Breakfast sausage soup-sounds a bit unconventional, right? But once you take a spoonful, you’ll realize just how comforting and satisfying it is. Imagine the savory flavors of breakfast sausage combined with vegetables, rich broths, and spices that make the perfect base for a soul-warming bowl of soup. This isn’t your usual "sausage and eggs" morning routine-it’s a whole new spin on breakfast, served in a hearty, filling form.
Why breakfast sausage, you ask? It’s the star ingredient that brings depth and warmth. This soup can work as a morning meal or a cozy dinner, and it’s incredibly versatile, so you can adjust it based on what you have on hand or how you’re feeling. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder that doesn’t take hours of slaving away in the kitchen. If you love savory flavors, hearty meals, and comfort in a bowl, this recipe is exactly what you need.
Breakfast Sausage Soup Recipe
Ingredients Needed
To make this breakfast sausage soup, you’ll need a blend of simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s everything you need to get started:
- 1 pound of breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream (for creaminess)
- 1 cup frozen corn (or fresh if you have it!)
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
These ingredients combine to create a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and fresh, giving you a bowl that feels like a hug from the inside.
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the cooking process. Don’t worry, this recipe is super easy and doesn’t require any advanced techniques. Here’s how you can make it:
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Brown The Sausage
In a large pot, heat a little bit of olive oil (if your sausage is very lean) over medium-high heat. Add the breakfast sausage and break it apart as it cooks. Stir occasionally until it’s fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add The Vegetables
Toss in the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Stir them around and cook for about 3-5 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant. You want the veggies to start to absorb some of the savory flavors from the sausage.
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Pour In The Broth
Next, add the chicken (or vegetable) broth, potatoes, and dried thyme and sage. Stir well, bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
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Make It Creamy
Once the potatoes are soft, stir in the half-and-half (or heavy cream) and frozen corn. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes, making sure everything is heated through and creamy.
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Season
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper. Don’t be afraid to give it a bit more thyme or sage if you love those herbal flavors. Let it simmer for a minute to marry the flavors.
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Serve And Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread for dipping, and you’ve got yourself a cozy, comforting meal.
Ingredient Insights
Every ingredient in this soup plays a key role in building that warm, hearty flavor profile that defines this dish. Here’s a deeper look into some of them:
- Breakfast sausage: The key to this soup’s savory foundation, breakfast sausage is seasoned with spices like sage and pepper, making it a perfect base for a soup. Depending on the type you choose, it can be either mild or spicy, adding a layer of flavor complexity.
- Potatoes: The potatoes absorb all the flavors of the sausage and broth while adding a creamy texture to the soup. If you like a smoother soup, you can mash some of the potatoes as they cook to thicken it.
- Half-and-half or heavy cream: These creamy ingredients are what transform the soup from a basic broth-based soup to a rich, luscious meal. They add depth and balance out the spiciness of the sausage.
- Corn: Sweet corn adds a pop of color, flavor, and texture. Plus, it complements the savory sausage beautifully, providing a touch of sweetness to contrast the richness.
Expert Tips
Want to elevate this recipe even further? Here are some expert tips to make this breakfast sausage soup even more flavorful:
- Use fresh herbs: If you’ve got fresh thyme and sage on hand, use them instead of dried herbs. Fresh herbs bring a brighter, more vibrant flavor that will make the soup even more aromatic.
- Try adding bacon: If you’re really craving a smoky, rich flavor, add a couple of strips of crispy bacon, crumbled into the soup. It’ll enhance the savory base of the sausage and add a smoky undertone.
- Don’t overcook the potatoes: To maintain texture, avoid overcooking the potatoes. You want them tender but still holding their shape, so they don’t break down into mush.
- Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, you can substitute half-and-half with milk or even use a non-dairy milk alternative like almond or oat milk.
- Add greens: If you’re looking to sneak in more veggies, spinach or kale is an excellent addition. Add them toward the end of cooking to wilt them just right.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to switch things up:
- Spicy sausage version: If you like things hot, go for a spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes to the mix to give the soup a little extra kick.
- Vegetarian alternative: Skip the sausage and use plant-based sausage or a mix of sautéed mushrooms, which can mimic the savory flavor. You can also swap in vegetable broth to make it fully vegetarian.
- Cheesy version: For a richer, more indulgent soup, stir in some shredded cheese, like cheddar or Parmesan, just before serving. The cheese will melt into the soup and add an extra layer of creamy goodness.
- Sweet potato swap: Instead of regular potatoes, you could use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor that pairs beautifully with the sausage.
- Beans for extra protein: Add a can of white beans or kidney beans to boost the protein content and make the soup even heartier.
Final Words
This breakfast sausage soup recipe is one of those meals that is as satisfying as it is comforting. It’s perfect for chilly mornings, cozy nights, or even as a crowd-pleasing dish for brunch. With its balance of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, this soup will undoubtedly become a favorite in your household.
The best part? It’s super flexible. You can adjust it based on your dietary needs, preferences, or what ingredients you have available. Plus, the leftovers are just as good (if not better) the next day!