Cheesy Potato and Sausage Soup
🎉 Introduction
Warm up your evenings with this delightful Cheesy Potato and Sausage Soup! This hearty dish features tender potatoes, flavorful beef sausage, and a luscious cheese blend that creates a comforting meal perfect for any day. Great for lunch or dinner, this recipe will surely impress your family and friends. Ready in just under an hour, this soup will become a go-to favorite for chilly days!
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
- Serving bowls
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 lb beef sausage, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 2: Add the sliced beef sausage to the pot and cook until browned, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the diced potatoes, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
Step 6: Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
Serves 6 | Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Total time: 45 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave the soup in a microwave-safe container in short intervals, stirring in between.
🥄 Variations
- Swap beef sausage for chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- Add vegetables such as carrots, celery, or spinach for added nutrition.
- For extra flavor, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use different types of cheese like pepper jack or mozzarella for varied flavors.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make this soup in advance?
A: Yes! This soup can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as you ensure that the sausage and chicken broth used are gluten-free.
Q: Can I freeze the soup?
A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this soup. Just make sure to leave out the heavy cream and cheese, adding them after reheating.
Q: What can I serve with this soup?
A: This soup pairs well with crusty bread, grilled cheese, or a fresh salad.
Q: How spicy is this soup?
A: The soup itself is not spicy. However, you can add spices like crushed red pepper flakes to adjust the heat to your liking.
Q: Can I use any type of potatoes?
A: Yes! You can use russet, Yukon gold, or red potatoes, depending on your preference.
Q: What if I don’t have heavy cream?
A: You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the soup will be less rich.
Q: Is this soup kid-friendly?
A: Absolutely! The cheesy flavor and hearty ingredients make it very appealing for kids.
Q: How can I make it dairy-free?
A: Use dairy-free cheese and substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or another dairy-free alternative.
Q: Can I use leftover cooked sausage?
A: Yes! Just add it at the end when you combine the cream and cheese to heat it through.
🏁 Conclusion
This Cheesy Potato and Sausage Soup is a delicious and filling meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture and delightful flavors, it’s sure to warm your heart and bring smiles to the table. Enjoy this comforting dish with your loved ones, and don’t forget to share your own variations and experiences!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the sliced beef sausage to the pot and cook until browned, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the diced potatoes, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave the soup in a microwave-safe container in short intervals, stirring in between. Variations:
- Swap beef sausage for chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- Add vegetables such as carrots, celery, or spinach for added nutrition.
- For extra flavor, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use different types of cheese like pepper jack or mozzarella for varied flavors.
