Cheesy sausage potato soup

Introduction

Cheesy sausage potato soup is a rich, hearty, and decadent comfort food that’s perfect for any chilly evening. Packed with smoked sausage, tender potatoes, and a creamy cheddar cheese broth, this soup is guaranteed to warm you up and satisfy your cravings. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
• Smoked Sausage: 14 ounces, chopped into ½-inch pieces
• Onion: ½ cup, finely diced
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups (or 2 15-ounce cans)
• Russet Potatoes: 3½ cups (about 2 large potatoes), peeled and diced medium
• Celery: 2 ribs, diced small
• Butter: 5 tablespoons
• All-Purpose Flour: ¼ cup and 1 tablespoon
• Milk: 2 cups (any percentage)
• Cheddar Cheese: 6 ounces (about 1½ cups), shredded
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon
• Salt: To taste
• Optional Toppings: Sour cream and extra cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage:
   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced sausage and cook until lightly browned. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   • Add onions to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, until they just begin to turn translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook until golden and fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Simmer Potatoes and Celery:
   • Add chicken broth, diced potatoes, and celery to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft enough to be easily smashed with a fork.
4. Mash Potatoes:
   • Use a potato masher or spatula to roughly mash about half the potatoes in the pot. This will create a thick, creamy texture while leaving some chunks for bite.
5. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
   • In a separate medium pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook, whisking constantly, until it turns lightly golden (about 1 minute).
   • Gradually add milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly around the edges (about 5 minutes).
   • Remove the pot from heat and slowly whisk in shredded cheese, one handful at a time, until smooth.
6. Combine and Finish:
   • Stir the cheese sauce into the soup. Add the cooked sausage back to the pot and mix everything together. Season with black pepper and salt to taste.
7. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls, and if desired, top with sour cream and extra cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!

Conclusion

This cheesy sausage potato soup is a decadent, filling meal that’s easy to prepare and loved by everyone. Its creamy broth and hearty ingredients make it a perfect comfort dish for chilly days. Pair it with crusty bread or roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying dinner. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of this indulgent soup with your loved ones!