Hearty Potato and Sausage Chowder

Imagine diving into a steaming bowl of rich, creamy Hearty Potato and Sausage Chowder on a chilly evening. This comforting soup combines tender chunks of potato, savory sausage, and a velvety broth that wraps you in warmth with every spoonful. The robust flavors and hearty texture make this Hearty Potato and Sausage Chowder an instant family favorite that satisfies like no other soup can. You’ll learn how to create layers of flavor, achieve the perfect consistency, and customize this classic comfort food to make it uniquely yours.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hearty Potato and Sausage Chowder stands out from ordinary soups for several compelling reasons. First, it delivers remarkable depth of flavor in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something substantial. The contrast between the creamy base and the chunks of potato and sausage creates a textural symphony that keeps every bite interesting.

What really sets this potato sausage soup apart is its versatility. It’s elegant enough for company yet simple enough for a casual family dinner. The smokiness from the sausage infuses the entire pot, while the starchy potatoes naturally thicken the broth to silky perfection without requiring heavy cream (though you can add some for extra richness).

Additionally, this recipe creates a complete meal in one pot, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor. The balance of protein, vegetables, and comforting carbs makes this Hearty Potato and Sausage Chowder satisfying enough to stand alone as a meal, though it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and crusty bread.

Ingredients

For this delicious Hearty Potato and Sausage Chowder, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced into ½-inch coins
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion (about 1 cup), diced
• 2 medium carrots (about ¾ cup), diced
• 2 celery stalks (about ½ cup), diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes (about 4-5 medium), peeled and cubed into ¾-inch pieces
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• ½ cup (50g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Russet potatoes are preferred for their starchy quality that helps thicken the chowder naturally. The smoked sausage provides essential flavor foundation, while the combination of milk and cream creates the perfect rich texture without making the soup too heavy.

Pro Tips

1. Develop Foundation Flavors
Always brown the sausage properly before adding other ingredients. This crucial step creates fond (those delicious browned bits) on the bottom of the pot that becomes the flavor foundation of your Hearty Potato and Sausage Chowder. Take your time here – about 5-7 minutes of browning makes an enormous difference in the final depth of flavor.

2. Potato Selection and Cutting
Cut potatoes into uniform ¾-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Larger chunks will remain firm while smaller pieces will break down slightly to thicken the chowder naturally. If using russet potatoes, there’s no need to peel them completely – the skins contain nutrients and add rustic texture. Just wash thoroughly and remove any blemishes.

3. Creating Silky Texture
For the perfect velvety consistency without flour clumps, create a slurry by whisking the flour with cold milk before adding to the hot soup. Add this mixture gradually while stirring constantly. If you prefer an even creamier sausage potato soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend about one-third of the chowder, leaving plenty of chunky potatoes and sausage pieces intact.

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. The sausage will release flavorful oils that will become the base of your Hearty Potato and Sausage Chowder. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook in the sausage drippings until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. These aromatics create the essential flavor foundation for your chowder.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Return the browned sausage to the pot and add the cubed potatoes, chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, and smoked paprika. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover partially and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are just fork-tender.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Base
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the pot while stirring constantly. This technique prevents lumps and creates a silky texture. Simmer for 5 minutes until the chowder begins to thicken. Add the heavy cream and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, being careful not to boil aggressively after adding the dairy.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serving
Remove the bay leaf and taste your Hearty Potato and Sausage Chowder, adjusting the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. For the best flavor development, let the chowder rest off the heat for 5-10 minutes before serving. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and optional shredded cheddar cheese. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Variations

Seafood Twist
Transform this into a seafood lover’s dream by substituting the sausage with 1 pound of mixed seafood such as shrimp, scallops, and chunks of firm white fish. Add these during the last 5 minutes of cooking as seafood requires much less time to cook than sausage. This coastal variation of the potato chowder brings a fresh oceanic flavor profile while maintaining the comforting creamy base.

Vegetarian Alternative
Create a delicious meatless version by omitting the sausage and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to provide the umami and smoky notes that the sausage would normally contribute. For extra protein, stir in a can of white beans (drained and rinsed) along with the potatoes. This hearty vegetarian potato soup still delivers satisfying texture and depth of flavor.

Loaded Baked Potato Style
Elevate your Hearty Potato and Sausage Chowder with inspiration from loaded baked potatoes. After ladling the chowder into bowls, set up a toppings bar with crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and even crispy potato skins. This interactive approach makes dinner fun and allows everyone to customize their bowl to their preference.

Storage and Serving

This Hearty Potato and Sausage Chowder stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor actually improves overnight as the ingredients meld together, making it perfect for meal prep. When reheating, do so gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of milk or broth if the chowder has thickened too much during storage.

For freezing, cool the chowder completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of headspace. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that cream-based soups may separate slightly when frozen and reheated, but a vigorous stir while reheating will recombine the elements.

Serve this comforting sausage potato chowder with a rustic bread bowl for an impressive presentation, or alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a complete comfort food experience, pair with grilled cheese sandwiches made with sharp cheddar and grainy mustard for dipping into the chowder.

FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes?
Yes! While russet potatoes create a naturally thicker chowder because of their starch content, Yukon Gold potatoes offer a buttery flavor and hold their shape better. Red potatoes have less starch but maintain their firm texture for a more distinct potato bite in your chowder.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk. For a dairy-free alternative, full-fat coconut milk works surprisingly well, adding a subtle sweetness that complements the savory elements in the Hearty Potato and Sausage Chowder.

My chowder isn’t thick enough. How can I fix it?
Create a quick slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the simmering chowder and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened. Alternatively, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot to release more starch naturally.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the flour-milk mixture and cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

What other vegetables can I add to this chowder?
This versatile chowder welcomes additions like corn kernels, bell peppers, leeks instead of onions, or even a handful of spinach stirred in right before serving. These vegetables add color, nutrition, and complementary textures to your potato sausage soup.

Conclusion

This Hearty Potato and Sausage Chowder is comfort food at its finest — a soul-warming blend of creamy broth, tender potatoes, and savory sausage that satisfies with every spoonful. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into memorable family gatherings, and provides the perfect antidote to cold weather or a challenging day. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or explore one of the variations, this versatile chowder is sure to become a staple in your comfort food collection.

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