If you’ve ever craved a bowl of pure comfort with a hint of spice and a mountain of cheesy goodness, you’re about to meet your new obsession: Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage. This soul-warming classic brings together smoky sausage coins, velvety cheddar, and those unmistakable Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, all swirling in a decadent creamy broth. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or hosting an easygoing get-together, a pot of this soup guarantees empty bowls and happy faces.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage comes from simple, everyday ingredients, each earning their keep in flavor and texture. A few pantry stars and a couple of fresh items combine for a bold, creamy, hearty soup that’s as easy as it is impressive.
- Olive oil: Just a tablespoon is all you need to start things off and brown your sausage for extra flavor.
- Smoked sausage (14 oz, sliced): Go with classic or turkey—this brings a smoky, savory depth and great texture to every spoonful.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Adds essential sweetness and a subtle background flavor that plays beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just a smidge boosts the whole soup, making everything taste richer.
- Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 can, 10 oz, undrained): The secret ingredient for irresistible zest and moderate warmth.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Thins and flavors the soup, setting the perfect stage for all that dairy richness.
- Condensed cheddar cheese soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This shortcut delivers serious creaminess and umami in seconds.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the soup ultra-luxurious and perfectly velvety on the palate.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): For that unforgettable cheesy stretch and sharp bite.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): A hint of smokiness and color to round out the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough heat to balance the cheese and sausage.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon or to taste): Adjust at the end, because cheese and sausage both bring their own saltiness to the mix.
- Green onions or parsley (chopped, optional): These add a fresh punch and a pretty pop of green for garnish.
How to Make Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage
Step 1: Brown the Smoked Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your half-moon slices of smoked sausage and let them sizzle for about 4–5 minutes. You want them to brown nicely; this is where the soup picks up that irresistible layer of smoky, caramelized flavor.
Step 2: Soften the Onion and Add Garlic
Toss in your diced onion with the browned sausage, stirring until the onion softens (about 3 minutes). Then, sprinkle in the garlic and give it about 30 seconds—just enough for it to release its aroma without burning.
Step 3: Pour in Rotel and Broth
Add the can of undrained Rotel tomatoes and the chicken broth to your pot. Stir everything together well, and bring it to a gentle simmer. You’ll see the color deepen and the aroma take over your kitchen!
Step 4: Stir in Cheese Soup and Cream
Next, scoop in the cheddar cheese soup and pour in the heavy cream. Stir patiently until the mixture is perfectly smooth and the cheese soup is no longer in clumps. You should already see the soup getting creamy and luscious.
Step 5: Melt in Shredded Cheddar
Reduce the heat to low, then add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese by the handful, stirring constantly. This will keep your soup silky without clumps, and the cheese will blend in smoothly for maximum flavor and meltiness.
Step 6: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the paprika, black pepper, and salt (taste as you go, since sausage and cheese are naturally salty). Simmer for 5–10 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup is piping hot and just thickened enough to coat a spoon.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage into bowls while it’s hot. If you like, shower each serving with a handful of chopped green onions or parsley for a little freshness and color. Prepare to swoon!
How to Serve Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage
Garnishes
A good garnish takes this soup from “weeknight dinner” to something special. Chopped green onions bring a delicate crunch and brightness, while parsley adds a fresh herbal touch. For a bit more zip, try a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, or even a few crunchy tortilla strips on top.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage is hearty enough to shine on its own, but it’s also sensational with a few sides. Think warm, crusty bread for dipping, or a scoop of white rice or fluffy quinoa for an even heartier bowl. Add a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich cheese and sausage.
Creative Ways to Present
Embrace your inner entertainer! Serve this soup in large mugs for a casual movie night, or hollow out small bread boules and use them as edible bowls—homemade soup bread bowl style. Another fun twist: pour the soup over roasted potatoes or in mini ramekins and broil with extra cheese for a bubbly, golden top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage (lucky you!), simply let it cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to four days, making it a perfect meal prep option for the week ahead.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but there’s a little trick: because of the dairy, it might separate when thawed. To minimize this, let the soup cool completely and portion it into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently, and stir well to bring it back to creamy perfection.
Reheating
When you’re ready to relive the magic, reheat the soup over gentle low heat on the stovetop, stirring often. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk. Be patient and avoid boiling, so the cheese stays smooth and velvety.
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just sauté the sausage, onions, and garlic first, then add everything except the cheese to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 3–4 hours, then stir in the cheese and cream during the last 30 minutes.
What can I substitute for Rotel tomatoes?
If Rotel isn’t available, use canned diced tomatoes and add a small can of chopped green chilies. This gives you the bright, zesty flavor that’s essential to Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
The soup is already gluten-free if you use a certified gluten-free condensed cheddar cheese soup and check your sausage for any hidden gluten ingredients.
What other meats work well instead of smoked sausage?
Turkey sausage, kielbasa, or even rotisserie chicken are fantastic swaps that will still give you loads of flavor and that hearty bite Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage is known for.
Can I add extra veggies to this soup?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, corn, or even a handful of baby spinach make tasty, colorful additions, especially if you want to sneak in a bit more nutrition.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason everyone falls head over heels for Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage—it’s quick, deeply satisfying, and packed with flavor in every bite. Life is simply better with a bubbling pot of this creation on your stove. Try it once, and you’ll find it starring in your family’s meal rotation all year long!
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Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage, a hearty and creamy soup perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 14 oz smoked sausage (sliced into half-moons)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
For garnish:
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the soup base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until lightly browned. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic.
- Cook the soup: Pour in Rotel tomatoes and chicken broth. Add cheddar cheese soup and heavy cream, stir until smooth. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stir until melted. Season with paprika, pepper, and salt. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, use hot Rotel or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute the smoked sausage with kielbasa or turkey sausage.
- Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a heartier meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
