As the air turns crisp and the days get shorter, nothing beats a hearty bowl of Potato and Sausage Chowder. This hearty, lusciously rich dish features creamy broth, juicy potatoes and savory sausage for the ultimate in comfort food. A little wild rice contributes a nutty texture, making it even heartier and healthier.
What’s special with this chowder is its versatility. Whether your favorite sausage is smoky, spicy or herby, you can pack in the flavors of your choice here with no trouble. It’s an ideal dish for cold evenings, lazy weekends, or whenever you need something satisfying and warming.
So, prepare yourself for a bowl (or two!) of this simple, scrumptious chowder comfort!
Why You Will Love this Potato & Sausage Chowder?
Replacing seafood with savory sausage, the chowder gets a unique and irresistible twist. THE CREAMY POTATO BASE CLOTHES THE FLAVORFUL SAUSAGE AND JUST FEELS LIKE A WARM HUG ON A COLD DAY. It’s the sort of dish that encourages you to slow down, taste every spoonful and cuddle in front of the fire.
What sets this chowder apart is its depth of flavor and density. Combined with tender potatoes, smoky or spicy sausage and the softly nutty chew of wild rice, it becomes a hearty one-pot meal.
Whether you’re searching for a comforting dinner on a cold night or simply something deliciously different from the usual chowders, this recipe succeeds every time. Sure why not, it has earned the title our favorite cold whether companion.
List Of Ingredients Required for the Potato & Sausage Chowder:
- Sausage: Pick your favorite! I love using Italian sausage for extra flavor.
- Potatoes: I always go for Yukon Gold; they turn so creamy.
- Onion: Diced sweet yellow onions work beautifully here.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic makes everything better!
- Broth: I prefer chicken broth, but vegetable broth works too.
- Heavy cream: This makes it ultra-luxurious.
- Corn: Adds a lovely touch of sweetness.
- Olive oil: Essential for getting everything started.
- Salt and pepper: Season as you go to taste.
- Garnishes: Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cheese on top for extra flavor.
How To Cook the Delicious Potato & Sausage Chowder?
Step 1: Brown That Sausage
Heat your pot well, add a glug of olive oil, then toss in the sausage. Allow it to cook until all brown and smells incredible… approximately 5-7 minutes. Just don’t leave it there — stir it around, break it up!
Step 2: Add the Aromatics
Now, this part? It’s where the magic happens. Throw in those onions and garlic. Just watching ’em — softening up, getting all golden and fragrant… mmm. Takes about 3-4 minutes. Stirring every now and again, don’t hurry it.
Step 3: Time for the Potatoes
Add those potatoes and pour in the broth. That’s where things start looking like real good. Bring it to a gentle bubble (not a raging boil, k?), then lower the heat, cover, and let it bubble. You want those potatoes to be soft — not mushy, just fork-tender.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Now for the best part. In goes the heavy cream, in goes the corn, stir it all up. Allow it to all blend for 5-10 minutes longer. Oh, and taste as you go! A little more salt? A pinch of pepper? “Yeahh… that’s the stuff.”
Step 5: The Final Touch
Spoon it into bowls and garnish it however you wish. Me? I need fresh herbs on top—it adds this feeling of fancier food, you know? And perhaps even a sprinkle of cheese… “why not, right?
Some Variations in the Given Recipe:
Sausage Variations
- Use spicy Italian sausage for a kick.
- Try chicken sausage for a lighter version.
- Swap for smoked sausage if you love a deeper, smoky flavor.
Potato Swaps
- Russet potatoes – They break down more, making the soup thicker.
- Red potatoes – Hold their shape better for a chunkier bite.
- Sweet potatoes – Adds a touch of natural sweetness.
Broth Options
- Chicken broth – Classic and flavorful.
- Vegetable broth – Works great for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version.
- Beef broth – Adds a richer, deeper taste.
Creamy Alternatives
- Coconut milk – For a dairy-free, slightly sweet twist.
- Half-and-half – Lighter than heavy cream but still creamy.
- Cream cheese – Stir it in for extra richness.
Extra Add-Ins
- Spinach or kale – Toss in a handful for some greens.
- Carrots or bell peppers – Adds color and a little sweetness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes – For a little heat.
- Parmesan cheese – Stir some in for a cheesy boost.
