Creamy Cheesy Potato & Sausage Soup

A cozy bowl of Creamy Cheesy Potato & Sausage Soup is the ultimate comfort food! Tender potatoes, savory sausage, onions, and garlic simmer together in a rich, creamy broth before being finished with plenty of melted cheddar cheese. It’s hearty enough for a full dinner and perfect with warm crusty bread on a chilly evening. 🍲🧀

🥘 Ingredients

• 1 lb smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced
• 4–5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• ½ cup shredded cheddar for topping, optional

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Brown the sausage: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned around the edges. Remove a small portion for topping if desired.
2. Cook the aromatics: Add butter to the same pot. Stir in the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Make the base: Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir continuously for about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps.
4. Add potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes, smoked paprika, thyme, black pepper, and a little salt. Bring to a gentle boil.
5. Simmer: Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
6. Make it creamy: Stir in the milk and heavy cream. Return the sausage to the pot and simmer gently for another 5 minutes. Avoid boiling hard once the dairy is added.
7. Add the cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar until completely melted and smooth.
8. Adjust the texture: For an extra-thick soup, mash a few potato pieces directly in the pot. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.
9. Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra cheddar, crispy sausage, and fresh parsley.

🧀 Pro Tips

• Use sharp cheddar for the strongest cheesy flavor.
• Smoked sausage adds wonderful savory flavor, but kielbasa or Italian sausage also works beautifully.
• Don’t boil the soup after adding the cheese and cream, as high heat can make the dairy separate.
• For an even creamier texture, blend about 1 cup of the soup and stir it back into the pot.
• Serve immediately with garlic bread, dinner rolls, or crusty French bread.

🍲 Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the soup becomes too thick.