Creamy White Cheddar Sausage Potato Soup

Creamy White Cheddar Sausage Potato Soup is the kind of comforting, cozy meal that instantly warms the kitchen and brings everyone to the table. From the first creamy spoonful, this soup delivers rich flavor, balanced texture, and satisfying heartiness. While the sausage adds savory depth, the potatoes create a silky base that feels both familiar and indulgent. Meanwhile, sharp white cheddar melts seamlessly into the broth, creating a smooth, luxurious finish.

Historically, potato-based soups have long been staples in colder regions, especially where hearty ingredients mattered most. Over time, cooks elevated these simple soups with cream, cheese, and smoked meats, transforming them into true comfort classics. Today, this version blends tradition with modern richness.

Whether served for a cozy dinner or meal-prepped for the week, this soup remains reliable and deeply satisfying. Most importantly, it’s simple enough for busy evenings, yet impressive enough to share.

Recipe Yield: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into thick rounds
4 cups russet potatoes, peeled and cut into small chunks
1½ cups white sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 Tbsp olive oil
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp dried thyme
¾ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Brown the sausage:
Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until golden and lightly crisped. Remove and set aside.

2. Build the base:
In the same pot, add onion and carrots. Cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook briefly.

3. Thicken the soup:
Sprinkle flour over vegetables. Stir well, then slowly pour in broth, whisking until smooth.

4. Simmer potatoes:
Add potatoes, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered until potatoes are fork-tender.

5. Finish creamy:
Reduce heat. Stir in milk, cream, cheese, and reserved sausage. Cook gently until silky and fully melted. Finish with parsley.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese melts poorly, so freshly grated cheddar ensures a smooth, luxurious soup texture every time.
• Cut potatoes evenly: Uniform potato pieces cook consistently, which improves both texture and visual appeal.
• Simmer gently after dairy: Once cream is added, keep heat low to prevent curdling and preserve a velvety finish.