A hearty and comforting chowder made with tender potatoes, savory sausage, and a creamy broth. This rich and flavorful soup is perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day, offering a satisfying balance of textures and tastes. Whether served as a main dish or alongside crusty bread, this chowder is sure to be a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and hearty – Packed with sausage, potatoes, and creamy goodness.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation.
- Customizable – Swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Great for meal prep – Stores well and reheats beautifully.
- Perfect comfort food – A warm and cozy dish for cold days.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage (Italian or smoked), sliced or crumbled
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups potatoes, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside, leaving some drippings in the pot.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Melt the butter in the pot, then sprinkle in the flour. Stir constantly for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Add the diced potatoes, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the corn, cooked sausage, and heavy cream. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- If using, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 400 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy twist – Use spicy sausage and add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Lighter option – Use turkey sausage and replace heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Vegetarian version – Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
- Extra veggies – Add carrots, celery, or bell peppers for more nutrition.
- Thicker chowder – Mash some of the potatoes before adding the cream for a creamier texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing – Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk if needed.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes! Sweet potatoes will add a slightly different texture and sweetness to the chowder.
What type of sausage works best?
Italian sausage, smoked sausage, or kielbasa all work well, depending on your preference.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the sausage and onions first, then add all ingredients (except cream and cheese) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then stir in the cream and cheese before serving.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute instead of heavy cream, and omit the cheese.
Can I substitute pancetta for the sausage?
Yes! Cook pancetta until crispy, then crumble it into the chowder for a smoky flavor.
What can I serve with this chowder?
Crusty bread, biscuits, or a side salad complement this chowder perfectly.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour.
How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Use full-fat cream and add it at the end over low heat to prevent separation.
Can I add beans to this chowder?
Yes! White beans or black beans can add more texture and protein.
How can I make this chowder even creamier?
Use more heavy cream, mash some of the potatoes, or add a spoonful of cream cheese for extra richness.
Conclusion
This Potato and Sausage Chowder is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you enjoy it as a hearty lunch or a cozy dinner, it’s a simple yet delicious dish that will keep you warm and full. Try it today and make your mealtime extra special!
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Potato and Sausage Chowder
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This hearty Potato and Sausage Chowder is a creamy, comforting soup loaded with tender potatoes, savory sausage, and a rich broth. Perfect for chilly days!
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage (Italian or smoked), sliced or crumbled
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups potatoes, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside, leaving some drippings in the pot.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Melt the butter in the pot, then sprinkle in the flour. Stir constantly for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Add the diced potatoes, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the corn, cooked sausage, and heavy cream. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- If using, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter option.
- Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to adjust flavors.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American