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- 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed - 4 medium potatoes, diced - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role in the soup's flavor and texture. The Italian sausage adds a nice, savory kick. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use ground turkey or chicken sausage instead. Potatoes give the soup its hearty feel. I recommend using Yukon Gold for a creamy texture. Garlic and onion add depth. For a twist, try shallots instead of onion. Heavy cream makes the soup rich and smooth. If you want a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk works too, but the soup will be less thick. Cheddar cheese is essential for that cheesy goodness. You can also mix in Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor. Dried thyme and smoked paprika bring warmth. If you have fresh herbs, feel free to use them! Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Always taste and adjust to your liking. Olive oil helps to sauté the veggies and sausage, giving it a nice base. You can substitute it with butter if you prefer. Green onions add freshness at the end. You can leave them out if you want. This cheesy sausage potato soup packs a punch in both flavor and nutrition. Each serving contains around 400 calories, depending on your ingredient choices. The potatoes offer fiber and potassium, which are good for your heart. The sausage provides protein, helping to keep you full. Dairy from the cream and cheese gives calcium, which is vital for strong bones. Garlic can boost your immune system and may help fight off colds. The spices, like thyme and paprika, have antioxidants that contribute to overall health. Overall, this soup is not just tasty, but it also brings comfort and nutrients to your meal. Enjoy every hearty spoonful! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start making cheesy sausage potato soup, gather all your ingredients. You need: - 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed - 4 medium potatoes, diced - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) Wash and chop the potatoes, onion, and garlic. This step makes cooking easier. Next, remove the sausage from its casing. This helps it break apart while cooking. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion turns soft. Next, add the Italian sausage. Cook it for 6-8 minutes until it is browned and fully cooked. Stir in the diced potatoes, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to coat the potatoes with flavors. Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Check the potatoes with a fork. They should be tender. After the potatoes are cooked, add the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the soup turns creamy. To make sure your soup is creamy, consider these tips: - Use heavy cream for the best texture. - Add cheese slowly and stir well. This helps it melt evenly. - Ensure potatoes are tender before adding cream. This keeps the soup smooth. - Avoid boiling the soup after adding cream. Doing this can cause it to curdle. These steps will help you achieve a rich and creamy soup every time. Enjoy the process and savor the great flavors! To boost the taste of your cheesy sausage potato soup, focus on fresh ingredients. Start with high-quality Italian sausage for rich flavor. Use fresh garlic and onions; they add depth. Don't skip the smoked paprika; it brings a lovely warmth. You can also add a splash of hot sauce for a kick. Consider tossing in some fresh herbs like parsley or basil just before serving. These small steps can elevate your soup. If you want a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes. Just take a few cooked potato pieces and mash them with a fork. Stir them back in for a creamy texture. Another option is adding more cheese, which adds flavor too. If you're looking to lighten the soup, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. This keeps it creamy but reduces the calories. Serve your soup in big, warm bowls. Top it with extra cheddar cheese and sliced green onions. For a delightful pairing, offer crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. A fresh salad can also make a great addition. If you want to add a bit of zing, try a dollop of sour cream on top. Enjoying the soup with friends or family makes it even better. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and herbs will enhance the flavor and texture of your soup, making it more delicious. Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes before adding the cream and cheese. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like Gouda or Monterey Jack for a unique twist on the flavor profile. Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and reheat for a quick and comforting meal. {{image_2}} To make a spicy version, add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon of flakes and adjust to your taste. This adds a nice kick without overpowering the soup. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild sausage for extra heat. Don’t forget to keep the cheese, as it balances the spice well. For a vegetarian twist, swap the sausage for lentils or mushrooms. Use a plant-based sausage for a similar flavor and texture. You can also add more veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or kale. They will boost both flavor and nutrition. Instead of chicken broth, use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly. In spring, add asparagus or fresh peas for a pop of color and taste. In the fall, use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter flavor. If you have access to local farms, consider using fresh herbs like parsley or chives. They can really elevate the dish and make it feel special. To store leftovers, first let the soup cool. Pour it into an airtight container. Leave some space at the top, as soup can expand when frozen. Seal the container tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping it cold helps the flavors stay fresh. You can freeze cheesy sausage potato soup for later use. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to label each bag with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight for the best taste. To reheat the soup, use a pot on the stove over medium heat. Stir it often to prevent burning. If it seems thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Enjoy it warm with fresh toppings! You can store cheesy sausage potato soup for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to cool the soup first. Place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. It can last 2 to 3 months in the freezer. Yes, you can use different cheeses if you want. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even cream cheese can work well. Each cheese will give the soup a unique taste. Just remember to adjust the amount based on how strong you want the flavor to be. Cheesy sausage potato soup goes well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. You can also pair it with garlic bread for a tasty twist. A light green salad adds freshness to the meal. Enjoy it with your favorite drink for a complete dining experience! This blog post covered everything you need for a delicious cheesy sausage potato soup. We explored ingredients, including healthy swaps, and outlined easy steps for preparation and cooking. Practical tips enhanced flavor and texture, plus variations offered creative ideas. We also shared how to store and reheat leftovers to keep them fresh. In closing, this soup is tasty, easy to make, and perfect for sharing. Enjoy making it your own with personal twists. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup

A creamy and hearty soup made with Italian sausage, potatoes, and cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
  • 4 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Sauté until browned and fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes.
  • Stir in the diced potatoes, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine with the sausage and onion.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  • Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions on top.

Notes

Serve the soup in hearty bowls with a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for a glossy finish. Pair with crusty bread for an inviting meal.
Keyword cheesy, potato, sausage, soup