Italian Sausage:

1 pound

Unsalted Butter:

5 tablespoons, divided

Olive Oil:

1 tablespoon

Mirepoix:

2-1/4 cups (or 3/4 cup each of diced carrots, celery, and yellow onion)

Minced Garlic:

1 teaspoon

Baby Gold Potatoes:

4 cups, chopped

Dried Parsley:

1 teaspoon

Dried Basil:

1 teaspoon

Chicken Stock:

4 cups

Flour:

6 tablespoons

Milk:

3 cups (1%, 2%, or whole)

Heavy Cream:

1/2 cup

Salt:

1 teaspoon

Pepper:

1/2 teaspoon

Extra-Sharp Cheddar Cheese:

2 cups, freshly shredded

Sour Cream:

1/4 cup

Hearty Buttered Bread:

for serving, optional