Sausage, Potato and Kale Soup Recipe

Name: Sausage, Potato and Kale Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 1 pound bulk Italian sausage; 4 cups half-and-half; 3 cups cubed potatoes; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 cups whole milk; 1 medium onion, chopped; 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano; 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more to taste; 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 cups kale, torn into bite-sized pieces

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Yields: 12 servings

Ingredients

1 pound bulk Italian sausage
4 cups half-and-half
3 cups cubed potatoes
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups whole milk
1 medium onion, chopped
teaspoon dried oregano
teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups kale, torn into bite-sized pieces

Directions

Gather all ingredients and prepare your workspace.
Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the bulk sausage to the pot and crumble it with a spatula. Cook and stir until browned, about 10 minutes.
Drain any excess grease from the sausage, discarding it properly.
Stir in the half-and-half, cubed potatoes, chicken broth, whole milk, chopped onion, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer. Let it cook for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Stir in the kale and continue simmering for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the kale has softened and is tender.
Once done, remove from heat, serve hot, and enjoy your hearty soup!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein	Cholesterol	Sodium
266	18g	16g	11g	50mg	391mg

Other Nutritional Information:

Dietary Fiber: 2g (5% DV)
Total Sugars: 3g
Vitamin C: 23mg (26% DV)
Calcium: 162mg (12% DV)
Iron: 1mg (6% DV)
Potassium: 488mg (10% DV)

Note: Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Sausage, Potato and Kale Soup Recipe

Origin of Sausage, Potato and Kale Soup

The origins of Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup are tied to hearty, rustic dishes often found in European cuisine, especially from countries like Italy and Portugal. These nations have long incorporated simple, nutritious ingredients such as sausages, greens, and potatoes into their soups. The dish gained widespread popularity in North America as it offers a warm, filling meal that is perfect for the colder months. In Italy, a similar dish might be called "Zuppa di Salsiccia e Cavolo," highlighting the regional use of kale and sausage in southern Italian cooking.

Regional Variations

Across Europe, especially in Mediterranean and Northern European countries, variations of sausage, potato, and kale soup are commonly enjoyed. In Italy, different types of sausageranging from spicy to mildare paired with various leafy greens, with kale being the preferred choice due to its rich flavor and texture. In Portugal, a similar dish, "Caldo Verde," is often made with chorizo sausage, potatoes, and kale, giving it a distinct spiciness. The American version typically uses bulk Italian sausage and may include milk or cream for a richer broth.

Differences from Similar Dishes

While Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup might seem similar to other sausage-based soups like the French "Pot-au-Feu" or the Portuguese "Caldo Verde," there are a few key differences. The Italian version of this soup often features a creamier base, with the addition of milk or half-and-half, making it a richer, smoother dish compared to other brothy European soups. Furthermore, the balance of spices and herbs, such as red pepper flakes and oregano, in the Italian recipe provides a distinct flavor profile compared to the more herb-forward versions seen in Portugal or France.

Where It Is Typically Served

Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup is commonly served in both casual and family-style settings. In Italy, it may be offered as a first course (antipasto) in a traditional meal or enjoyed on its own for a hearty lunch. In the United States, it's a popular choice for chilly autumn and winter nights, often found in cafes, bistros, or home kitchens. The soup is perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or a simple dinner, served alongside crusty bread or warm rolls to soak up the flavorful broth.

Interesting Facts

The use of kale in this soup is not only for flavor but for its high nutritional value. Kale is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron, making the soup both delicious and healthy.
The combination of potatoes and sausage creates a balanced dish, offering a good mix of protein, carbs, and fats, which makes it especially satisfying and comforting in colder weather.
In Italy, its common to use fresh homemade sausage for this soup, giving the dish an even more authentic and flavorful taste.
The simplicity of the ingredientssausage, potatoes, and kalemakes this soup both inexpensive and easy to prepare, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.

This hearty and rich soup not only provides warmth and comfort but also reflects the tradition of combining seasonal ingredients into a simple yet satisfying meal. Whether you prefer the classic Italian version or opt for a more personalized take, Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup remains a beloved dish worldwide.

