Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cheesy Sausage and Potato Delight?
It is a rich and velvety soup featuring spicy sausage, tender potatoes, and a blend of herbs in a base of Velveeta cheese and sour cream.
What type of sausage is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of spicy ground pork sausage, raw and crumbled.
Which potatoes should I use?
Six large Yukon Gold potatoes, diced, are recommended for the best texture.
How much chicken stock is required?
The recipe requires 4 cups of low-sodium chicken stock.
What makes the soup creamy?
A combination of 8 ounces of Velveeta cheese, 1 cup of whole milk, and 1/2 cup of sour cream provides the creaminess.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 22 ingredients used in this soup.
What vegetables are included in the base?
The base includes one yellow onion, two diced carrots, and three stalks of diced celery.
Is there any heat or spice in this soup?
Yes, the soup gets heat from the spicy ground pork sausage and 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic for about 5 to 7 minutes until translucent.
How do I thicken the soup?
The soup is thickened using 1 teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon of water.
When should I add the sour cream?
The sour cream should be gently folded in at the very end after the pot has been removed from the heat.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses dried parsley, basil, marjoram, thyme, rosemary, sage, and oregano.
Do I need to cook the sausage first?
Yes, brown the sausage in a large stockpot first, then remove it and drain the fat before sautéing the vegetables.
How long do the potatoes take to cook?
The potatoes should simmer in the stock for approximately 15 to 20 minutes until they are fork-tender.
Can I use butter or oil for sautéing?
The recipe uses a combination of 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
What kind of milk is recommended?
Whole milk is recommended to achieve the desired rich and creamy texture.
Is the garlic minced or sliced?
One clove of garlic should be minced before being added to the pot.
How much Velveeta cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of Velveeta cheese, diced for easier melting.
What type of black pepper should I use?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended, measuring about 1/4 teaspoon.
Can I garnish this soup?
Yes, it is excellent served hot and garnished with fresh herbs or croutons.
How much parsley is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
Should the sausage be drained?
Yes, ensure you drain any excess fat after browning the sausage to keep the soup from being too greasy.
What is the first step in making this soup?
The first step is heating vegetable oil in a stockpot and browning the spicy ground pork sausage.
Why is cornstarch added?
Cornstarch is added to ensure the soup thickens evenly after the cheese has melted.
Is this soup suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings due to its comforting and hearty nature.
What temperature should I use to melt the cheese?
Reduce the heat to low before stirring in the Velveeta cheese and milk to prevent scorching.
Does the recipe use dried or fresh rosemary?
The recipe specifies using 1/8 teaspoon of dried rosemary.
How much cayenne pepper is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a subtle hint of heat.
Should the onions be browned?
No, sauté the onions until they are translucent and fragrant, but not browned.
When do I add the milk?
The milk is stirred in along with the diced Velveeta cheese once the potatoes are tender.