Hearty Crockpot Sausage & Potato Soup

$- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy) - 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended) - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Fresh parsley, chopped {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you need to brown the sausage. Take a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Add one pound of Italian sausage, either mild or spicy, depending on what you like. Use a spatula to break the sausage apart as it cooks. Cook it until it turns brown and is fully cooked, which usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. While cooking, you might notice some grease in the pan. To drain the excess grease, carefully tilt the skillet and use a spoon to scoop it out. This step keeps your soup from being too greasy later on. Once done, set the sausage aside. Now, it's time to mix everything in the crockpot. Start by adding the diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Then, add your cooked sausage. It’s important to layer the ingredients well. Make sure they are evenly spread out in the pot. This helps all the flavors mix together better. Next, pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth over your mixture. Gently stir all the ingredients to combine them. This step is key to making sure every bite is full of flavor. After combining everything, cover the crockpot with its lid. You can set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Low heat gives the flavors time to deepen, while high heat cooks it faster. Either way, you want the potatoes to be fork-tender when done. Both cooking settings work well, so choose what fits your schedule. Enjoy the aromas that fill your kitchen as it cooks! To make your soup extra tasty, adjust the seasonings. After you cook the soup, taste it. If it needs more flavor, add a pinch of salt or pepper. You can also try adding more thyme or paprika. These spices bring warmth to each bite. You might want to add extra spices for a twist. A little cayenne pepper can add heat. Try adding fresh herbs like basil or dill for a fresh taste. These small changes can make a big difference. Cooking time matters for great soup. I recommend cooking on low for 6-8 hours. This method makes the flavors blend well. It also keeps the potatoes soft. If you're short on time, use high heat for 3-4 hours. Just check the potatoes for doneness. They should be fork-tender. Perfect potato texture is key. You want them soft but not mushy. If you cut them too small, they may fall apart. Aim for bite-sized cubes for the best results. Presentation makes a meal more inviting. Serve the soup in large bowls. A drizzle of extra cream on top adds richness. A sprinkle of fresh parsley gives a nice pop of color. Pair the soup with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls. These sides are perfect for dipping and make your meal feel cozy and complete. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of your Crockpot Sausage Potato Soup! Pro Tips Choose the Right Sausage: Opt for high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. You can also mix mild and spicy sausages for a personalized heat level. Prep Your Vegetables Ahead: Chop your potatoes, onion, and kale ahead of time to save on prep work before cooking. This also helps to enhance the flavors as they meld together. Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash a few potatoes against the side of the crockpot before adding the cream. This will create a creamier texture. Garnish for Freshness: Don't skip the fresh parsley garnish! It adds a bright flavor and color to the dish, enhancing both presentation and taste. {{image_4}} For those who want a dairy-free soup, swap heavy cream for coconut milk. It adds a nice, creamy touch without any dairy. If you prefer a lighter option, use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage. These options keep the soup flavorful while reducing fat content. You can boost the taste by adding other vegetables. Carrots and celery can add sweetness and depth. They pair well with potatoes and sausage. Fresh herbs also bring new life to the soup. Try adding basil or dill for a fresh twist. These herbs make the soup smell great and taste even better. Toppings can make your soup feel special. Cheese options like cheddar or parmesan add a rich flavor. Sprinkle some on top just before serving. You can also add croutons for crunch or bacon bits for a savory kick. These toppings create a fun texture and add extra taste. Store your Crockpot Sausage Potato Soup in airtight containers. This keeps it fresh and safe. Let the soup cool down before sealing it. You can keep it in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Use glass or plastic containers that seal well. Label them with the date, so you know when you made it. To freeze the soup, let it cool completely. Pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when it freezes. You can freeze it for about 2 to 3 months. When ready to eat, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. Never refreeze soup that has already been thawed. Reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave. If using the stove, heat it over low to medium heat. Stir often to keep it from sticking. For the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the soup creamy and not too thick. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain the right texture. Crockpot Sausage Potato Soup lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. To keep it fresh, let it cool before sealing. When you want to eat it, just reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Yes! Making this soup ahead of time has many benefits. The flavors blend better after sitting. You can save time on busy days by preparing it in advance. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve. This soup also freezes well for longer storage. You can use frozen potatoes, but they may change the texture. Frozen potatoes might make the soup a bit mushy. They also may not absorb flavors as well as fresh potatoes. If you choose frozen, add them straight to the crockpot without thawing. This blog post covered how to make a delicious Crockpot Sausage Potato Soup. We explored key ingredients like Italian sausage and potatoes, along with tips for cooking. You learned how to adjust flavors, handle storage, and try fun variations. This soup is easy to make and satisfying. It’s perfect for a cozy meal. Enjoy your cooking and all the tasty bowls that follow!$

Hearty Crockpot Sausage & Potato Soup

A comforting and hearty soup made with Italian sausage, potatoes, and kale, perfect for a cozy meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 6

Total Time 7 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
2 cups kale, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
for garnishing fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. If there's excess grease, carefully drain it and set the sausage aside.
In your crockpot, combine the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and the cooked sausage. Make sure that the ingredients are evenly distributed for optimal flavor.
Pour in the chicken broth over the mixture in the crockpot and stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Sprinkle in the dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything again to ensure each ingredient is evenly seasoned.
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and chopped kale to the pot. Mix well and cover again, allowing the flavors to meld and the kale to wilt.
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s still hot, garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping.

Keyword crockpot, hearty, potato, sausage, soup