FAQ about Sausage, Potato and Kale Soup Recipe

Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or a plant-based sausage for a lighter version. If using a milder sausage, you may need to adjust the seasoning to add more flavor.

Yes, you can use different types of potatoes. Yukon gold potatoes are a good alternative, but russet or red potatoes can also work well. Just keep in mind that different types of potatoes may affect the texture and consistency of the soup.

Yes, you can make this soup dairy-free by substituting the half-and-half and whole milk with dairy-free alternatives such as coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk. Make sure to choose a variety that has a creamy consistency to maintain the richness of the soup.

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. If freezing, consider leaving out the kale until reheating, as it may become mushy when frozen.

Yes, you can add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or leeks. These additions will enhance the flavor and make the soup even heartier. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times depending on the vegetables you add.

To make the soup spicier, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes, add a diced fresh chili pepper, or use a spicier sausage variety. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or chili powder to suit your taste.

Yes, you can use frozen kale instead of fresh. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the soup. Frozen kale may also require a slightly shorter cooking time.

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and sauté the onion first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the potatoes, broth, milk, and seasonings, and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the kale in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes in the pot, add a cornstarch slurry, or stir in a bit of flour mixed with water. Alternatively, you can add more potatoes for extra thickness.

You can adjust the seasoning by adding more oregano, red pepper flakes, or black pepper according to your preference. If you feel the soup is lacking flavor, try adding a pinch of salt or some additional herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Comments

Bibi

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I subbed hot turkey Italian sausage, omitted the pepper flakes, and used Yukon gold potatoes. These were my only alterations from the recipe. As far as the directions go, my potatoes were done in 15 minutes, and I did not add any milk or half and half until the end of the cooking, when I allowed them to heat through, but not boil. This has an amazing aroma as it cooks, and it is a hearty, satisfying soup. Do not be concerned by the lack of added salt, because the broth and sausage are salty enough to flavor the whole batch. DH and DS approved!

BubblyBeef2327

01/19/2024 06:29:38 PM

Please add kale and seasonings to meat & potatoes (i add carrots), and stir the kale into the ground meat before adding all the liquids. Trust me! Also, my opinion, it doesn’t need the milk. I like just the half and half with the chicken broth.

CDHill

11/21/2024 03:25:28 AM

First Step: Onions should be sautéed first. Then add your protein. Next, it helps to break down the potatoes a bit by throwing them into the pot at this point along with your garlic. Why? Because I do not want boiled potatoes, nor boiled onions in my soup-- such will cause the soup to lack flavor incredibly. For my protein, I choose Mild Italian Turkey Sausage. If you choose this protein, there is no need to drain any grease as there won't be any grease to drain. Yet, be aware that turkey does not have the flavor pork has, therefore seasoning is a must if you choose ground, ITALIAN-style turkey. (Not just PLAIN ground turkey!) My supermarket has ITALIAN-style ground turkey but I realize that not everyone has this option so plan accordingly if you go with PLAIN ground turkey--you will need to season the turkey substantially. There is very little or no need for salt if you use ground pork AND chicken stock that is NOT sodium reduced --these two ingredients alone will provide MUCH flavor and saltiness without the addition of salt. Half and Half should be added at the final step along with the kale. There's no need for milk. Now, let's address curdling of the milk. If you choose to the add the milk/cream at the end like I've suggested, whisk it in SLOWY, OR slightly heat the milk/cream FIRST, then add it to your soup. Adding cold milk/cream to the soup will cause the milk/cream to curdle. It will still be edible and tasty, but unsightly.

Shivah Ruiz

03/27/2020 12:50:44 PM

reviewers are right it did lack some flavor. I adjusted the recipe by sauteing leeks and onions until nice and translucent along with the sausage- i cut the amount of onions by half along with anis seed, oregano, thyme and a bit of aleppo peppers I then added the potatoes and browned them until they had a nice lil crispy side. Then I added the liquid. to give it more body i added about a tbs of starch (diluted in a bit of water) then I added the kale - I brought it to a boil to make sure it thickened and then lowered the heat. turned out delicious!!

