think about rinsing—those sausage bits are gold!), drizzle in some olive oil and toss in your onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Let them sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring gently until just softened and fragrant. These veggies give Creamy Sausage Potato Soup its sweet and earthy backbone, plus bits of color in every bowl.

Step 3: Simmer with Potatoes and Broth

Return the browned sausage to the pot, then stir in your diced potatoes, pour over the chicken broth, and sprinkle with thyme, parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Turn up the heat to bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it bubble away for 20–25 minutes until your potatoes are perfectly fork-tender. This is where all the flavors become friends, mingling together and building those deep, savory notes that define Creamy Sausage Potato Soup.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

The magic moment: pour in the heavy cream and stir in your sour cream or cream cheese. Watch as the broth turns into an ultra-creamy, dreamy soup right before your eyes! If you love a thicker soup, swirl in your cornstarch slurry now and let it thicken as it simmers. This step gives Creamy Sausage Potato Soup its pillowy, luxurious texture that’s simply irresistible.

Step 5: Final Simmer and Season

Let the soup simmer gently for another 5–10 minutes so all those creamy elements blend together beautifully. Taste and adjust your salt and pepper—sometimes just a tiny sprinkle more brings out every nuanced flavor in the pot. Ladle into big bowls, grab some crusty bread, and savor every spoonful while it’s steamy hot!

How to Serve Creamy Sausage Potato Soup

Garnishes

A simple garnish can make your Creamy Sausage Potato Soup look and taste absolutely stunning. I love to top each bowl with a shower of fresh chopped parsley for color, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra umami, or a few crunchy croutons for texture. Sometimes, just a swirl of extra cream or a crack of black pepper is all you need!

Side Dishes

This soup is wonderfully filling on its own, but serving it with hearty side dishes takes your meal to the next level. A hunk of buttered crusty bread, a slice of cheesy garlic toast, or a crisp, simple salad on the side can be the perfect partner. For something lighter, try it with a tangy apple slaw or roasted Brussels sprouts to balance the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not serve Creamy Sausage Potato Soup in rustic bread bowls for an extra-special touch? For casual gatherings, ladle the soup into small mugs or ramekins for a cozy appetizer. Or go for a family-style dinner by bringing the whole pot to the table so everyone can help themselves—the creamy, colorful soup always looks inviting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Pop it into the fridge, and it’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more delicious.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Creamy Sausage Potato Soup for those last-minute comfort-food cravings. Store completely cooled soup in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Note: the soup may thicken upon thawing, so be ready to stir in a splash of extra broth or cream when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat, adding extra broth or cream as needed to loosen it up. Avoid boiling, as it can cause the dairy to separate. If you’re using the microwave, stir occasionally to ensure even heating, and add a little fresh pepper or parsley just before serving to revive that made-from-scratch flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While Italian sausage is classic in Creamy Sausage Potato Soup, feel free to use smoked sausage, chicken sausage, or even turkey sausage. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and packed with flavor.

What potatoes work best in this soup?

Russet and gold potatoes are my favorites—they become beautifully creamy and tender while holding their shape. If you prefer chunkier potatoes, you can use red potatoes instead; just leave the peels on for a more rustic texture.

Is it possible to make this soup gluten free?

Yes, Creamy Sausage Potato Soup is naturally gluten free—just double-check your sausage labels and be sure any thickener used (like cornstarch) is gluten free. Serve with your favorite gluten-free bread or crackers for a full meal.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Of course! Swap the sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The flavor will still be rich and comforting, with that same irresistible creaminess.

How can I add more vegetables?

Go ahead and get creative! Try stirring in spinach, kale, or chopped bell pepper during the last few minutes of cooking. Peas and corn also make a lovely colorful addition—they add sweetness and extra nutrition to your Creamy Sausage Potato Soup.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason I return to Creamy Sausage Potato Soup every winter—it’s hearty, cozy, and always brings comfort to any table. If you’ve never tried it, now’s your chance to impress your friends and family with a soup that’s as easy as it is unforgettable. Don’t wait for a chilly night—give this recipe a try and discover just how delicious this bowl of creamy goodness can be!