Sausage Kale Potato Soup
Nothing beats a warm bowl of comfort on a chilly day! This sausage kale potato soup hits the spot every time. I love how the smoky sausage plays nicely with earthy kale and tender potatoes. It’s like getting a big hug in a bowl.
You’ll find yourself coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!). This hearty soup brings the whole family together around the dinner table. Pure comfort food magic!
Why You’ll Love Sausage Kale Potato Soup
This soup is a total game-changer that’ll knock your socks off with every spoonful you take!
- One-pot wonder: Everything cooks together, so cleanup is a breeze for busy weeknights.
- Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and stash some for those crazy, hectic days.
- Ready fast: From start to finish, you’re looking at just 30 minutes total time.
- Nutrient-packed: Kale gives you vitamins, while potatoes fill you up completely satisfied.
Looking for more cozy soup ideas? Check out my Creamy Broccoli Cheddar, or try this Asparagus Soup next!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your simple shopping list for this amazing soup – check the recipe card below for exact amounts!
- Canola oil: You need this neutral oil to get everything started without overpowering flavors.
- Medium onion: Finely dice this for a sweet base that makes everything taste better.
- Large carrots: Peel and dice these orange beauties for natural sweetness and lovely color.
- Celery rib: Slice this up for that classic soup base trio we all love.
- Smoked sausages: Halve and slice these for protein that brings serious smoky flavor power.
- Minced garlic: Fresh garlic makes everything better – don’t even think about skipping it!
- Dried thyme: This herb adds earthy notes that pair perfectly with all the vegetables.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Your liquid base that brings everything together into soup heaven perfection.
- Medium potatoes: Peel and dice about six for a hearty substance that fills you up.
- Finely chopped kale: This superfood green adds nutrition and gorgeous color to every bowl.
How to Make Sausage Kale Potato Soup
This soup comes together super fast, and you’ll love how easy each step flows into the next one!
Step 1: Sauté the Base
Heat the oil in your large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 1 sliced celery rib. Cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables start getting tender.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Add the sausage slices to your pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until they get nice and browned. The smoky flavors will start filling your kitchen with amazing smells that make everyone hungry!
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Stir in garlic and seasonings – 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook for just 1 minute until fragrant and perfect.
Step 4: Pour in Broth
Add the broth – pour in 6 cups low sodium chicken broth and bring everything to a rolling boil. This creates your soup base that ties all flavors together beautifully and deliciously.
Step 5: Add Potatoes
Toss in potatoes – add your 6 diced medium potatoes to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender and cook through completely.
Step 6: Finish with Kale
Stir in kale – add 4 cups chopped kale and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted but still bright green. Add 1/2 cup cream and Parmesan cheese if you want extra richness!
Tips for the Best Sausage Kale Potato Soup
These simple tricks will take your soup from good to absolutely AMAZING every single time!
- Cut vegetables evenly: Same-sized pieces cook at the same rate for perfect texture throughout.
- Don’t overcook kale: Add it last to keep that beautiful, bright color and nutrition.
- Taste and adjust: Season at the end because sausage adds salt too – balance is key.
- Use good sausage: Quality smoked sausage makes all the difference in final flavor results.
- Simmer gently: Low heat prevents potatoes from breaking apart and getting too mushy.
Variations and Substitutions
Make this soup your own with these easy swaps that work perfectly every single time!
- Turkey sausage: Use this lean option instead of pork for a lighter, healthier version.
- Sweet potatoes: Swap regular potatoes for these orange beauties for extra sweetness and nutrition.
- Spinach instead: Replace kale with fresh spinach if that’s what you have on hand.
- Coconut milk: Use this creamy dairy-free option instead of regular cream for richness.
- Italian seasoning: Try this herb blend instead of thyme for a different flavor profile.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This soup is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day! Store your cooled soup in the fridge for up to 4 days in airtight containers.
For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months – just leave out the cream and add it when reheating.
When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight, making leftovers taste incredible!
Recipe FAQs
What type of sausage works best for this?
Smoked kielbasa or andouille sausage work perfectly because they add amazing smoky flavor without being too spicy for kids.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker instead?
YES! Add everything except kale to your crockpot, cook on low for 6 hours, then stir in kale last.
What should I serve with this hearty soup?
Crusty bread, cornbread, or grilled cheese sandwiches make perfect partners for dipping and soaking up every last drop.
Can I use frozen kale instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just add it straight from frozen and cook for an extra minute to heat through completely.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Replace sausage with white beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for plant-based protein and flavor.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover soup?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and maintain perfect texture.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Corn, bell peppers, or diced tomatoes would taste amazing – just add them with the other vegetables.
How long does this soup last in the freezer?
Properly stored soup lasts up to 3 months frozen, but it tastes best within the first month, definitely.
Sausage Kale Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 2 large carrots peeled and finely diced
- 1 rib celery sliced
- 12 ounces smoked sausages halved lengthwise and sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 6 medium potatoes peeled and diced
- 4 cups finely chopped kale
- 1/2 cup heavy cream optional
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté vegetables: Heat canola oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5 minutes until softened.
- Brown the sausage pieces: Add sliced sausage to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add aromatics and seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, salt, thyme, and pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant and well combined throughout.
- Pour in chicken broth: Add chicken broth and bring mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Simmer with potatoes: Add diced potatoes, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender but not mushy.
- Finish with kale: Stir in chopped kale and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted, then add cream and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Cut all vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly and create the perfect texture in every spoonful.
- Don’t overcook the kale – it should stay bright green and maintain its nutritional value and appealing color.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end since sausage adds salt, and you want perfect flavor balance.
- This soup tastes even better the next day as all the flavors have time to meld together perfectly.
- Freeze individual portions without cream, then add cream when reheating for the best texture and flavor results every time.
