CREAMY CHEESY SAUSAGE AND POTATO SOUP

Steps:

• Dice/cube the potatoes into any size desired, and cook them in salted water, when cooked, drain the water and set the cooked potatoes aside.
• Prepare the cheese mixture: over medium heat in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the 1/3 cup butter with 2 tablespoons oil.
• Stir/whisk in 1/3 cup flour, and mix for 1 minute.
• Slowly add in 1 cup half and half or milk, whisking until well blended.
• Add in the sour cream, Velveeta cheese and grated cheddar cheese.
• Now slowly add in the remaining 2-1/2 cups half and half or milk (if using); cook and stir for about 30 seconds; set aside.
• In a hot skillet, brown the sausage pieces, then add in the chopped onion and garlic (saute for 2 minutes).
• Add in the sausage/onion mixture along with the salt, pepper, basil, parsley, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese and garlic powder (if using) into the cheese/milk mixture, and continue cooking until all of the cheese is completely melted.
• Add in the cooked cubed potatoes to the cheese mixture; gently mix to combine.
• Cook over low heat until desired temperature is reached.
• Ladle into serving bowls.
• Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.