Few dishes can match the comforting embrace of a warm bowl of potato soup. This cheesy potato and sausage soup takes comfort food to the next level, blending rich, hearty flavors with a creamy texture that’s perfect for cold weather. Whether you’re making this for family, friends, or simply to treat yourself, this recipe will surely make its way into your regular autumn and winter rotation. The combination of crispy bacon, savory sausage, tender potatoes, and melted cheese is hard to resist!
Ingredients for Cheesy Potato and Sausage Soup
Plan and Purchase
- 4 slices slab bacon, diced
- 1/2 lb sausage (225 grams)—any variety: Italian, brats, turkey sausage, etc.
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 6 cloves baked garlic, smashed
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour (24 grams)
- 2 cups chicken stock (480 ml)
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk, slightly warmed (360 ml)
- 1 1/4 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, diced (570 grams)
- 3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (85 grams)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (30 grams)
- 1 tsp Creole seasoning (such as Tony Chachere’s), or to taste
- 1/2 cup sour cream (120 ml)
- 1/2 tsp white pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 1–2 pinches cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Additional bacon and shredded cheese for garnish
- 1 Tbsp dry sherry, added at the end (optional but recommended)
How to Make Cheesy Potato and Sausage Soup
Prepare Your Ingredients
Choose Your Sausage
Select your preferred sausage type—Italian, bratwurst, or turkey sausage all work well. If the casing is thick, remove it; if it’s thin, leave it intact.
Prep the Potatoes
Dice the potatoes into small cubes. Leaving the skin on adds a rustic touch, but feel free to peel them if you prefer.
Handle the Garlic
Use baked garlic for its mild, sweet flavor. Smash the cloves on a cutting board with a sprinkle of salt and the flat side of a knife.
Pro Tip for Dairy-Based Soups
Dairy soups don’t freeze well as they tend to separate. If you want to freeze this soup, omit the milk, sour cream, and cheese before freezing. When reheating, gently add the dairy elements over low heat for a fresh-tasting soup.
Cook the Soup
Render Bacon
In a Dutch oven or large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
Brown the Sausage
In the remaining bacon grease, cook the sausage until browned, about 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
Sauté the Onions
Leave 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of bacon grease in the pot. Add the diced onion and cook over medium heat until softened, about 3–5 minutes.
Add Garlic and Flour
Stir in the smashed garlic and cook for 1 minute. Then add the flour and stir constantly for another minute to eliminate the raw taste.
Create the Base
Slowly pour in the chicken stock and milk, stirring to combine. Cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.
Add Potatoes
Stir in the diced potatoes and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the soup has thickened.
Incorporate Cheese and Meats
Add the cheddar cheese and Parmesan, stirring until melted. Return the bacon and sausage to the pot, along with the sour cream. Allow to simmer for 1–2 more minutes.
Season the Soup
Taste and season with white pepper. If using optional Creole seasoning or cayenne pepper, add them now.
Serve the Soup
Final Touches
If desired, stir in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of dry sherry for a depth of flavor. Garnish with extra bacon crumbles and shredded cheese before serving.
Enjoy
Serve hot, accompanied by crusty bread or crackers. This soup is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
This cheesy potato and sausage soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with bold flavors and rich textures. Perfect for chilly evenings or weekend brunches, this soup is guaranteed to satisfy. Whether you’re serving a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a winner. Customize it with your favorite sausage and spices to make it your own. Enjoy a steaming bowl of hearty goodness!
