There’s nothing like a big pot of sausage and kale soup simmering on the stove when the weather cools down. It’s hearty and rustic, with simple ingredients that come together fast after a long day.
Scott started making this one after adapting an old potato and cabbage soup recipe my family used to make. He swapped in Italian sausage, added extra kale, and left the potatoes unpeeled the way he likes them — and it’s been a favorite ever since.
This is the kind of soup that fills the whole kitchen with the smell of home. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for nights when everyone needs a big, cozy bowl of something good.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup is one of those hearty, dependable meals that comes together without much fuss. It’s simple, filling, and full of old-fashioned flavor that reminds you of home.
- Hearty and comforting for cold nights
- Savory Italian sausage adds rich flavor
- Rustic potatoes with the skins on for a homemade feel
- Tender kale that cooks down beautifully
- Easy to customize with fresh or leftover potatoes
- One-pot meal that comes together quickly
This soup is the kind of simple, cozy meal that feels just right at the end of a long day. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own and easy enough to make anytime you need something warm and comforting.
Ingredients
This soup comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s flexible too, so you can use either uncooked potatoes or leftover baked ones.
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 10 cups water
- 6 cups chopped kale
- 4 cups diced potatoes, unpeeled
- 3 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
- 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried minced garlic
- 1 pound Italian sausage, browned
Sometimes we use leftover baked potatoes. Just use the same amount (about 4 cups) and stir them in at the end instead of simmering them.
How to Make Sausage and Kale Soup
This soup comes together easily in one pot and fills the whole kitchen with the smell of something warm and homemade. Here’s how to make it.
1. Brown the sausage
Cook the Italian sausage and onions in the butter, in a large soup pot until fully browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add broth and seasonings
Pour in the water or chicken broth and stir in the bouillon, pepper, and minced garlic. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
3. Add potatoes and kale
Stir in the diced potatoes and chopped kale. Let the soup return to a steady simmer.
4. Simmer until the potatoes are tender
Let the soup cook for about 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes can be pierced easily with a fork. Keep the heat medium-low so it gently bubbles.
5. Serve warm
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it hot. It’s hearty, rustic, and ready to enjoy.
Recipe Tips
This soup is simple to make, but these little tricks help bring out even more flavor. They’re the kinds of things we’ve learned from making it over and over on busy nights.
- Brown the sausage well so it adds more depth to the broth.
- Leave the potatoes unpeeled for a rustic, old-fashioned feel.
- Use leftover baked potatoes and stir them in at the end for a quicker meal.
- Add extra kale if you want a heartier soup with more greens.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning right before serving to balance the flavors.
- Simmer gently so the potatoes stay tender and the kale softens nicely.
These little adjustments make the soup even easier to fit into your routine on busy days. They help the flavors come together in a way that feels comforting and homemade every single time.
Variations or Substitutions
This soup is easy to adjust depending on what you have in the pantry or what needs to be used up in the fridge. Here are a few simple ways to switch it up without changing the heart of the recipe.
- Swap kale for cabbage if you want something closer to the old-fashioned version.
- Use turkey sausage for a lighter option with the same savory flavor.
- Stir in carrots or celery to add more vegetables and stretch the soup further.
- Add a splash of cream to make it a little richer and cozier.
- Try sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes for a different flavor profile.
These small changes make it easy to adapt the soup to your family’s preferences. It’s one of those meals that always turns out delicious, no matter how you tweak it.
What to Serve With This Soup
This soup is hearty on its own, but sometimes it’s nice to add something warm on the side. These simple pairings make it feel like an even more comforting meal.
- Fresh-baked rolls
- Cornbread
- Biscuits
- A simple green salad
- Garlic bread
Any of these will soak up the broth and round out the meal beautifully. It’s the kind of supper that brings everyone back for seconds.
How to Store and Reheat
Leftovers always make for an easy lunch the next day, and this soup holds up well in the fridge. Here’s how to keep it fresh and flavorful.
- Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days
- Reheat gently on the stove over low heat
- Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens overnight
- Freeze without potatoes for the best texture
These simple steps help the soup taste just as good the second time around. It’s an easy meal to lean on during a busy week.
FAQs
These are the most common questions people have when making sausage and kale soup at home. Each answer keeps things simple so you can get supper on the table without any stress.
Can I use frozen kale?
Yes, frozen kale works just fine and softens quickly in the hot broth. Add it at the same time you would add fresh kale.
Can I use leftover potatoes?
Yes, leftover baked potatoes work really well in this soup. Just stir them in at the end so they hold their shape.
Can I use chicken broth instead of water and bouillon?
Yes, chicken broth adds nice flavor and works as a direct swap in this recipe. Use whatever you have on hand when you’re cooking.
Does this soup freeze well?
It freezes best without the potatoes because they tend to get grainy after thawing. Freeze the base and add fresh potatoes when reheating for the best texture.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the sausage first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Add the kale during the last 30 minutes so it stays tender.
Sausage and Kale Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 10 cups water (or chicken broth)
- 6 cups chopped kale
- 4 cups diced, unpeeled potatoes
- 3 tbsp chicken bouillon
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large Dutch oven and add sausage and onions.
- Cook until the sausage is browned and the onions are tender.
- Pour in water or broth and stir in bouillon, pepper, and garlic.
- Add diced potatoes and chopped kale.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20–25 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Slow Down and Savor It 🍻
There’s something about a pot of this soup bubbling away on the stove that brings a little peace back into the day. The kitchen warms up, the windows fog just a bit, and the smell of sausage and potatoes fills the whole house in that comforting, old-fashioned way.
It’s the kind of meal that reminds you dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to feel good.
By the time everyone drifts into the kitchen with bowls in hand, the chaos of the day starts to settle. Conversations get slower, seconds are usually taken, and it all feels a little quieter and a little more grounded.
Those are the moments we try to make room for — the simple ones we’ll remember long after the dishes are done. 🍻
More Hearty Soups You’ll Love
If you love cozy, from-scratch meals like this one, here are a few more soups we make often. They’re all simple, filling, and perfect for those nights when you just want something warm on the table.
