Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup

This Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that combines creamy potatoes, smoky sausage, and a rich, cheesy broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or cozy dinners, this soup is packed with flavor and easy to make. Serve it with sour cream and extra cheese for a truly indulgent experience!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 (14-ounce) smoked sausage , chopped into ½-inch pieces
• ½ cup finely diced onion
• 3 garlic cloves , minced or pressed
• 4 cups (2 15-ounce cans) chicken broth
• 3½ cups (about 2 large) russet potatoes , peeled and diced medium
• 2 celery ribs , diced small
• 5 tablespoons (71g) butter (salted or unsalted works fine)
• ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon (44g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (any fat content)
• 6 ounces (about 1½ cups) shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Sour cream (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped smoked sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Add the diced onion to the same pot and cook over medium heat, stirring often, for about 5 minutes , until the onions begin to turn translucent around the edges.
2. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute , until lightly golden and fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes and Celery

1. Add the chicken broth , diced potatoes , and celery to the pot. Stir to combine.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes , until the potatoes are tender enough to be easily smashed against the side of the pot with a fork.
3. Use a potato masher or spatula to roughly smash about half of the potatoes in the pot. This will thicken the soup slightly while leaving some chunks for texture.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking continuously, for about 1 minute , until the mixture begins to turn lightly golden (this is your roux).
3. Slowly drizzle in the milk , whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Cook, whisking continuously, until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly around the edges, about 5 minutes .
5. Remove the pot from heat and slowly whisk in the shredded cheddar cheese , a handful at a time, until fully melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Stir the cheese sauce into the soup pot with the potatoes and vegetables.
2. Add the black pepper and season with salt to taste.
3. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir everything together to combine.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream and additional shredded cheddar cheese , if desired.
2. Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

• Choose quality sausage : Smoked sausage adds a rich, savory flavor, but you can substitute with kielbasa, andouille, or even turkey sausage for a lighter option.
• Adjust thickness : If the soup is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
• Make it ahead : This soup reheats beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a hearty meal.
• Top with crispy bacon bits or green onions for extra flavor and texture.

Enjoy this Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup —a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion!