Sausage Potato and Kale Soup

The kale in this soup really ties everything together. As it simmers, the leafy greens soften and absorb the rich, savory flavors of the broth, adding a perfect touch of earthiness. It’s not just about color—it’s about depth. The slight bitterness of the kale balances out the creamy potatoes and the hearty sausage, giving the soup a beautiful complexity. Every spoonful offers a satisfying mix of textures, from the tender potatoes to the juicy sausage and the slight chew of the kale. The more it simmers, the better it gets, allowing all those flavors to meld together into something that feels both comforting and nourishing.

I love how this soup works for both cozy weeknights and when you’ve got friends or family over. It’s the kind of dish that smells so good while it’s cooking, everyone starts gathering in the kitchen, eager to help stir or sneak a taste. And when it’s finally ready to serve, you can almost feel the warmth and love that went into it—there’s something about homemade soups that just feel like a hug in a bowl, don’t you think? If you want, you can even tweak the recipe a little, adding more sausage or throwing in some extra garlic for an extra punch of flavor. What I love most is how adaptable this soup is, all while remaining incredibly comforting.

Key Ingredients in Sausage Potato and Kale Soup

This soup comes together beautifully thanks to a handful of simple ingredients that bring out the best in each other. Each one plays its part in creating a balanced, flavorful bowl of comfort. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish so special:

Italian sausage: The heart of this soup. It provides rich, savory flavor with just the right amount of spice. You can use mild or spicy, depending on how much heat you prefer. As it browns, it releases those lovely meaty juices that flavor the entire broth.

Potatoes: These hearty spuds bring a creamy, comforting texture to the soup. They soften beautifully as they cook, soaking up the flavors around them while providing a satisfying bite in each spoonful.

Kale: This leafy green adds a gorgeous pop of color and a subtle earthiness that balances the richness of the sausage and cream. As it simmers, it softens into tender perfection, giving the soup a lovely chew and a burst of nutrients.

Onion: The onion adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the soup base. As it cooks, it becomes soft and translucent, adding complexity to the broth without overpowering the other ingredients.

Garlic: A must-have for flavor! The garlic infuses the broth with its warm, aromatic taste, creating a fragrant backdrop that ties the entire dish together. A few cloves go a long way in enhancing the richness of the soup.

Chicken broth: This forms the foundation of the soup’s liquid, giving it that lovely savory base. It’s rich and flavorful, but not too heavy, allowing the other ingredients to shine through while providing a deliciously comforting backdrop.

Heavy cream: The creaminess this ingredient adds is what transforms the soup from good to great. It enriches the broth, making it silky smooth and velvety while balancing the flavors and giving it a luxurious finish.

Salt: A pinch (or more) of salt is key to bringing all the flavors into harmony. It enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables, sausage, and broth, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned.

Black pepper: This adds a touch of warmth and mild heat to the soup. The pepper helps bring out the other spices and adds a subtle kick to every spoonful.

Red pepper flakes: If you like a little heat, these flakes will do the trick. They bring just enough spiciness to balance out the cream and potatoes, while also giving the soup an extra layer of flavor.

Olive oil: A little drizzle of olive oil is perfect for sautéing the onions and garlic at the beginning, creating a flavorful base for the soup. It also helps brown the sausage and adds richness to the overall dish.

Water: Along with the broth, water helps adjust the soup’s consistency. It allows the flavors to meld without making the soup too thick or too thin, striking the perfect balance.

Dried thyme: This herb is subtle but essential, bringing a fresh, earthy flavor that complements the kale and sausage. It’s like a little whisper of herbal warmth throughout the soup.

Dried rosemary: Rosemary adds a woodsy, slightly piney note that pairs wonderfully with the sausage. It deepens the flavor profile and adds complexity to the overall dish, making it feel even more comforting.

These ingredients come together to create a soup that’s hearty, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying! Each one contributes something special to the final dish, ensuring every bite is packed with rich, comforting goodness.

How to Make Sausage Potato and Kale Soup

STEP 1: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

STEP 2: Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

STEP 3: Continue cooking the sausage for about 6-8 minutes, or until it’s browned and fully cooked through.

STEP 4: Once cooked, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

STEP 5: Peel and dice the potatoes into small, bite-sized cubes.

STEP 6: Add the olive oil to the pot with the sausage drippings and heat it over medium heat.

STEP 7: Dice the onion and add it to the pot, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.

STEP 8: Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the pot, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

STEP 9: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir them around, cooking for 3-4 minutes.

STEP 10: Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring to combine.

STEP 11: Add the salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, dried thyme, and dried rosemary, stirring well.

STEP 12: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

STEP 13: While the soup is simmering, wash the kale thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.

