Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage
Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage – Hearty and Delicious for Fall
As the crisp autumn air begins to swirl outside, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of soup to warm the soul. Picture this: creamy, hearty potato soup simmering away in your crockpot, filling your home with the irresistible aroma of garlic and sausage. This Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage not only captures the essence of fall but also brings comfort and satisfaction in every spoonful. Trust me, you’ll want this recipe in your dinner rotation.
Why Make This Recipe
- The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to enjoy your day while it develops incredible flavors.
- With its blend of hearty potatoes, savory sausage, and creamy goodness, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that the whole family will love.
- Perfect for meal prep, it allows for satisfying leftovers that can be enjoyed throughout the week.
If you’ve ever found yourself with a busy schedule but crave a homemade meal, this potato soup will be your go-to solution. It combines convenience with the feel of a home-cooked meal, ensuring you can serve up something special even on the busiest of days.
Making Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage at Home
Creating this cozy potato soup in your crockpot is simpler than you might think. There’s something magical about the slow cooking process that melds the flavors beautifully, making it seem like it has been carefully simmered on the stove for hours. Let’s delve into the steps you need to follow to achieve this delightful dish.
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the Italian-style sausage to the pan. Use a spatula to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks. Allow it to brown for about 5–7 minutes until it’s nice and crispy, which will infuse the base of your soup with robust flavors.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, using the rendered fat from the sausage, toss in your finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them gently until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3–5 minutes. The combination of sautéed sausage, onion, and garlic creates a savory foundation that elevates this soup to new heights.
Step 3: Load the Crockpot
Once your sausage, onion, and garlic mixture is ready, it’s time to transfer it to the slow cooker. Add in your peeled and diced potatoes, along with the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the dried thyme or Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently to combine, making sure the potatoes are coated in the flavorful broth.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. During this time, the potatoes will become tender, and the flavors will meld together. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often, as this can release heat and extend cooking time.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
When the cooking time is nearly up, it’s time to make this soup even more decadent. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese. Let it heat through for another 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the soup becomes luxuriously creamy.
Step 6: Optional Mash
For a thicker, heartier texture, you can mash some of the potatoes directly in the crockpot using a potato masher. If you prefer a smoother consistency, an immersion blender can work wonders to puree part of the soup while leaving some chunky bits for texture.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Finally, ladle the comforting potato soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy this cozy dish with rustic bread, croutons, or just on its own as the perfect culinary hug.
Keeping Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup Fresh
To ensure you can enjoy this scrumptious potato soup for days, here are some handy storage tips.
Best Way to Store Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days at 40°F or below.
- Freeze: This soup freezes wonderfully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving space at the top for expansion, and it will keep for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore its creamy texture if needed.
Serving Suggestions for Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup
The beauty of this potato soup is its versatility. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
- Pair with homemade crusty bread, garlic knots, or buttered rolls for a comforting meal.
- Top with crispy bacon bits for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Serve alongside a fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
- For a fun twist, try adding a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chives, or consider a drizzle of hot sauce for a kick.
Tips to Make Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup
- Prepping the Ingredients: To save time, you can chop the onion and garlic and peel the potatoes the night before. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
- Sausage Choices: Experiment with different types of sausage, such as turkey or chicken sausage, if you’re looking for a lighter option.
- Add Vegetables: Sneak in some extra veggies like carrots or celery for nutritional value and added texture.
Variations or Substitutions
If you’re in the mood for a tweak, consider these variations:
- For a lighter version: Swap heavy cream for a modest portion of low-fat milk or use a non-dairy cream alternative.
- For a twist on flavor: Replace dried thyme with smoked paprika or curry powder for an unexpected exciting flavor profile.
FAQs About Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to add the cream and cheese right before serving to retain that luscious texture.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of sausage?
Absolutely! You can replace the sausage with cooked, shredded chicken thighs for a lighter but equally tasty option. Adjust the seasoning to accommodate the milder flavor.
Q: How do I make it spicier?
If you prefer a bit more heat, consider adding in some crushed red pepper flakes or using a spicy sausage blend. You could also serve with a side of hot sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Nutritional Information
While this potato soup is indeed indulgent, it’s also comforting and satisfying. Here’s a general breakdown of what you gain with one serving of this soup:
- Calories: Approximately 380
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 20g
This comforting soup offers the satisfaction of hearty meals while incorporating wholesome ingredients.
Conclusion
In a world filled with fast-paced meals and the continual chaos of everyday life, this Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage serves as a beautiful reminder of home and comfort. Not only is this dish easy to prepare, but it also delivers deep, rich flavors that satisfy the soul. Whether you enjoy it on a chilly fall evening or save it for a hearty lunch to warm you from the inside out, this delightful soup is bound to become a cherished recipe in your cookbook. So gather your ingredients, fire up your crockpot, and enjoy the magic of homemade cooking.
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Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A hearty and delicious potato soup with sausage, perfect for chilly fall days.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian-style sausage
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the sausage in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat, breaking it into smaller pieces until crispy, about 5–7 minutes.
- Sauté the onion and garlic in the rendered fat until the onion is translucent, about 3–5 minutes.
- Transfer the sausage, onion, and garlic mixture to a crockpot. Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
- Cover and slow cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese about 15-20 minutes before serving until melted.
- For a thicker texture, mash some potatoes or use an immersion blender.
- Serve in bowls and garnish with parsley or green onions.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