Topping Ideas
- Fresh herbs – Parsley, chives, or basil make everything better.
- Shredded cheese – Cheddar, Parmesan, or mozzarella… “oh yes!”
- Croutons or crispy bacon – Adds a perfect crunch.
Tips for the Yummy Meal:
- Get the Pot Hot First: By all means let your pot preheat before you add anything. This prevents the sausage from steaming instead of browning.
- Don’t Rush the Sausage: Allow to become deep golden brown—that’s where all the flavor comes from! Break it up while it’s cooking, but don’t stir too much.
- Let the aromatics work their magic: Let the onions and garlic soften and release their flavor. Fast-tracking this stage means big stuff is skipped.
- Cut Potatoes Evenly: Do try to chop them into roughly same-sized pieces, preferably so that they all cook at the same time. And no one wants half-mushy, half-hard potatoes.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: Add the broth, and bring it to a gentle simmer. If the potatoes are boiling too hard, they can break up.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
Can I use another kind of sausage?
Yes! Italian sausage has great flavor, but you can also use chicken sausage, turkey sausage or even smoked sausage for something different.
What’s the best kind of potato to use?
I like Yukon Gold potatoes best, since they cream up nicely without falling apart. Russet potatoes will make the soup more thick, whereas red potatoes hold their shape better.
Can I make this soup without dairy?
Absolutely! Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream, such as cashew cream. It will have a little different taste, but it will still be very yummy.
How can I thicken this soup?
For a heartier soup, you can mash some of the potatoes with a spoon, or Puree a bit of the soup before you add the cream.
Could I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! First brown the sausage, then add everything (except the cream) to the slow cooker. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream at the end.
How do I store leftovers?
Cool the soup and transfer to an airtight container; keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a pot, with a little broth, if necessary.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but be aware that soups with a dairy base can often separate when frozen. If you’re going to freeze it, leave out the cream and mix it in fresh when reheating
What are the best toppings?
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives, shredded cheese (cheddar or Parmesan), crispy bacon, or even croutons make great toppings.
Can I add more veggies?
Of course! Spinach, kale, bell peppers, or carrots would all be great additions. Just toss them in while cooking.
How do I add more flavor?
A splash of Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or even a little smoked paprika can take the flavor up a notch.
Potato and Sausage Chowder Recipe
Potato and sausage chowder is a creamy, hearty soup brimming with full-bodied flavors. It mingles tender potatoes, savory sausage and a touch of cream in a comforting bowl full of goodness. The broth is tasty, pleasantly viscous and just right for dipping bread. Sweet corn gives the balance a little pop of sweetness. It’s an easy all-in-one meal perfect for those chilly days!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Sauté – Drizzle olive oil in a hot pot.
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Brown the sausage – Break it up and cook until browned and fragrant (5-7 minutes).
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Add onions and garlic – Sautée everything together and cook till soft and translucent (approx.
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Add potatoes and broth — Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and cover.
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Simmer until potatoes are tender — Allow to cook until a fork passes easily through the potatoes.
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Add the cream and corn – Mix well to combine and cook for another 5-10 minutes.
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Taste and correct seasoning – Add salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve hot — Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs or cheese if you like.
Servings 5
- Amount Per Serving
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22.9g36%
- Saturated Fat 10.5g53%
- Trans Fat 0.5g
- Cholesterol 66mg22%
- Sodium 691mg29%
- Potassium 560mg16%
- Total Carbohydrate 39.2g14%
- Dietary Fiber 3.6g15%
- Sugars 5.5g
- Protein 21.1g43%
- Vitamin A 250 IU
- Vitamin C 20 mg
- Calcium 65 mg
- Iron 2.1 mg
- Vitamin D 18 IU
- Vitamin E 0.9 IU
- Vitamin K 3 mcg
- Thiamin 0.23 mg
- Riboflavin 0.17 mg
- Niacin 3.2 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.55 mg
- Folate 38 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.37 mcg
- Biotin 1.6 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.65 mg
- Phosphorus 116 mg
- Iodine 1.7 mcg
- Magnesium 26 mg
- Zinc 1 mg
- Selenium 2.1 mcg
- Copper 0.12 mg
- Manganese 0.3 mg
- Molybdenum 2.5 mcg
- Chloride 3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.