If you’re looking for a soup that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, this Creamy Dairy-Free Potato Kale Sausage Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect cozy bowl of goodness that combines tender potatoes, hearty kale, and savory Italian sausage in a luscious, dairy-free coconut milk base. Each spoonful delivers warmth and satisfaction, with just the right balance of spice and creaminess, making it an instant favorite on chilly days or whenever you crave something wholesome and hearty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to making this soup shine. Every item brings its own special touch—whether it’s the smoky depth from bacon, the fresh green vibrancy of kale, or the rich creaminess from coconut milk—each component plays a crucial role in the final taste and texture of the dish.
- 6 slices bacon: Adds a smoky and savory base flavor that elevates the soup.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps to brown the sausage and sauté the aromatics without overpowering flavors.
- 1 lb Italian sausage: Provides a hearty, spiced meatiness that’s essential for the soup’s robust character.
- 1/2 onion: Brings natural sweetness and depth when softened.
- 5 garlic cloves: Freshly minced for a sharp, aromatic punch that wakes up the palate.
- 5 cups chicken broth: Forms the savory liquid base, making the soup rich and flavorful without heaviness.
- 14 oz coconut milk: Offers creamy, dairy-free indulgence with a subtle hint of tropical sweetness.
- 5 red potatoes: Sliced thin for even cooking and a comforting, chunky texture.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky, mildly spicy note underlining the bacon and sausage.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle heat that awakens the senses without overwhelming the dish.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the natural flavors of all ingredients, balancing the soup perfectly.
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste: Brightens the soup’s seasoning for a finished, peppery kick.
- 4 cups kale: Washed, destemmed, and torn into bite-sized pieces to bring color, nutrients, and a subtle earthiness.
How to Make Creamy Dairy-Free Potato Kale Sausage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon and Sausage
Start by crisping the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until golden and crunchy. Remove it to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat behind for extra flavor. Next, add olive oil if needed, then crumble and brown your Italian sausage in the same pot. The sausage should be thoroughly cooked and beautifully caramelized, which builds a rich foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
With the sausage cooked, toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them gently until the onions are translucent and sweet, and the garlic releases its intoxicating aroma. This combination brings depth and warmth to the soup’s flavor profile, creating the perfect aromatic base.
Step 3: Add the Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk, stirring to blend all the ingredients smoothly. Then add your sliced red potatoes, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything and infuse the broth with those gorgeous herb and spice notes.
Step 4: Simmer Until Potatoes are Tender
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently. Keep it uncovered or lightly covered for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. This slow simmer lets the flavors deepen while softening the potatoes to just the right texture—creamy but still holding their shape.
Step 5: Add the Kale and Finish the Soup
Finally, stir in the torn kale leaves and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the kale wilts but remains vibrant and fresh. Crumble your reserved bacon over the top or stir it in for extra crunch and smoky goodness. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, and your delicious Creamy Dairy-Free Potato Kale Sausage Soup Recipe is ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Dairy-Free Potato Kale Sausage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of fresh color. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors wonderfully. Don’t forget the crispy bacon bits for that perfect finishing touch and extra crunch.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm garlic toasts to soak up every last bit of the creamy broth. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast. For something heartier, try serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a grain like quinoa or brown rice.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls to enhance its homey vibe, or get playful by topping it with dairy-free sour cream or avocado slices for a silky contrast. You can also serve it in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun twist that’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover soup to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags and freeze for up to 3 months. To prevent texture changes, keep the kale slightly undercooked before freezing—it will finish cooking during reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency. Avoid boiling once reheated to maintain the creaminess and prevent the coconut milk from separating.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner option and works well in this soup, offering a lighter but still flavorful alternative. Just make sure to crumble and brown it properly to develop that rich, savory taste.
Is this soup truly dairy-free and suitable for those with lactose intolerance?
Yes, it’s entirely dairy-free thanks to the use of coconut milk instead of cream or milk. This makes it a wonderful choice for anyone avoiding lactose or dairy products but still craving a creamy, comforting soup.
Can I substitute kale with another green?
Feel free to swap kale for other hearty greens like Swiss chard, collard greens, or even spinach. Just keep in mind that spinach wilts much faster, so add it toward the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.
How spicy is this soup?
The soup has a gentle kick from the red pepper flakes and smoked paprika but isn’t overly spicy. You can easily adjust the heat up or down based on your preference by adding more or fewer pepper flakes.
What is the best type of potato to use?
Red potatoes are perfect here because they hold their shape well while still becoming tender. You could also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture, but avoid starchy varieties like Russets as they can break down too much and make the soup gluey.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Dairy-Free Potato Kale Sausage Soup Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to comfort foods whenever I need a nourishing, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s simple to make, packs a nutritional punch, and pleases all palates—even those who aren’t following a dairy-free lifestyle. I highly encourage you to try it out for yourself; once you do, I have a feeling this soup will find a permanent spot in your recipe rotation too!
Print
Creamy Dairy-Free Potato Kale Sausage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Creamy Dairy Free Potato Kale Sausage Soup is a hearty and comforting dish featuring savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and nutrient-packed kale all simmered in a rich coconut milk and chicken broth base. It’s a flavorful, dairy-free twist on classic sausage soup, perfect for a cozy meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Ingredients
Meats & Oils
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (removed from casings and crumbled)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 5 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 5 red potatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 4 cups kale, stems removed and torn into bite-sized pieces
Liquids & Seasonings
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 14 oz coconut milk
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy. Remove them and set aside on paper towels to drain, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the olive oil to the bacon fat and sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Brown the sausage: Add the crumbled Italian sausage to the pot and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add liquids and potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk, stir to combine. Add the sliced red potatoes along with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Add kale and finish: Stir in the kale and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until kale is wilted and tender.
- Serve: Chop the cooked bacon and sprinkle over the soup before serving for extra flavor and crunch.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage and bacon with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- The soup can be thickened by mashing a few of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of broth or coconut milk for creaminess.
