That first hiss from the cooker tells you something good is happening
When you hear that first hiss from your pressure cooker, you know you99re in for a treat. Its like a secret signal that says, hey, something tasty is about to take shape inside. You kinda catch the promise of warm, hearty comfort waiting just behind that steam cue.

It9s one of those sounds that makes you stop whatever else you9re doing. You feel that little buzz of excitement because pressure cooking means flavor locked tight and somehow a dinner done quicker than usual. You remember times when the pot steamed that tell-tale hiss and you just knew it was gonna come out delicious.
And trust me, with sausage potato soup, the hiss means your stove9s about to release a cozy dinner loaded with tender potatoes and those perfect spicy sausage bits. You wait for that float valve to pop to know it9s ready for the quick release, and bam, dinner9s close. You9re gonna love it!
The Real Reasons You Will Love This Method
- It gets you a creamy, hearty soup in way less time than the stove top.
- Pressure build inside the pot presses all those flavors deep into the potatoes and sausage real good.
- You only gotta do a few quick steps till you hit that steam cues moment.
- Cleanup is easy since everything cooks right in one pot 94no extra pans to fuss with.
- The quick release means you can jump right to eatin without waiting forever.
What Goes Into the Pot Today
- 1 pound mild or hot Italian sausage, for that nice spicy kick or mellow flavor.
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided to add rich creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, helps get that mirepoix cooking just right.
- 2-¼ cups mirepoix or equal parts diced carrots, celery, and yellow onion 94you know, the classic base.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic, gotta have that little punch of garlic goodness.
- 4 cups chopped baby gold potatoes 94no peeling needed, those skins add good texture.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley and 1 teaspoon dried basil, simple herbs to round out the flavors.
- 4 cups chicken stock or broth, adds depth to everything simmering together.
- 6 tablespoons flour for that roux to thicken things up smooth and creamy.
- 3 cups milk (1%, 2%, or whole), brings in more creaminess without too much fuss.
- ½ cup heavy cream, helps get the soup luscious and velvety.
- 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper, you know, basic but important seasoning.
- 2 cups freshly shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, brings the punch of cheesy goodness.
- ¼ cup sour cream, adds a little tang and richness right at the end.
- Hearty buttered bread for serving, totally optional but dang, it9s perfect for dipping.

The Full Pressure Cooker Journey
Step one, you start by cooking the Italian sausage in your pot over medium heat. Brown it well, getting all those bits cooked through. Then scoop it out onto paper towels to drain some fat and set it aside for later.
Next, melt 3 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil in the same pot. Toss in your mirepoix veggies and let them saut e9 for 5 to 7 minutes till they9re soft and smelling great.
Drop in the minced garlic and cook for another minute so that garlic aroma fills your kitchen. Now it9s time to sprinkle in the flour. Stir it around so it cooks for a minute or two, building a nice roux to thicken the soup.
Gradually whisk in the chicken stock. Keep stirring till it9s smooth, no lumps in sight. Add the chopped baby gold potatoes along with parsley and basil. Turn the heat up so it comes to a nice boil.
Once it boils, pop the lid on your pressure cooker and watch the steam cues. When the float valve pops up and pressure9s built, you set your timer for about 10 minutes. After that, do a quick release to let the pressure down fast.
Finally, you return that cooked sausage to the pot, stir it all around, then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let the soup simmer for 5 more minutes to melt everything together. Stir in milk, cream, salt, pepper, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot with that buttered bread on the side.
Time Savers That Actually Work
Don9t skip buying pre-diced mirepoix if you9re in a rush. It9s such a timesaver and works great for this soup. Saves you work and means you can get to cooking sooner.
If you wanna cut corners even more, use pre-cooked sausage or even precooked crumbled sausage from the store. Just toss it in at the end to warm through instead of browning yourself.
Try using warm milk and cream when adding to the soup near the end. It helps things blend faster so you9re not waiting around for everything to heat up again after opening the lid.
The Flavor Experience Waiting for You
This sausage potato soup is that kind of meal that hugs you from the inside. The potatoes soak up the rich broth and herbs so perfectly, it9s kinda like getting cozy in a blanket you didn9t wanna get out of.
You catch hints of that spicy Italian sausage mingling with the earthy, sweet notes from the carrots and celery. The garlic and herbs just float through every bite making you wanna slow down and savor each spoonful.
The cheesy cheddar and creamy cream swirl through the soup, giving it a velvety finish that keeps you coming back for more. You feel comfort and satisfaction in every bowl, no matter how cold it is outside.

How to Store This for Later
Once your soup cools down to room temp, move it into airtight containers. They9re best kept in the fridge where the soup stays good for up to 4 days.
If you wanna save some for way later, freeze the soup in meal-sized containers. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating tip: warm it slowly on low heat stirring often to keep the creamy cheddar from getting grainy. You can add a splash of milk if it seems thickened too much.
For leftovers you plan to eat in couple days, a slow release reheating on low heat with the lid cracked slightly works wonders to keep the texture good and flavors fresh.
Common Questions and Real Answers
Can I use spicy sausage if I don9t like heat?
You can pick mild sausage or go all veggie instead. The pressure cooker still makes everything rich and flavorful without heat.
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
Nope, baby gold potatoes are perfect with skins on. They add great texture and save you time.
What9s the float valve for?
That little valve pops up when pressure builds inside the cooker. It9s your sign that it9s time to start timing your cooking or get ready for a quick release.
How does quick release work?
Quick release lets out steam fast so you can open the lid sooner. Just be careful because it9s hot and steamy!
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
You could swap milk and cream for coconut milk or cashew cream but the texture and flavor will change. Still tasty, just different.
Should I brown the sausage first?
Browning brings out the flavor and texture, so it9s worth the step. But if you9re really short on time, pre-cooked sausage works too.
For related recipes, check out our Classic Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa, a comforting slow-cooked dish featuring savory kielbasa and cheesy pierogies, perfect for cozy dinners. Also, enjoy our Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Green Olives, a quick and tasty starter that pairs wonderfully with hearty soups. Don't miss the Cheesy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole Dump Meal Recipe for another family favorite loaded with melty cheese and savory sausage goodness.

Sausage Potato Soup Pressure Cooker Recipe That'll Warm Your Soul
Equipment
- 1 Pressure cooker 6-quart
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Whisk
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage mild or hot
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 ¼ cups mirepoix or equal parts diced carrots, celery, and yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 4 cups baby gold potatoes chopped, no need to peel
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 4 cups chicken stock or broth
- 6 tablespoons flour for roux
- 3 cups milk 1%, 2% or whole
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
- ¼ cup sour cream
- Hearty buttered bread for serving, optional
Instructions
Instructions
- Cook the Italian sausage in your pot over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain.
- Melt 3 tablespoons of butter with olive oil in the same pot. Add mirepoix and sauté 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in flour and cook for another 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in chicken stock until smooth. Add potatoes, parsley, and basil. Bring to a boil.
- Seal pressure cooker lid. Once it reaches pressure, cook for 10 minutes. Do a quick release.
- Add sausage back to soup along with remaining 2 tablespoons butter and simmer 5 minutes.
- Stir in milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, cheddar cheese, and sour cream until melted and combined.
- Serve immediately with hearty buttered bread, if desired.



