Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup with Crusty Bread
There’s nothing quite like a piping hot bowl of creamy, cheesy potato soup on a cold day. This recipe for cheese sausage potato soup with crusty bread takes that classic comfort food to the next level with the addition of savory sausage and a blend of melty cheeses. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
This hearty soup comes together quickly with simple, affordable ingredients, making it the perfect weeknight meal. The combination of tender potatoes, spicy sausage, and velvety cheese creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and irresistible. Serve it alongside a crusty loaf of bread for dipping, and you’ve got a comforting and satisfying dinner that will warm you from the inside out.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
There’s a lot to love about this cheese sausage potato soup. First and foremost, the flavors are absolutely incredible. The savory sausage and sharp cheddar cheese create a rich, indulgent backdrop for the creamy potatoes. But beyond the taste, this recipe is also incredibly easy to make, with minimal prep work required.
Another great thing about this soup is its versatility. It can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and satisfying meal, or frozen for future use. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to accommodate dietary restrictions or personal preferences. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner on a chilly night or a crowd-pleasing dish to share, this cheese sausage potato soup is sure to hit the spot.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup ❓
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups diced potatoes
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Crusty bread, for serving
The beauty of this cheesy sausage potato soup is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of savory Italian sausage, creamy potatoes, and a blend of melty cheeses creates a flavor profile that’s perfect for a cozy winter meal.
📝 How to Make Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant and softened.
• Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the sausage and onion mixture and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
• Step 4: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the diced potatoes.
• Step 5: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
• Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 7: Serve the cheesy sausage potato soup hot, with crusty bread for dipping.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
Compared to traditional potato soups that can take up to an hour to prepare, this cheesy sausage potato soup saves you 20% of your cooking time while delivering similar comforting flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 33g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 943mg
These cheesy sausage potato soup provide approximately 40% of your daily protein requirements and 20% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them a nutritionally valuable and filling meal.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Swap the potatoes for diced cauliflower or use a combination of potatoes and cauliflower.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the cheese and cream with unsweetened almond milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Added protein: Stir in cooked and crumbled bacon or diced grilled chicken for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers for additional nutritional value.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the cheesy sausage potato soup.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
• Complement the soup with a side of roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts.
• For a hearty dinner, serve alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a wedge salad.
• Create a cozy autumn spread with the soup, apple cider, and pumpkin bread.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Adding the cheese too early: Waiting to add the cheese until the end helps prevent it from curdling or becoming grainy.
• Not adjusting the seasoning: Be sure to taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
• Skipping the thickening step: The flour-sausage roux is crucial for creating the soup’s creamy texture.
• Forgetting to drain the sausage: Letting excess fat from the sausage remain in the pot can make the soup greasy.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These cheesy sausage potato soup retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the cheese and cream, then let it cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and adding the cheese and cream.
• Freezing baked: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently, until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, being careful not to overheat.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cheesy sausage potato soup is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare the entire recipe, let it cool, and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot.
Can I substitute a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can use any type of Italian sausage or even mild or spicy breakfast sausage in this recipe. The flavor profile may change slightly, but the general concept will still work well. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your preferred taste.
Is this soup gluten-free?
This recipe is not naturally gluten-free, as it contains all-purpose flour to help thicken the soup. However, you can easily make a gluten-free version by substituting a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the regular flour. Ensure that any other ingredients, such as the sausage, are also certified gluten-free.
What can I do if my soup is too thin?
If your cheesy sausage potato soup turns out too thin, there are a few easy fixes. First, try letting the soup simmer for a few extra minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. If that doesn’t work, you can make a slurry by whisking together a tablespoon or two of flour or cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water, then stirring it into the soup. This will help thicken the texture.
Can I add any extra vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This soup is very versatile and can accommodate a variety of additional vegetables. Some great options include sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, chopped spinach or kale, or even diced carrots or celery. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender.
Conclusion
These cheesy sausage potato soup represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight dinner or as part of a larger holiday spread, they’re sure to impress with their rich, creamy texture and comforting taste. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these cheesy sausage potato soup demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So why not give this delicious recipe a try? Your family and friends are sure to love it as much as you do.
