Smoked Sausage and Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying. This cozy soup combines tender chunks of potatoes with smoky, savory sausage in a flavorful broth that warms you from the inside out. It’s the kind of meal that feels especially comforting on chilly evenings, yet simple enough to prepare any night of the week.
What makes this soup stand out is the smoky depth of flavor from the sausage, which infuses the broth as it simmers. Paired with soft potatoes, onions, garlic, and a creamy finish, the result is a soup that’s filling without being heavy. Whether you serve it as a family dinner, a weekend meal, or make it ahead for busy weekdays, this soup delivers both comfort and convenience in every spoonful.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s hearty, budget-friendly, and incredibly comforting. It uses simple, accessible ingredients but tastes like something that’s been simmering all day. The smoky sausage adds bold flavor, while the potatoes make the soup thick and satisfying.
Another reason I love it is its versatility. You can make it creamy or brothy, spicy or mild, and easily adapt it with vegetables or herbs based on what you have on hand.
Why This Is a Must-Try Dish
- Rich, smoky flavor with minimal effort
- Filling and satisfying, perfect for cold days
- Easy one-pot meal
- Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- Stores and reheats beautifully
If you love cozy soups that feel like a full meal, this recipe is a must-try.
Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: About 45–50 minutes
- Servings: 4–6 servings
- Calories: Approximately 380–420 calories per serving
Course: Main Course / Soup
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or russet)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
Cooking Directions
This soup comes together in one pot, starting with browning the sausage to release its smoky flavor, followed by simmering potatoes in a savory broth until tender and creamy.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until lightly browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Simmer
Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 5: Add Creaminess
Stir in milk or half-and-half and return sausage to the pot. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Finish
Add cheese if using and stir until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning.
How to Serve
- Serve hot with crusty bread or dinner rolls
- Garnish with parsley, green onions, or extra cheese
- Pair with a fresh green salad for balance
- Enjoy as a standalone meal
Recipe Tips
- Brown sausage well for deeper flavor
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creamier texture
- Mash some potatoes for a thicker soup
- Add dairy at low heat to avoid curdling
- Adjust salt based on sausage saltiness
Variations
Spicy Sausage Soup
Use andouille sausage and add red pepper flakes or cayenne.
Vegetable-Loaded Soup
Add carrots, celery, corn, or kale.
Creamy Cheese Soup
Increase cheese and use heavy cream instead of milk.
Lighter Version
Use turkey sausage and low-fat milk.
Slow Cooker Version
Cook sausage separately, then add all ingredients to slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours.
Freezing and Storage Time
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze soup without dairy for up to 3 months. Add milk or cream after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or ladle
Conclusion
Smoked Sausage and Potato Soup is a warm, comforting, and deeply flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights alike. With its smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and creamy broth, it’s a soup that feels like a full meal in one bowl. Easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and wonderfully satisfying, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your comfort-food collection.
Smoked Sausage and Potato Soup
Description
Smoked Sausage and Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying. This cozy soup combines tender chunks of potatoes with smoky, savory sausage in a flavorful broth that warms you from the inside out. It’s the kind of meal that feels especially comforting on chilly evenings, yet simple enough to prepare any night of the week.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Brown the Sausage : Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until lightly browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
-
Sauté Aromatics : In the same pot, add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Add Potatoes and Broth : Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Stir to combine.
-
Simmer : Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
-
Add Creaminess : Stir in milk or half-and-half and return sausage to the pot. Simmer for 5 minutes.
-
Finish : Add cheese if using and stir until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning.
