Smoked Sausage, Apple and Potato Soup Recipe
If you’re craving a bowl of pure comfort that balances smokiness, sweetness, and creaminess, you’ll fall head over heels for Smoked Sausage, Apple and Potato Soup. This soul-warming recipe is one of those delightful surprises that combine cozy, familiar ingredients—smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and crisp apples—in a way that creates a symphony of flavors. From chilly autumn evenings to nourishing weekday lunches, this soup never fails to uplift and satisfy. Each spoonful gives you a bit of savory, a hint of tart-sweet fruit, and that unmistakable richness only a cream-laced broth can bring. Make a pot for family or friends and watch it disappear!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Few things are as rewarding as a recipe that keeps things refreshingly simple without skimping on flavor. Each ingredient in Smoked Sausage, Apple and Potato Soup is carefully chosen, playing a unique part: the sausage brings heartiness, the apple a pop of sweetness, and the potatoes tie it all together for the perfect texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Olive oil: A drizzle is all you need for sautéing and building a flavorful base.
- Smoked sausage (12 ounces, sliced): The real star—smoky rounds of sausage give every bite depth and savoriness.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Adds juicy sweetness and aromatic richness to the soup’s foundation.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just a hint for a memorable, aromatic boost—don’t skip this!
- Yukon Gold potatoes (3 medium, diced): These turn meltingly tender, adding comforting heartiness and creaminess to each bowl.
- Apple (1 large, such as Honeycrisp, peeled and diced): The secret ingredient: it brings a natural sweetness that brightens up the dish beautifully.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): The flavorful base that ties all the ingredients together—opt for low-sodium so you control the seasoning.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): For unforgettable silkiness and a luxurious finishing touch (swap for half-and-half for a lighter take).
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle herbal note that sings with potatoes and apples.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): For a gentle, warming spice that enhances the soup’s smoky character.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential for perfectly balanced seasoning—taste and adjust!
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Brightens everything up with a final hit of freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Smoked Sausage, Apple and Potato Soup
Step 1: Brown the Smoked Sausage
Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your sliced smoked sausage in a single layer and let it sizzle away for about 4–5 minutes. You’re looking for those beautiful browned edges—that’s savory flavor in the making! Once browned, scoop the sausage out with a slotted spoon and set aside. Those crisped sausage bits left in the pot are pure gold for your soup’s depth.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
With the sausage out, keep the pot right on the heat. Toss in your diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion softens and goes glossy. Add the minced garlic and cook just for a minute more; you want it fragrant but not browned. This savory foundation sets the stage for all the flavors to come together.
Step 3: Add Potatoes, Apple, and Spices
Here comes the magic! Tip in your diced Yukon Gold potatoes and apple, then pour in the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, smoked paprika, as well as a good pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir. Crank up the heat to bring the pot to a lively boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it bubble, uncovered, for around 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when poked with a fork.
Step 4: Finish with Sausage and Cream
Once the potatoes are melt-in-your-mouth tender, slide the reserved browned sausage back into the soup. Now, pour in that generous cup of heavy cream. Simmer for another 5 minutes or so, just until the soup is creamy, piping hot, and wonderfully aromatic. Taste and tweak the seasoning if needed—sometimes a little extra pepper does the trick!
Step 5: Ladle, Garnish, and Serve
Ready to serve? Ladle your Smoked Sausage, Apple and Potato Soup into cozy bowls and scatter with fresh parsley. The contrast of rich, golden broth and bright green herb is pure joy. Don’t forget the big, hungry spoons!
How to Serve Smoked Sausage, Apple and Potato Soup

Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brings a lovely freshness and color to the soup’s hearty, golden surface. For extra flair, you can add a dusting of smoked paprika or even a few torn thyme leaves. Want a bit of crunch? Try topping with crispy fried onions or a crumble of bacon. The garnish is your signature—make it memorable!
Side Dishes
This soup is a meal in itself, but nothing beats a rustic pairing. Warm, crusty bread or a slice of buttered baguette is perfect for soaking up the creamy broth. If you’re feeling fancy, serve with a simple green salad dressed in a sharp vinaigrette—the freshness balances out the richness of the Smoked Sausage, Apple and Potato Soup beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, serve the soup in mini mugs as an appetizer—even better if you have tiny breadsticks for dipping. Hosting a fall gathering? Ladle the soup into hollowed-out small pumpkins for a stunning, seasonal touch. Or, pour the Smoked Sausage, Apple and Potato Soup into mason jars for a charming, rustic presentation at your next outdoor meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, Smoked Sausage, Apple and Potato Soup tastes even better the next day—just cover and enjoy within 3 or 4 days.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, thanks to its hearty potatoes and sausage (though the texture may change slightly). Let the soup cool completely, then ladle into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s thickened up in the fridge or freezer, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it to your desired consistency. Microwave reheating works too, in short bursts and with an occasional stir, to keep things creamy and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Soup
Absolutely! Kielbasa, andouille, or even turkey sausage all work beautifully in Smoked Sausage, Apple and Potato Soup. Just pick a sausage with plenty of smoky flavor, as that’s what gives the soup its signature richness.
Which apples are best for this recipe?
Honeycrisp apples are a favorite for their sweetness and firmness, but feel free to experiment with Gala, Fuji, or even a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet apples to add complexity to your soup.
Can I make Smoked Sausage, Apple and Potato Soup dairy-free?
Yes—swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or your favorite unsweetened non-dairy creamer. The finished soup will be a bit less rich, but still delightfully creamy and satisfying.
What’s the best way to make this gluten-free?
Good news: this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your smoked sausage and chicken broth are certified gluten-free—some brands add fillers or thickeners.
Can I prepare this soup in advance for a party?
Definitely! This soup actually tastes even better after a day in the fridge. Prep it the night before your gathering—just reheat gently and give it a good stir before serving, adding a little extra splash of broth or cream if needed.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a recipe that brings people together with every spoonful. Smoked Sausage, Apple and Potato Soup is my go-to when I need comfort and excitement in one bowl, and I hope it becomes a fast favorite at your table, too. Give it a try—and get ready for seconds!
Print
Smoked Sausage, Apple and Potato Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty soup recipe featuring smoked sausage, tender potatoes, sweet apple, and a creamy broth. This Smoked Sausage, Apple, and Potato Soup is perfect for chilly evenings and easy to make on the stovetop.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
- 1 large apple (such as Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Brown the sliced smoked sausage for 4-5 minutes, then set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté diced onion until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add Ingredients: Add potatoes, apple, chicken broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Finish Soup: Return sausage to the pot, stir in heavy cream, and simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples.
- You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream for a lighter soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg