This sausage and potato soup is rich, creamy, and comforting with tender Yukon gold potatoes, savory sausage, and melted cheddar in every spoonful. It’s the kind of hearty, crowd-pleasing soup that fills your home with warmth and makes entertaining stress-free. Serve with warm bread for a cozy Southern-style meal everyone will love.
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and break it up using a meat chopper or spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving about 1 tablespoon of grease in the pot. If there isn’t enough grease, add enough olive oil to equal one tablespoon.
1 pound sausage, 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauté the Vegetables
Turn the heat back on to medium. Add the carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
¾ cup carrots, 3/4 cup celery, 3/4 cup onion
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
1 teaspoon minced garlic
Cook the Potatoes
Stir in the chopped potatoes, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
4 cups Yukon gold potatoes, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 4 cups chicken stock
Make the Cream Base
While the potatoes cook, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth and creamy. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble gently. Stir in the heavy cream, then remove from heat.
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour, ½ cup heavy cream, 3 cups milk
Combine and Finish
Pour the cream mixture into the pot with the vegetables and potatoes. Turn off the heat, then slowly add the shredded cheese, one handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in sour cream, then return the cooked sausage to the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
2 cups Cheddar cheese, 1/3 cup sour cream
Serve
Ladle soup into bowls and serve warm with a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top.
Notes
Recipe Notes Cut potatoes and vegetables into even pieces so they cook evenly and create a smooth texture.
Variations
Dietary Modifications: Use gluten-free flour to thicken or swap heavy cream for coconut milk if you’re dairy-free.
Flavor Enhancements: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a hint of spice and warmth.
Add-In Options: Toss in baby spinach or kale for color, corn for sweetness, or even a handful of crispy bacon pieces on top.
Simple Substitutions: Use turkey sausage for a leaner option or half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter soup.
Tips for Recipe Success: Shred your own cheese for smooth melting. Don’t overcook the potatoes or they’ll lose their shape. Also, be careful not to cook the soup for too long after adding the creamy ingredients. You only need to add them and gently heat them all before serving.
Storage and Reheating
Room Temperature: Let the soup cool completely before storing. Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Freezer: Freeze flat in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat: Warm slowly over low heat, adding a splash of milk or stock to refresh the creaminess.