This hearty Potato/Sausage Soup combines rustic comfort with creamy indulgence, featuring browned pork sausage, tender russet potatoes, and rich cream. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings and gets a tangy boost from white balsamic vinegar. The blend of savory, creamy, and subtly sweet flavors makes this soup a standout in comfort food classics.
Ingredients
- 4 russet potatoes (large, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 6 cups chicken broth (enough to cover potatoes + extra)
- 1½ lbs pork sausage
- 1 onion (large, diced)
- ½ stick butter (4 tbsp)
- 1 qt heavy cream
- 2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Potatoes
- Cut potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Place in stock pot and cover with chicken broth. Simmer until tender.
Step 2: Brown Sausage & Onion
- Brown pork sausage in a pan. Add diced onion and cook until soft. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- In the pot with potatoes, add butter. Stir in sausage and onion mixture.
Step 4: Add Cream and Seasonings
- Pour in cream. Add white balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Ladle soup into bowls and top with freshly chopped parsley.
Tips
- Swap russet potatoes for Yukon golds for a creamier texture.
- Use spicy Italian sausage for a bolder flavor.
- Add chopped kale or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
- Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add a dash of smoked paprika for warmth and depth.
- Stir in shredded cheddar for a cheesy variation.
- Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth if preferred.
- Garnish with chives or green onions instead of parsley.
- Add a splash of vinegar at the end to brighten flavors if needed.
- Make it ahead—flavors deepen after a night in the fridge.
Nutrition
Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 18gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 1180mgPotassium: 1050mgFiber: 3.5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1050IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 135mgIron: 2.4mg