Cozy Sausage Potato Soup for Chilly Nights is the kind of comforting, hearty meal that warms you from the inside out. This creamy soup is filled with tender potatoes, savory sausage, and a rich, flavorful broth that feels perfect on cold evenings. It is filling without being heavy and simple enough for weeknight dinners, yet cozy enough to serve when you want real comfort food.
This recipe delivers classic soup flavors with flexible options so you can make it fit your family’s preferences and dietary needs.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cozy Sausage Potato Soup
This soup is a favorite for good reason.
- Rich and creamy without being overwhelming
- Made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
- Customizable with lighter or pork-free options
- Comforting and filling for cold nights
It is the kind of soup you make once and then crave again the very next week.
Ingredients for Cozy Sausage Potato Soup
Soup Base
- 1 lb smoked turkey sausage or chicken sausage, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Potatoes and Liquids
- 1.5 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
Thickeners and Seasonings
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 0.75 tsp salt, or to taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 0.25 tsp dried thyme
Optional Finishes
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley or green onions
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Sausage choice: Smoked turkey sausage or chicken sausage provides great flavor without pork. Plant-based sausage also works well.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for creaminess, but red potatoes work too.
- Dairy swaps: Use whole milk only for a lighter soup, or use unsweetened oat milk with dairy-free butter.
- Gluten-free: Replace flour with a cornstarch slurry added near the end.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until lightly browned on both sides. Remove sausage and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, melt the butter. Add the onion and celery and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes. This step helps thicken the soup and adds depth of flavor.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Potatoes
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Add the milk, cream, diced potatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 6: Finish the Soup
Return the sausage to the pot and simmer for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Ladle into bowls and top with cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot.
Pro Tips for Success
- Slice potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Simmer gently to prevent dairy from scorching.
- Stir frequently once the milk is added.
- For thicker soup, mash a few potatoes directly in the pot.
- Let the soup rest 5 minutes before serving for best texture.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy chicken sausage.
- Veggie boost: Stir in spinach or kale during the last 2 minutes.
- Extra cheesy: Add 1 cup shredded cheddar at the end and stir until melted.
- Garlic lovers: Roast a head of garlic and stir in the cloves.
- Herb-forward: Add fresh thyme or rosemary just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cozy sausage potato soup with crusty bread, garlic toast, or warm dinner rolls. A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness nicely.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or microwave, stirring often. Add a splash of broth if thickened.
- Freezing: Freeze without cream for best results. Add cream after reheating.
Cozy Sausage Potato Soup for Chilly Nights
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Cozy Sausage Potato Soup for Chilly Nights is a creamy, hearty soup made with tender potatoes, savory sausage, and a rich broth that is perfect for warming up on cold evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked turkey sausage or chicken sausage, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 0.75 tsp salt, or to taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 0.25 tsp dried thyme
- Shredded cheddar cheese, optional
- Chopped parsley or green onions, optional
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook sliced sausage over medium heat until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter and add onion and celery. Cook until softened.
- Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well, cooking for 1 minute.
- Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Add diced potatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Stir in milk and heavy cream, then return sausage to the pot.
- Simmer gently for a few minutes until thickened and heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve topped with cheese or herbs if desired.
Notes
For a lighter soup, use milk only and skip the cream. Simmer gently to prevent curdling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
FAQ About Cozy Sausage Potato Soup
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes. This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors develop. Reheat gently to maintain texture.
How do I thicken the soup more?
Mash some of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking.
Can I use raw sausage?
Yes. Fully cook it first before continuing with the recipe steps.
Is this soup kid-friendly?
Yes. The flavors are mild and comforting. Skip spicy sausage for younger palates.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the sausage first, then add all ingredients except dairy. Cook on low for 6 hours, then stir in milk and cream at the end.
Final Thoughts
Cozy Sausage Potato Soup for Chilly Nights is everything comfort food should be: warm, filling, and deeply satisfying. With creamy potatoes, savory sausage, and a rich broth, it is a soup you will want to make again and again all winter long. Whether for family dinners or cozy evenings at home, this recipe delivers comfort in every spoonful.