Creamy Sausage Potato Chowder: 45 Min Comfort

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Creamy sausage potato chowder has become my absolute go-to for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. There’s something so incredibly comforting about the rich, savory flavor of smoked sausage combined with tender potatoes in a velvety broth. I remember the first time I made this, the aroma filled my kitchen, making my whole family eager to gather around the table. It’s truly an easy creamy sausage potato chowder that tastes like it simmered for hours. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sausage Potato Chowder

Incredible savory flavor that’s pure comfort food
Ready in about 45 minutes, perfect for busy nights
Packed with hearty sausage and tender potatoes
A budget-friendly meal that feels luxurious
This homemade sausage potato chowder is a guaranteed family pleaser
It’s a wonderfully hearty sausage potato chowder that satisfies
Simple ingredients make this homemade sausage potato chowder a breeze
A truly delicious and satisfying meal in one pot

Ingredients for Creamy Sausage Potato Chowder

Gathering these sausage potato chowder ingredients is the first step to a truly delicious meal. The star of the show is definitely the 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced; its rich, smoky flavor forms the foundation of this chowder. You’ll also need 1 cup chopped yellow onion, 1 cup chopped carrots, and 1 cup chopped celery for that classic mirepoix base that adds depth and aroma. Don’t forget 2 cloves garlic, minced, which brings a fragrant punch. For the body of the chowder, we’ll use 4 cups chicken broth and 2 cups cubed peeled potatoes. Seasonings like 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper enhance all the flavors. Finally, for that signature creamy texture, we’ll incorporate 1.5 cups milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream. A sprinkle of 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley at the end adds a lovely freshness.

How to Make Creamy Sausage Potato Chowder

Step 1: Start by heating 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced, and cook until it’s nicely browned and has released some of its delicious flavor. Using a slotted spoon, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving those tasty drippings behind.
Step 2: Now, add 1 cup chopped yellow onion, 1 cup chopped carrots, and 1 cup chopped celery to the same pot. Sauté these vegetables until they begin to soften, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the aromatic base for our chowder.
Step 3: Stir in 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for just 1 minute more. You’ll know it’s ready when you can smell that wonderful, fragrant garlic. Be careful not to burn it!
Step 4: Pour in 4 cups chicken broth, then add 2 cups cubed peeled potatoes, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer. Continue to simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, usually about 15-20 minutes. This is a key part of how to make creamy sausage potato chowder that’s perfectly cooked.
Step 5: Once the potatoes are tender, stir in 1.5 cups milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Gently heat the chowder through, making sure it doesn’t reach a boil, as this can cause the dairy to curdle.
Step 6: Return the browned sausage to the pot. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and color. This step really brings our creamy sausage potato chowder to life.
Step 7: Serve your delicious creamy sausage potato chowder hot. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Knowing how to make creamy sausage potato chowder means you can whip up this comforting dish anytime you crave it.

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Sausage Potato Chowder

To ensure your chowder is absolutely perfect, try these simple tricks. Browning the smoked sausage really locks in its flavor, and leaving the drippings in the pot adds an incredible depth to the base. Don’t be afraid to mash a few of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot before adding the dairy; this naturally thickens your creamy sausage potato chowder without needing extra flour or cornstarch, making it truly the best sausage potato chowder.

For a richer flavor, use half-and-half instead of just milk.
Ensure potatoes are cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving; salt needs can vary based on sausage.

What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Sausage Potato Chowder?

The secret to a truly perfect creamy sausage potato chowder lies in building layers of flavor. Browning the sausage well and using the rendered fat, plus mashing some potatoes for natural thickness, are key. This ensures you have the absolute best sausage potato chowder.

Can I make Creamy Sausage Potato Chowder ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can prepare much of this chowder ahead of time! You can brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables up to a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Then, when you’re ready to serve, simply combine everything with the broth and potatoes and cook as directed.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Sausage Potato Chowder?

A common pitfall is not browning the sausage properly, which means you miss out on a lot of flavor. Also, be sure not to boil the chowder after adding the milk and cream, as this can cause it to curdle. Finally, make sure your potatoes are cooked through before you add the dairy for the smoothest texture.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Sausage Potato Chowder

This hearty chowder is fantastic on its own, but it truly shines with a few simple accompaniments. For a perfect sausage potato chowder for dinner, I love serving it with a big hunk of crusty bread for dipping into that rich, creamy broth. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also cuts through the richness beautifully. For an extra special touch, consider a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream right before serving. It’s a complete, satisfying meal!

Nutrition Facts for Creamy Sausage Potato Chowder

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional goodness in a serving of this delicious chowder. Each portion of this hearty meal is packed with flavor and satisfying ingredients. When you’re thinking about what is sausage potato chowder from a health perspective, it offers a good balance.

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 450
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 900mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your creamy sausage potato chowder.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Sausage Potato Chowder

Once your delicious hearty sausage potato chowder has cooled down a bit, it’s time to think about storing any leftovers. I always let mine cool to room temperature before transferring it into airtight containers. This helps prevent condensation, which can make things soggy. Properly stored, this chowder should last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, freezing is a great option! It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.

When you’re ready to enjoy your chowder again, reheating is super simple. For refrigerated leftovers, I usually just pop it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. If you’re reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first, then follow the stovetop method. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Sausage Potato Chowder

What is sausage potato chowder?

Sausage potato chowder is a comforting, thick soup made with potatoes, sausage, and a creamy broth base. It’s a hearty meal in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings. Think of it as a warm hug with savory sausage and tender potatoes, often enriched with milk or cream.

Can I make this creamy sausage potato chowder with different types of sausage?

Absolutely! While smoked sausage is fantastic, feel free to experiment. Italian sausage, either mild or hot, adds a wonderful depth of flavor. You could even use breakfast sausage for a slightly different twist on this creamy sausage and potato soup. Just make sure to brown it well to render out the fat.

What can I serve with this sausage potato chowder?

This chowder is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. Crusty bread is a must for dipping into that rich broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables also complement the chowder wonderfully. For a taste of other hearty meals, check out these smoked mac and cheese recipes.

Is this a quick sausage potato chowder?

Yes, this recipe is designed to be relatively quick! With about 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious bowl of creamy sausage potato chowder ready in under an hour. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Variations of Creamy Sausage Potato Chowder You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered this basic creamy sausage potato chowder, you might want to mix things up! There are so many delicious ways to customize this recipe. For a fantastic dairy-free version, try swapping the milk and heavy cream for full-fat canned coconut milk; it adds a subtle sweetness and wonderful richness to your smoked sausage potato chowder. If you’re short on time or want a hands-off approach, this recipe translates beautifully to a slow cooker. Just brown the sausage and sauté the veggies first, then add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. You might also enjoy exploring cozy sausage corn chowder for another comforting option.

Flavor Boost: Stir in 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) during the last 10 minutes of simmering for a delightful sausage potato corn chowder.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onions for a bit of heat.
Cheesy Goodness: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese just before serving for a decadent cheesy variation.

For those interested in healthier options, you might find these keto grinder salad recipes inspiring. If you’re looking for something sweet, these rose pistachio cheesecake ice cream ideas are delightful. And for a refreshing drink, consider this lemon mint cucumber water recipe.