Delicious Potato and Sausage Chowder: A Perfect Weeknight Meal

Okay, here we go, my mom tribe! Let’s talk about a total lifesaver in my house – potato and sausage chowder. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a warm hug, a quick answer to those dreaded “what’s for dinner?!” nights, and a surefire way to bring smiles to the faces around your table. Who can honestly resist a creamy, hearty bowl of sausage potato soup?

I still remember the first time I ever attempted making this potato and sausage chowder recipe. It was a typical Tuesday – mountains of laundry, kids scaling the walls, and me blankly staring into the fridge, desperately trying to create a meal from seemingly nothing. I stumbled upon a recipe, tweaked it to use what I already had (because let’s be real, who *actually* has *every* ingredient *all* the time?), and hoped for the best.

The result? Pure magic. The kids devoured it, my husband went back for seconds, and I, for once, got to actually sit down and enjoy a hot meal. It was creamy, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make. That potato and sausage chowder quickly became a staple in our house, a go-to meal for those busy weeknights and chilly weekends.

This potato and sausage chowder fits into our family life so well because it’s adaptable, budget-friendly, and most importantly, incredibly delicious. Everyone can customize it to their own liking – add a bit of spice, change up the veggies – whatever works! It’s also fantastic for using up those leftover ingredients, which is a huge win in my book.

So, my fellow kitchen warriors, if you’re searching for a stress-free, crowd-pleasing meal that will become a regular feature in your rotation, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get cooking and try this hearty potato and sausage chowder!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced – I usually go with kielbasa from the store.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Feel free to use any oil you have!
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth – I prefer low sodium.
• 1 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed – Russets are great, but Yukon Golds are my fave for potato and sausage chowder.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Half-and-half works if you want to lighten it up, but trust me, heavy cream makes it dreamy!
• 1/2 cup milk – Any kind will work!
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Adjust to your liking.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish – Optional, but it adds a nice touch of color.

Trust me, this potato and sausage chowder ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy! You can usually grab all of this while doing your regular Target grocery run. I often buy extra sausage because my family devours it!

Here’s a potato and sausage chowder hack that has saved my sanity: pre-chop your veggies on Sunday and store them in the fridge. It seriously cuts down on prep time during the week. Don’t worry if you don’t have fresh parsley – dried parsley works just fine in this creamy sausage chowder. I use it all the time! Remember, this potato and sausage chowder doesn’t need to be expensive. Use what you have on hand and don’t be afraid to make substitutions. My family loves it when I add extra potatoes.

Let’s Make it Happen!

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside. This gives the sausage a nice, crispy texture that adds so much flavor to the potato and sausage chowder.
2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. This is the perfect time to fold that laundry pile! By now, this creamy potato and sausage chowder should smell amazing!
4. Once the potatoes are tender, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. I like to leave some chunks for texture, but you can blend it completely smooth if that’s your preference. Don’t panic if your potato and sausage chowder looks a little thin at this point; it will thicken as it simmers!
5. Stir in the heavy cream, milk, and cooked sausage. Heat through, but don’t boil. Boiling can cause the cream to curdle, and nobody wants that! I always messed up my potato and sausage chowder at this step – don’t make my mistake!
6. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy! While your potato and sausage chowder is simmering away, pour yourself a well-deserved coffee!

In my chaotic kitchen, this potato and sausage chowder recipe usually takes around 45 minutes from start to finish, including prep time, cooking time, and the inevitable kid interruptions! My family loves how creamy this potato and sausage chowder always turns out.

How We Love to Eat This!

The kids devour this potato and sausage chowder when I serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches or crusty bread for dipping. It’s a match made in heaven! Seriously, cheesy bread dunked in creamy soup is *chef’s kiss*. This hearty smoked sausage potato chowder is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need something quick, easy, and satisfying.

We also love making this potato and sausage chowder on chilly weekends when we’re craving something comforting and warm. It’s the perfect meal to cozy up with on the couch while watching a movie!

For presentation, I like to sprinkle a little extra parsley on top and maybe add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese. But honestly, even served straight from the pot, this potato and sausage chowder is a winner! Leftovers (if there are any!) are great for lunch the next day. Just reheat and enjoy!

I’ve even made this potato and sausage chowder for friends who come over for dinner, and they always rave about it. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time! And in the fall, I sometimes add a can of corn to give it a little extra sweetness. It’s delicious! For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my creamy sausage tortellini soup with sweet potato and spinach recipe!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

• Can my picky eater handle this potato and sausage chowder?
  Absolutely! You can easily customize this potato and sausage chowder to suit their tastes. If they don’t like onions, leave them out! If they prefer a smoother texture, blend the soup completely. You can also sneak in some extra veggies like carrots or celery, finely diced.
• What if I burn my potato and sausage chowder? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)
  Okay, first of all, don’t beat yourself up! We’ve all been there. If you catch it early, carefully pour the unburned chowder into a clean pot, avoiding the scorched bits at the bottom. If the burnt taste is too strong, you might have to start over, but don’t give up!
• Can I make this potato and sausage chowder ahead for meal prep?
  Yes! This potato and sausage chowder is perfect for meal prep. Just make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
• Can I freeze this potato and sausage chowder?
  You can, but the texture might change slightly due to the dairy content. The cream and milk can sometimes separate when frozen and thawed. If you do freeze it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then gently reheat it on the stovetop, stirring frequently.
• What kind of sausage works best in potato and sausage chowder?
  I prefer smoked sausage, like kielbasa, because it adds a lot of flavor. But you can use any kind of sausage you like! Italian sausage, chorizo, or even breakfast sausage would all be delicious in this potato and sausage chowder.
• Can I make this potato and sausage chowder vegetarian?
  Sure! Just skip the sausage and add some extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• What can I serve with this potato and sausage chowder?
  Grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, a side salad, or even just a simple bowl of fruit all go great with this potato and sausage chowder. Get some inspiration from Sausage Potato Soup – The Cozy Cook! My family loves when I add a few croutons on top!

Final Thoughts

This potato and sausage chowder is special to my family because it’s a reminder that delicious, comforting meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s a recipe that I can always count on to bring smiles to the table, even on the busiest of days. Plus, it’s a guaranteed way to use up those leftover potatoes that are always hanging out in my pantry!

My potato and sausage chowder Mom Hacks:

• Pre-chop your veggies on the weekend to save time during the week.
• Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamy texture without being completely smooth.
• Don’t be afraid to get creative with substitutions based on what you have on hand.

Here are a few family-tested potato and sausage chowder variations:

• Spicy Potato and Sausage Chowder: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
• Cheesy Potato and Sausage Chowder: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese at the end for an extra cheesy flavor.
• Smoked Sausage & Potato Corn Chowder: Add a can of corn for added flavor with inspiration from Smoked Sausage & Potato Corn Chowder | The Rising Spoon.

My husband loves the cheesy version, the kids love the classic, and I love them all because they’re all so easy to make! If you love potato and sausage chowder, check out my sausage pasta skillet!

I hope you’ll give this potato and sausage chowder a try and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create a version that your family will love! Get some inspiration from Potato and Sausage Chowder – Vikalinka! Remember, cooking should be fun, not stressful. So relax, put on some music, and enjoy the process! Also, you can find another potato soup variation in my cheddar garlic herb potato soup recipe!

You got this, mama! I know you can create your own mealtime magic with this potato and sausage chowder. Happy cooking! This hearty potato sausage chowder is sure to be a hit. Give this potato and sausage chowder easy recipe a go! This creamy sausage chowder is what you need. I love this smoked sausage potato chowder! What are you waiting for? Make this potato and sausage chowder for your family now!

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