If you’re craving a hearty, comforting bowl of goodness that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory sausage and tender potatoes, it’s a soup that satisfies every craving with every spoonful.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Comfort in a bowl: This soup bundles creamy cheese and smoky sausage into every bite, delivering soul-soothing warmth.
Simplicity meets flavor: With just a handful of ingredients, you create layers of deep, rich flavor that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, a cozy night in, or a casual gathering, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
Customizable and forgiving: Swap out the sausage or cheese, add extra veggies, or adjust spices to make it uniquely yours without losing its magic.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe relies on basic, easily accessible ingredients that pack a big punch. Each element plays a vital role — from the hearty russet potatoes giving body to the soup, to the sharp cheddar adding that rich, cheesy flavor, and the smoked sausage providing a wonderful, savory bite. The butter and flour come together in a roux to create a luscious, creamy base, while the aromatic onions and garlic add depth and warmth.
- Smoked sausage: Provides a smoky, meaty flavor that is the heart of this soup; feel free to use kielbasa or andouille for a twist.
- Russet potatoes: Their starchy texture helps thicken the soup naturally while giving you tender bites throughout.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully into the soup, but you can try a mild or extra-sharp variety depending on your taste.
- Basil flour and butter: These create the creamy roux that thickens the soup and gives it that velvety mouthfeel.
- Onion and garlic: Classic aromatics that infuse the broth with savory notes, building layers of flavor.
- Chicken broth: The soup’s flavorful liquid base — vegetable broth works well for a lighter twist.
How to Make Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
First things first—warm up your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the chopped smoked sausage. Cook it until it’s beautifully browned and has that irresistible crispy edge. This step unlocks the sausage’s smoky essence, setting the tone for the entire soup. Once browned, scoop the sausage out and set it aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Next, toss the diced onions into the same pot. Let them cook gently over medium heat for about five minutes, stirring frequently until they begin to turn translucent and sweet. Then add the minced garlic, cooking it just until fragrant and lightly golden—this gives the soup its wonderful aromatics without overpowering the other flavors.
Step 3: Simmer Potatoes and Celery
Pour in the chicken broth and add your diced potatoes and celery. Bring everything up to a simmer and let it cook gently for 10 to 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender enough to easily smash against the pot. This is where our hearty, comforting base begins to take shape.
Step 4: Mash Half the Potatoes
Using a potato masher or even a spatula, give about half of the potatoes a gentle smash right in the pot. This helps thicken the soup naturally and creates a lovely creamy texture while leaving plenty of chunky potatoes for satisfying bites.
Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a separate medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour. Cook this mixture until it turns a gentle golden color, about one minute. Slowly drizzle in your milk, whisking constantly to keep it smooth and lump-free. Cook until the sauce thickens and starts bubbling at the edges — about five minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar, adding it gradually to ensure a luscious, velvety cheese sauce.
Step 6: Combine and Season
Pour the cheesy sauce into your soup pot, stirring it all together until perfectly combined. Add the black pepper, then taste and season with salt as needed. Finally, fold the browned sausage back into the pot to bring that smoky, meaty goodness back into every spoonful.
How to Serve Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To take this soup from awesome to unforgettable, top each bowl with a dollop of cool, creamy sour cream. Sprinkle on extra shredded cheddar for cheesier indulgence, and if you love some fresh brightness, chopped green onions or parsley make lovely additions. Crumbled crispy bacon also makes an irresistible garnish, if you want to go all out!
Side Dishes
A crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are your perfect companions here, ideal for dipping into every last drop of that velvety soup. A crisp green salad balances the richness beautifully, or some roasted vegetables add a wholesome contrast — making your meal both satisfying and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe in rustic bread bowls for a totally cozy experience the kids will adore. Or jazz it up in individual ramekins with melted cheese broiled on top for a fancy touch. Adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or fresh herbs just before serving also gives it a pop of color and flavor flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup is a dream for busy days. Simply transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Give it a good stir before reheating to bring back that smooth, cheesy charm.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully! Cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. It will keep its creamy deliciousness for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to avoid scorching. If it thickens up too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it. Microwave works too — heat in intervals, stirring each time, until warmed through.
FAQs
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Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the smoked sausage for a plant-based sausage or simply omit it and add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for hearty flavor without meat.
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What’s the best cheese to use in this recipe?
Sharp cheddar is classic for its flavor and meltability, but you can combine it with mozzarella for extra creaminess or use smoked gouda to enhance the smoky notes.
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Can I use a slow cooker to make this soup?
Yes! Brown the sausage separately then add all ingredients except dairy to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then stir in cheese and milk at the end for a creamy finish.
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How do I prevent the soup from breaking or curdling when reheating?
Reheat gently over low heat, stirring often. Avoid boiling the soup once the cheese and milk are added, as high heat can cause the dairy to separate.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe truly feels like a warm, delicious hug from the inside out. It’s a wonderful dish to make for yourself, your family, or friends when you need comfort and flavor all in one bowl. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a regular on your cozy night dinner rotation!
Print
Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 5 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup combines smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and a creamy cheesy broth for a hearty and satisfying meal. Perfect for chilly days, this soup is easy to make and packed with rich flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 14-ounce smoked sausage, chopped into ½-inch pieces
- ½ cup finely diced onion
- 3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- 4 cups (2 15oz cans) chicken broth
- 3½ cups (about 2 large) russet potatoes, peeled and diced medium
- 2 celery ribs, diced small
Cheese Sauce
- 5 tablespoons (71g) butter, salted or unsalted
- ¼ cup and 1 tablespoon (44g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk, any percentage
- 6 ounces (about 1½ cups) shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced smoked sausage and cook until lightly browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a bowl and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: Add diced onions to the same pot and cook over medium heat, stirring often, for about 5 minutes until onions begin to become translucent around the edges.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until lightly golden and fragrant.
- Simmer Vegetables: Add chicken broth, diced potatoes, and celery to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until potatoes are tender enough to be easily smashed with a fork.
- Mash Potatoes: Using a potato masher or spatula, roughly smash about half of the potatoes in the pot to help thicken the soup.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add flour and cook, whisking continuously, until it turns lightly golden, about 1 minute. Slowly drizzle in milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking and cooking until the mixture thickens and bubbles around the edges, about 5 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Remove the cheese sauce from heat and gradually whisk in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine Soup and Cheese Sauce: Stir the cheese sauce into the soup. Add black pepper and salt to taste. Then add the cooked sausage back into the pot and stir everything together until heated through.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, and top with sour cream and additional shredded cheese if desired. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash more potatoes or add a bit more flour to your cheese sauce.
- You can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa or your favorite smoked sausage variety.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper at the end to suit your taste.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Adding sour cream on top gives a nice tangy contrast to the cheesy richness.