FluffyDough8537

03/12/2025 02:10:10 AM

While this is a good base recipe, I recommend browning the onions in some of the sausage fat along with adding the spices to the onion to bloom them and develop those flavors. Personally, I think this is too much dairy, so I opt in for adding three cups of chicken stock, and having the option of adding half and half per serving. The recipe doesn’t call for salt but I also recommend adding salt as you go and at the end. Feel free to double up on the spices and add mince garlic and garlic powder as well to develop a more complex flavor. Without salt, it would have been bland to be honest. I do love this recipe overall though because it allows you to just build on it to your liking!

Lindy

12/15/2023 10:31:07 AM

This was surprisingly flavorful! I used Impossible Italian sausages and added a couple of bay leaves. I also reduced the amount of milk to 1c and half and half to 1c because it seemed like way too much milk/cream. I increased the stock to 3c.

Rosemarie Yandoli-Smith

07/12/2020 10:47:47 PM

I actually used this recipe as a base and combined it with other ingredients and amounts. It was delicious! I added 1can Campbell's Cream of Chicken with 1 can water, 6 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of 1/2 and 1/2. At least 3 cups chopped fresh kale, 1/2 tsp ea of fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme, all right from my garden, and followed recipe steps, adding kale and 1/2 n 1/2 the last 20 minutes. Thank you for your recipe.

Vrbnstl

01/22/2020 12:10:09 AM

Instead of Half and half, all I had was a cup of cream. I made the rest up of whole milk but I added it according to the recipe without any of the curdling concerns mentioned in some other reviews. I also added half again the oregano and red pepper because I usually enjoy more flavor.

Sara Patrick

10/23/2020 11:52:14 PM

Insanely flavorful and delicious!!! I used 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning instead of oregano, 1 tsp of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. I also used a cornstarch slurry with chicken broth (about 1 tsp cornstarch just for a bit of thickening).

msraske

02/25/2021 01:08:38 AM

Great soup! Added 2 Tbs flour to the sausage to thicken the soup. Also added a pinch of salt and a dash each of garlic powder and paprika.

GoldenParm4533

01/18/2023 01:42:49 AM

I used 2% milk instead of half and half and whole milk and added 3/4 stick of butter and one chopped celery stalk. Doubled the kale and added 2 garlic cloves when cooking the Italian sausage. Will definitely make this again with my alterations and will double the recipe next time and do one pound Italian sausage and one pound ground turkey along with a pound of chopped carrots.

David Starnes

09/21/2025 12:52:07 PM

Make sure to have plenty of bread sticks or homemade croutons! Everyone loves this soup, except for my vegetarian guests, so it’s vegetarian minestrone. I also love it with sautéed Cremini mushrooms, chives!

Vicki Regal

09/06/2025 10:57:06 PM

Very good, you can't go wrong with this recipe! 👍

Krousch

07/21/2025 10:35:24 PM

Everyone loves it and it is easy to make!

Stephanie Fish

05/17/2025 03:19:41 PM

Super easy and quick to prepare. I browned the onions after the sausage for added flavor and color. I did add some seasoned salt too. Delicious

Kim

03/25/2025 12:36:17 AM

Delicious and easy! I used red potatoes and turkey kielbasa because that's what I had. Did not use whole milk, has enough dairy. I used fresh garlic and no other changes. We make it often!

Linda Smith

03/20/2025 07:40:08 PM

This recipe just made my week.

Julie Wanager

02/19/2025 12:32:48 AM

Great soup!

CyanMelon3637

02/06/2025 06:24:57 PM

It split. Dairy should have been added at the end. Bad recipe

GoofyPeach5432

02/04/2025 01:42:50 AM

I loved this recipe!! Ever since I was a girl it was always a staple dish that looked so complex, but in reality it's one of my cheapest meals and a family favorite year round!! 10/10 if you have some spare ingredients laying around try this asap.

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Sausage, Potato and Kale Soup Recipe

Ingredients

Directions