This warm and hearty soup is packed with flavorful Cajun spices, savory sausage, and tender potatoes. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly days!
I love tossing everything in the crockpot and letting it work its magic. It smells so good, my neighbors start to drool! 😂 Pair it with some crusty bread for a filling meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Smoked Cajun Sausage: This is the star of the dish, adding a rich flavor. If you can’t find Cajun sausage, any smoked sausage can work, like Andouille or even kielbasa. For a lighter option, use turkey sausage!
Potatoes: I recommend Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for their creaminess. If you want a lower-carb option, consider using cauliflower! Just adjust cooking time since cauliflower cooks faster.
Cream: Heavy cream adds richness, but you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a lighter version. For a dairy-free alternative, try cashew cream or almond milk thickened with a bit of cornstarch.
Cajun Seasoning: If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and oregano works in a pinch. Feel free to customize the spice level to suit your taste!
How Do I Get the Sausage Perfectly Browned?
Browning the sausage before adding it to the crockpot adds depth to the flavor. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Use medium-high heat and let your skillet warm up before adding the olive oil. This helps get a good sear.
- Place the sausage in a single layer, allowing them to brown without crowding the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until nicely colored.
- Once browned, remove them from the heat and let them rest briefly before adding to the soup.
This step enhances the overall taste of your soup, making it even more delicious!
Crockpot Cajun Sausage & Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450g) smoked Cajun sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 4 cups (about 600g) potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups (950 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time. Cooking will take a bit longer, with a total of 6-8 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH in the crockpot. So, set it and forget it until it’s ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced Cajun sausage and cook until it’s browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Crockpot:
In your crockpot, add the diced potatoes, onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Don’t forget the can of diced tomatoes—dump it all in, juices included!
3. Combine Ingredients:
Place the browned sausage on top of the vegetables in the crockpot. This way, all the flavors meld together perfectly while cooking.
4. Add Liquids and Seasoning:
Pour the chicken broth into the crockpot. Now, sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt—seasoning is key to that rich flavor!
5. Cook:
Cover your crockpot and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are nice and tender. Your kitchen will smell divine during this time!
6. Stir in Cream:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Give it a gentle mix and let it heat through—this will make the soup creamy and comforting.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sometimes a pinch of salt or extra Cajun spice can make all the difference!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of Cajun Sausage & Potato Soup!
Perfect for a cozy night in or serving friends on a chilly day. Enjoy! 🍲
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked Cajun sausage gives the best flavor, you can substitute it with Andouille sausage or even kielbasa. For a lighter option, turkey sausage works well too!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator after it cools down. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of cream if needed.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter soup, consider using half-and-half, whole milk, or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option. For a richer texture without the calories, use a combination of almond milk thickened with cornstarch!