When chilly evenings call for warm, comforting food, this Cozy Pork Sausage Potato Soup Recipe is exactly what you want simmering on your stove. It's a hearty, velvety soup studded with tender potatoes and rich pork sausage-a perfect meal to share anytime you crave something soothing but satisfying. I love making this soup because it's straightforward, filling, and packed with layers of simple, delicious flavor.
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Why This Recipe Works
This Cozy Pork Sausage Potato Soup Recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy and hearty, making it a comforting bowl you'll want again and again. Using russet potatoes gives you that soft, fluffy texture after simmering, while ground pork sausage adds a savory, rich flavor that fills the kitchen with that toasty, mouthwatering aroma.
- Consistent Texture: Cooking potatoes until tender but not mushy creates a satisfying bite every spoonful.
- Deep, Balanced Flavor: Browning sausage well and gently cooking garlic brings a flavorful backbone to the soup.
- Simple Ingredients: No fuss here-just pantry staples working together beautifully.
- Fast Prep, Big Payoff: Ready in less than an hour, perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends.
Ingredient Game Plan
Choosing the right ingredients here makes all the difference. Fresh, quality components will elevate this Cozy Pork Sausage Potato Soup Recipe into a truly comforting experience. Don't rush picking your potatoes or sausage-these foundational ingredients carry flavor and texture.
- Russet potatoes: Their starchy nature breaks down nicely to give that silky consistency without turning to mush.
- Ground pork sausage: Go for a savory, mildly seasoned one to keep flavors balanced - avoid overly spicy varieties unless you want extra heat.
- Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and depth - dice it finely to melt smoothly into the soup.
- Salted butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions perfectly.
- Chicken broth: Opt for low sodium so you can control seasoning better.
- Half and half: For creaminess without heaviness, making sure the soup feels lush but not overly rich.
- Sour cream: Stirred in last for brightness and silky smooth finish.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Cook Cozy Pork Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1 - Prep & Season
Start by melting the salted butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat - this helps create a toasty aroma as the butter gently foams. Toss in the diced yellow onion and cook it about 5 minutes until the edges start turning golden and the onion softens, releasing its natural sweetness. Next, add the ground pork sausage, breaking it up with your spoon or spatula. Cook until it's browned evenly and cooked through, which should take 7 to 8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat to keep the soup from feeling greasy. Finally, stir in minced garlic and cook just about a minute more until fragrant-don't rush this step since garlic can burn easily.
Step 2 - Build Flavor
Once the sausage and garlic are ready, add the diced russet potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Turn the heat up to high and bring everything to a boil. You'll notice the broth bubbling as the potatoes heat through. Reduce heat to a simmer, uncovered, and let it cook gently for 20 to 25 minutes. This time allows the potatoes to soften perfectly, absorbing savory notes from the sausage and broth. Stir occasionally but gently to keep the potatoes intact. When the potatoes break apart slightly, it naturally thickens the soup, giving it a creamy feel even before adding dairy.
Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture
Lower the heat and stir in the half and half, salt, and ground black pepper. Heat it carefully until you see gentle steam rising - avoid boiling now, as that can cause dairy to curdle. Remove the pot from the heat, then fold in sour cream until it's silky and fully combined. This last step adds richness and a smooth tang without overpowering the soup's comforting balance. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as you like; I often add a pinch more salt after the sour cream goes in to brighten flavors just right.
Pro Moves I Swear By
Over the years, I've learned a few little tricks to make this Cozy Pork Sausage Potato Soup Recipe shine. These tips help you get the texture just right and avoid common pitfalls like overcooking or blandness.
- Doneness Cue: Potatoes should be tender but not falling apart-test by piercing with a fork.
- Temperature Trick: Always add dairy off the heat or on very low to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
- Make-Ahead Move: The soup tastes even better the next day, once flavors meld fully.
- Skip This Pitfall: Don't skip draining excess sausage fat-too greasy can dull the refreshing sour cream finish.
Serve It Up
Finishing Touches
To truly elevate this Cozy Pork Sausage Potato Soup Recipe, I like topping each bowl with shredded sharp cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of finely chopped chives. The cheddar melts gently on contact, adding a gooey richness, while the chives give a fresh, mild onion note that brightens the dish. If you love a touch more tang or creaminess, a dollop of additional sour cream on top never disappoints.
Great Pairings
A crusty bread, like a warm baguette or garlic toast, complements the soup beautifully. For a lighter side, a crisp green salad balances the richness with bright, refreshing crunch. You'll enjoy how these simple sides round out the meal and add texture contrast.
Easy Plating Wins
When you're serving this on a casual weeknight, ladle soup into sturdy bowls and add the cheese and chives right at the table so everyone can customize. For a cozy dinner party, use shallow soup plates and arrange garnishes neatly for a touch of rustic elegance. A small ramekin of sour cream alongside lets guests add just the right swirl.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Cozy Pork Sausage Potato Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The potatoes might soften a bit more, but the soup will thicken slightly, so you might want to stir in a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it back up.
Freezer Notes
This soup freezes well if you omit the sour cream before freezing. Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. When thawed in the fridge overnight, stir in fresh sour cream after reheating. This keeps the flavor fresh and the texture smooth.
Reheating Cozy Pork Sausage Potato Soup Recipe Without Drying Out
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it looks too thick. If you're using the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring between, and add a little liquid to keep it creamy. Avoid high heat to prevent curdling of dairy and enjoy a soup that tastes just like fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
This version relies on pork sausage for its signature flavor, but you can substitute with plant-based sausage alternatives and vegetable broth. Keep in mind the flavor will be different but still comforting.
Russet potatoes are ideal because they soften nicely and help thicken the soup without disintegrating too much, giving a creamy texture every time.
Absolutely! Diced carrots or celery work well. Add them with the onions so they soften properly and meld with the other flavors perfectly.
Yes, heavy cream will make the soup richer and thicker. You might want to use a little less heavy cream or balance it with broth to avoid it becoming too heavy.
Final Thoughts
I love how this Cozy Pork Sausage Potato Soup Recipe feels like a warm hug after a long day. It's straightforward enough to whip up when you're busy but special enough to impress family and friends. The blend of creamy potatoes, savory sausage, and comforting broth makes it a go-to recipe I return to every fall and winter. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do-it's just the kind of comforting soup that makes any day a little cozier.
PrintComplete Recipe
Cozy Pork Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
This Cozy Pork Sausage Potato Soup is a comforting and creamy bowl of warmth featuring tender russet potatoes, savory ground pork sausage, and a rich blend of half and half and sour cream. Perfect for chilly days, this hearty soup is easy to make and garnished with cheddar cheese, chives, and extra sour cream for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, diced
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half and half
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Optional Garnishes
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives
- Additional sour cream, as desired
Instructions
- Saute the Onion: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Brown the Sausage: Add the ground pork sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned throughout. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Cook Potatoes: Add diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Add Dairy and Seasoning: Stir in half and half, salt, and black pepper. Heat gently until steaming but do not boil.
- Finish Soup: Remove from heat and stir in sour cream until smooth and fully combined. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, and additional sour cream as desired.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes before adding the half and half.
- You can substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
- Add cooked crispy bacon for extra smoky flavor.
- This soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
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