A warm bowl of sausage and potato soup with kale is the ultimate comfort meal.
Savory sausage, tender potatoes, and earthy kale come together in a rich, flavorful broth, creating a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and slightly peppery notes, making this soup an instant favorite.
The combination of sausage and potatoes creates a deeply savory base, while kale adds a fresh contrast that keeps the soup from feeling too heavy. Whether you’re making this for a cozy dinner or meal prepping for the week, this one-pot wonder is both easy to prepare and full of bold flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
This soup is comforting, packed with protein and nutrients, and incredibly easy to make. It has everything you need for a complete meal in one bowl.
- Savory sausage brings richness and a smoky depth to the broth.
- Creamy potatoes add heartiness, making the soup thick and satisfying.
- Fresh kale provides a pop of color and a slightly peppery bite.
- A touch of garlic and herbs enhances the overall depth of flavor.
- It’s a one-pot meal, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy.
From the bold, seasoned broth to the tender, melt-in-your-mouth potatoes, this soup is one you’ll come back to again and again.
Key Ingredients That Make This Soup Shine
Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a soup that’s rich, balanced, and full of texture.
- Sausage – Italian sausage (mild or spicy) brings smoky, herby richness to the broth.
- Potatoes – Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes create a creamy texture as they cook.
- Kale – Adds freshness and a slightly peppery bite, balancing the richness.
- Garlic & Onion – Build a flavorful foundation for the broth.
- Chicken Broth – Enhances the savory depth of the soup while keeping it light.
- Heavy Cream (Optional) – For an extra indulgent, velvety finish.
These ingredients come together perfectly to create a deeply satisfying bowl of soup.
How to Cook Sausage and Potato Soup with Kale
This soup comes together in simple steps, layering flavors at every stage.
- Brown the Sausage – Cook sausage in a pot until golden and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics – In the same pot, cook onions and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Simmer the Potatoes – Add broth and potatoes, cooking until fork-tender.
- Return the Sausage & Add Kale – Stir in the cooked sausage and kale, letting the greens wilt.
- Finish & Serve – Adjust seasoning and add cream if desired. Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm.
Each step builds layers of deep, rich flavor, making every bite as satisfying as the last.
Customize Your Soup
This soup is versatile and easy to adjust based on your preferences.
- Prefer a lighter version? Skip the cream and use extra broth.
- Want a spicy kick? Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- Looking for more protein? Add cannellini beans for extra heartiness.
- Need a vegetarian option? Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
Small tweaks let you create a customized soup that fits your taste perfectly.
Best Sides to Serve with Sausage and Potato Soup with Kale
Pairing this soup with a simple side dish makes the meal even more enjoyable.
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Crusty Bread | Ideal for dipping into the flavorful broth |
| Garlic Butter Biscuits | Buttery and soft, complementing the savory soup |
| Roasted Vegetables | A simple, balanced side for extra nutrition |
| Caesar Salad | Crisp and fresh, offering a contrast to the richness |
| Cornbread | Slightly sweet, balancing the smoky sausage |
A well-paired side makes this meal feel even more complete.
Tips for the Best Sausage and Potato Soup
A few simple tricks will make your soup even more flavorful and satisfying.
- Use high-quality sausage for the best depth of flavor.
- Don’t overcook the potatoes—they should be tender but not falling apart.
- Sauté the sausage first to create a flavorful base for the broth.
- Add kale toward the end to keep it vibrant and slightly crisp.
- Make it ahead of time—this soup tastes even better the next day!
With these tips, your soup will turn out perfectly rich, hearty, and full of flavor every time.
Sausage and Potato Soup with Kale
Equipment
- Large pot For cooking the soup
- Mixing bowl For preparing ingredients
- Ladle For serving the soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage mild or spicy
- 4 cups chicken broth low sodium preferred
- 3 potatoes diced, Yukon Gold or Russet
- 1 small onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups kale stems removed, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 cup heavy cream optional, for a creamy finish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until softened and fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and add diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in cooked sausage and chopped kale, letting the greens wilt into the soup.
- Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. If using, stir in heavy cream for a creamy texture.
- Ladle into bowls and serve warm.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.