STEP 14: Remove the tough stems from the kale leaves and chop them into bite-sized pieces.

STEP 15: Once the potatoes are tender, return the cooked sausage to the pot, stirring to combine.

STEP 16: Add the chopped kale to the pot and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the kale has wilted and softened.

STEP 17: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring it into the soup until fully incorporated.

STEP 18: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

STEP 19: Continue simmering for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

STEP 20: Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra kale or a sprinkle of parmesan if desired.

Serving Suggestions for Sausage Potato and Kale Soup

Crusty Bread on the Side: There’s just something about a warm bowl of soup paired with a thick slice of crusty bread. You can use it to scoop up every last drop of the creamy broth, or just enjoy it as a little sidekick to soak up the goodness. A rustic sourdough or even a baguette would be perfect, adding that delightful crunch and flavor contrast.

A Sprinkle of Parmesan: A little grated Parmesan over the top takes this soup to the next level. It melts into the creamy broth and adds a salty, nutty kick that makes each spoonful even more irresistible. Plus, it’s a simple way to dress up the soup without adding any extra fuss.

A Side Salad for Freshness: If you’re looking to balance out all that richness, serve the soup with a light, refreshing side salad. A simple mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette will bring a burst of freshness that perfectly complements the savory soup. It’s a great way to round out the meal without overpowering it.

These little touches will elevate your bowl of sausage potato and kale soup, making it feel like an extra-special treat every time!

How to Store Sausage Potato and Kale Soup

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), storing this soup is a breeze, and it’ll taste just as comforting when you’re ready to enjoy it again. The key is to let it cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps maintain its texture and flavor while keeping it fresh for longer.

To store it in the fridge, simply keep it in a sealed container, and it should stay good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, do it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to make sure the cream doesn’t separate. Add a little splash of water or broth if it thickens up too much—that’ll bring it back to its creamy, cozy consistency.

If you want to extend its shelf life even more, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to freeze it in individual portions so you can pull out just what you need. When reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge or warm it up gently on the stove. Again, a touch of extra liquid will bring it back to life, making it just as delicious as when it was freshly made.

This soup keeps its heartwarming appeal even after being stored, so whether it’s a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, it’s always ready to satisfy!

Conclusion

And there you have it—a delicious, cozy bowl of Sausage Potato and Kale Soup that’s sure to warm you up on the coldest of days. From the rich, savory sausage to the tender potatoes and the earthy kale, every bite is packed with comforting flavors that feel like a hug in a bowl. This recipe is perfect for a quiet night in or when you’ve got family and friends gathered around, sharing stories and laughter over a hearty meal.

I hope this soup brings the same warmth and joy to your kitchen that it brings to mine. It’s one of those dishes that gets better as it simmers and can easily be adjusted to fit your personal taste. Maybe add a little extra garlic, or spice it up with some red pepper flakes—whatever makes it your own!

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to drop a comment below. Have you tried this recipe? Or maybe you have a twist you’d love to share? Let me know if you have any questions, or if you need a little help making it come together perfectly. I’m always here to chat about food and share some kitchen tips!

Enjoy your soup, my friend—there’s nothing quite like it.

Print Recipe

Sausage Potato and Kale Soup

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 45 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 10 mins

Calories: 480

Description

This cozy soup is a comforting blend of savory sausage, creamy potatoes, and tender kale. Each spoonful delivers rich, hearty flavors with a perfect balance of spiciness and earthiness. It's a bowl of warmth that'll fill you up and leave you wanting more!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound Italian sausage

• 4 large potatoes

• 1 bunch kale

• 1 medium onion

• 3 cloves garlic

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 cup water

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon dried thyme

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon dried rosemary

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Continue cooking the sausage for about 6-8 minutes, or until it’s browned and fully cooked through.
4. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
5. Peel and dice the potatoes into small, bite-sized cubes.
6. Add the olive oil to the pot with the sausage drippings and heat it over medium heat.
7. Dice the onion and add it to the pot, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
8. Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the pot, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
9. Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir them around, cooking for 3-4 minutes.
10. Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring to combine.
11. Add the salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, dried thyme, and dried rosemary, stirring well.
12. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
13. While the soup is simmering, wash the kale thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
14. Remove the tough stems from the kale leaves and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
15. Once the potatoes are tender, return the cooked sausage to the pot, stirring to combine.
16. Add the chopped kale to the pot and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the kale has wilted and softened.
17. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring it into the soup until fully incorporated.
18. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
19. Continue simmering for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
20. Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra kale or a sprinkle of parmesan if desired.

Note

• Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference for heat.
• For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes once cooked.
• Substitute kale with spinach or Swiss chard for a milder flavor.
• Ensure to remove the tough stems from the kale to avoid bitterness.
• For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream.

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