I’ll never forget the first time I made this Cajun Potato Soup. It was a rainy evening , the kind of night that calls for something warm and comforting. I had a bit of andouille sausage left over from a gathering and thought, “Why not use this in a hearty soup?” The result was a delightful blend of smoky flavors and creamy potatoes that warmed my soul. Plus, I had a couple of small kitchen mishaps (like dropping a potato, oops!) that made the experience even more memorable.
What Makes This So Good:
- Rich and creamy texture, thanks to the heavy cream and cheddar cheese.
- A fantastic balance of smoky sausage flavor and fresh vegetables.
- Perfect for cozy nights or serving at gatherings with family and friends.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 ring (13.5 ounces) andouille sausage, (sliced into ¼-inch rounds)
1 large onion, (diced (about 1 cup))
½ cup diced celery, (about 1 rib)
½ red bell pepper, (seeded, diced)
2 teaspoons garlic, (minced)
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 cups (960 g) chicken broth
4 large russet potatoes, (peeled, cubed)
½ cup (119 g) heavy whipping cream
1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, (shredded)
parsley, (chopped for garnish)
Smart Swaps
- Swap andouille sausage for turkey sausage or smoked sausage for a lighter option.
- If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
- Can’t find russet potatoes? Substitute with Yukon Gold or red potatoes, although texture might be slightly different.
Directions
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Toss in the onion, celery, and red bell pepper, sautéing until softened, approximately 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the cubed potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Once the potatoes are soft, stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Pro Tips
- Make-Ahead: This soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it great for meal prep.
- Transport: If you’re taking this soup to a gathering, keep it warm in a slow cooker.
- Re-crisping: If making ahead, when reheating, make sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Variations
- Spicy Shrimp Variation: Add some peeled shrimp with the potatoes for a seafood twist.
- Vegetable Variation: Toss in some chopped kale or spinach for an extra nutrition boost.
- Cheesy Variation: Double the cheese for a more indulgent soup!
Serving Ideas
Serve the soup with warm, crusty sourdough bread to soak up every drop, or alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.
FAQs
Can I freeze Cajun Potato Soup?
Yes, but the texture of the potatoes may change upon thawing. Best to consume fresh.
Can I use another type of sausage?
Absolutely! Any smoked sausage will work, though the flavor will differ slightly.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add more cayenne pepper or toss in some diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Author Note
Creating this Cajun Potato Soup was a delightful journey for me, reminding me of homey meals I grew up with. As a home cook, each recipe is a way to share love and warmth, much like the comforting embrace of this delicious dish. Enjoy cooking it as much as I did!
Print
Cajun Potato Soup
A deliciously creamy soup made with andouille sausage, fresh veggies, and warm spices, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 ring (13.5 ounces) andouille sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- ½ cup diced celery (about 1 rib)
- ½ red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 cups (960 g) chicken broth
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup (119 g) heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Toss in the onion, celery, and red bell pepper, sautéing until softened, approximately 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the cubed potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Once the potatoes are soft, stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
This soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it great for meal prep. If you’re taking this soup to a gathering, keep it warm in a slow cooker.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: None
