Potato and Sausage Chowder

INTRODUCTION

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s as hearty as it is delicious, look no further than Potato and Sausage Chowder. This rich and creamy soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender potatoes, savory sausage, and a medley of vegetables in a luscious, velvety broth. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out and leaves you craving seconds. Whether it’s a chilly night or you’re simply in the mood for a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, this chowder will hit the spot every time. Best of all, it’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Potato and Sausage Chowder will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:

• Hearty and Filling: This chowder is packed with potatoes and sausage, making it a satisfying meal that will keep you full for hours.
• Comforting and Cozy: The creamy texture and warm flavors are perfect for chilly days, making it the ultimate comfort food.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and easy to make.
• One-Pot Wonder: Clean-up is a breeze since everything is cooked in one pot, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Family-Friendly: The combination of sausage and potatoes is a crowd-pleaser, and even picky eaters will love it.
• Customizable: You can tweak the recipe with different types of sausage, vegetables, or spices to suit your taste.
• Make Ahead: This chowder can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, where the flavors only improve after a day or two.
• Perfect for Leftovers: The chowder reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it for several days.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 15g, Carbohydrates: 30g, Fat: 15g, Fiber: 4g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Potato and Sausage Chowder:

For the Chowder:

• 1 lb. sausage (Italian sausage, kielbasa, or breakfast sausage work well)
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Ingredient Highlights

• Sausage: The key to this chowder’s depth of flavor, sausage adds a savory and slightly spicy kick. You can use any type of sausage you prefer, but Italian sausage or kielbasa are especially great for this dish.
• Potatoes: These provide the creamy texture and heartiness that makes this chowder so satisfying.
• Heavy Cream and Milk: Together, they create a rich and velvety base that’s the perfect complement to the other ingredients.
• Thyme and Smoked Paprika: These spices add a warm, comforting flavor to the soup. The paprika gives it a subtle smokiness that really elevates the dish.
• Butter: A little butter goes a long way in creating a silky texture and adding richness to the chowder.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Potato and Sausage Chowder is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a creamy, comforting bowl of goodness.

Cook the Sausage

1. Brown the Sausage: Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent. The sausage drippings will add extra flavor to the base of the soup.

Prepare the Chowder Base

3. Add the Potatoes and Broth: Add the diced potatoes to the pot, followed by the chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Add the Cream and Milk: Once the potatoes are cooked, add the heavy cream and milk to the pot. Stir well to combine. Bring the chowder back to a simmer and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
5. Season the Soup: Stir in the thyme, smoked paprika (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. You can add more of these seasonings depending on your preference.

Finish and Serve

6. Add the Sausage Back In: Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir to incorporate. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes to ensure the flavors meld.
7. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

How to Serve

Here are some ideas for serving your Potato and Sausage Chowder:

1. With Crusty Bread: Serve the chowder with warm, crusty bread or a baguette to soak up all the creamy goodness.
2. Topped with Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top adds a cheesy, savory kick to each bite.
3. Side Salad: Pair the chowder with a crisp, green salad for a well-rounded meal.
4. For a Hearty Meal: Serve the chowder as a main course with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh loaf of garlic bread.
5. In a Bread Bowl: For an extra fun twist, serve the chowder in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic, Instagram-worthy presentation.

Additional Tips

To make sure your Potato and Sausage Chowder turns out perfect every time, here are a few helpful tips:

1. Use a Starchy Potato: For the best texture, use a starchy potato like Russet. These potatoes break down slightly when cooked, thickening the soup naturally.
2. Brown the Sausage Well: Don’t rush the browning process. The caramelized bits left in the pan will add tons of flavor to the chowder.
3. Adjust the Consistency: If you like your chowder thicker, use an immersion blender to puree some of the potatoes. This will give the soup a creamier texture without needing to add extra cream.
4. Add Vegetables: Feel free to add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn for more flavor and texture. Just add them along with the potatoes to cook in the broth.
5. Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or swapping the sausage for a spicier variety.

Recipe Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are some variations of Potato and Sausage Chowder you can try:

• Smoky Bacon and Sausage Chowder: Add crispy bacon to the mix for even more smoky flavor. Bacon pairs perfectly with the sausage and potatoes.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and use a plant-based sausage or just load the chowder up with more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Spicy Sausage Chowder: For a kick, use spicy sausage like chorizo or add a few chopped jalapeños.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: For a tangy twist, swirl some cream cheese into the chowder just before serving.
• Cheddar and Bacon: Top the chowder with shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits for an indulgent touch.

Freezing and Storage

To store your Potato and Sausage Chowder for later, follow these tips:

• Storage: Let the chowder cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the chowder for up to 3 months. Just make sure to freeze it in a freezer-safe container. When reheating, add a little extra milk or broth to bring back the creamy texture.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the chowder on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Add extra liquid if needed to adjust the consistency.

Special Equipment

You’ll need these tools to make Potato and Sausage Chowder:

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A large pot allows you to cook everything in one place and helps the flavors develop.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping the vegetables and sausage.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring everything together and scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
• Immersion Blender (optional): If you like your chowder thicker, an immersion blender will help you achieve the perfect consistency.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some common questions about making Potato and Sausage Chowder:

• Can I use a different kind of sausage?
  Yes! Feel free to use your favorite sausage. Italian sausage, kielbasa, breakfast sausage, or even a spicy chorizo will all work great in this recipe.
• Can I make this chowder dairy-free?
  Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream and milk with non-dairy options like coconut milk or almond milk. For a creamy texture, try adding a bit of non-dairy cream cheese or cashew cream.
• Can I make this in a slow cooker?
  Yes! To make this chowder in a slow cooker, brown the sausage and sauté the onions and garlic on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker along with the potatoes, broth, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then stir in the cream and milk before serving.

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Conclusion

This Potato and Sausage Chowder is an easy, comforting dish that will quickly become a family favorite. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor—just perfect for cozy meals. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations! Enjoy!