Cajun Potato Soup with Sausage Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting soup that packs a punch of flavor, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Cajun Potato Soup with Sausage Recipe is a perfect bowl of creamy potatoes, spicy sausage, and just the right blend of Cajun spices that’ll warm you up from the inside out. I absolutely love this recipe because it’s simple to make, yet bursts with bold flavors that make dinner feel special any night of the week. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to nail this delicious soup every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry or can grab easily at any store.
  • Perfect Balance of Flavors: The spicy sausage complements the creamy potatoes beautifully without overwhelming your taste buds.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup and a cozy meal all in one pot — I’m all about that!
  • Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this soup, and I bet yours will too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Cajun Potato Soup with Sausage recipe come together to create layers of flavor and great texture. Using fresh vegetables and good quality sausage makes all the difference, so here’s a quick rundown of my essentials and handy tips for shopping.

  • Vegetable Oil: Helps brown the sausage nicely without sticking.
  • Andouille Sausage: This smoked sausage brings authentic Cajun flavor; you can substitute with smoked kielbasa if needed.
  • Onion: Diced onion forms a savory base and adds sweetness as it cooks down.
  • Celery: Adds an aromatic crunch and balances the richness.
  • Red Bell Pepper: Gives a subtle sweetness and vibrant color—don’t skip it!
  • Garlic: Minced for that punch of flavor that wakes up the whole soup.
  • Cajun Seasoning: The magic spice blend that ties everything together—use your favorite brand or homemade mix.
  • Kosher Salt: Adjusts seasoning without overpowering flavors.
  • Black Pepper: Freshly cracked is best for a little heat and depth.
  • Paprika: Adds smokiness and gorgeous color.
  • Cayenne Pepper: For that gentle kick of heat—add more or less to taste.
  • Chicken Broth: The flavorful liquid base that’s light yet savory.
  • Russet Potatoes: Peeling and cubing them helps give the soup that comforting creaminess.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: This makes the soup luxuriously creamy without being too heavy.
  • Mild Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully to add a rich, cheesy finish.
  • Fresh Parsley: Chopped as garnish to brighten each bowl.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

While I stick to the classic Cajun Potato Soup with Sausage recipe most times, I love personalizing it depending on the season or mood. Honestly, it’s super flexible, so feel free to tweak it and make it your own.

  • Spicy Upgrade: When I want more heat, I toss in extra cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce — it really wakes the soup up!
  • Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and add smoked paprika and smoked salt instead, plus extra veggies like corn or mushrooms to keep things hearty.
  • Cheese Variations: I’ve swapped cheddar for pepper jack or gouda for a different twist that’s just as delightful.
  • Make it Chunky or Smooth: If you prefer a creamier texture, you can blend part of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the sausage back in.

How to Make Cajun Potato Soup with Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Brown That Sausage Right

Start by heating vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and let it sizzle away for around 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to get an even golden-brown crust. This step is so important—browning the sausage first releases those smoky, spicy oils that flavor the entire soup. Once done, scoop it out and set it aside; don’t wash the pot because you’ll build your soup right there!

Step 2: Soften Your Veggies

Into that same pot, toss in your diced onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook over medium heat for about 5-8 minutes until all those veggies are softened and start to smell amazing—this is where the aroma will fill your kitchen and make you impatient for the soup to be ready! Add the minced garlic last and cook for one minute more, stirring so it doesn’t burn but releases its wonderful flavor.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Stir in your Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper right into the veggies. The spice mix is pretty central here, so if you’ve never made Cajun seasoning before, I’ve got a simple blend linked below. Next, add chicken broth and toss in those cubed potatoes. Bring everything to a simmer and reduce the heat so it gently bubbles for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and starting to break down—this is what thickens the soup naturally.

Step 4: Creamy Finish with Sausage and Cheese

Once your potatoes are perfectly cooked, stir the sausage back into the pot, add the heavy whipping cream, and sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Let everything simmer gently for another 5 minutes so the cheese melts into that velvety soup. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—sometimes I add a pinch more salt or cayenne depending on how spicy I want it.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Warm

Finish with freshly chopped parsley scattered on top—it adds that fresh pop of green and lightens the bold, creamy flavors. Ladle into bowls while it’s steaming hot and get ready for some serious comfort food vibes.

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Pro Tips for Making Cajun Potato Soup with Sausage Recipe

  • Don’t Rush Browning: Taking your time to brown the sausage properly infuses the soup with depth and avoids a greasy texture.
  • Control Spice Levels: Experiment by starting with less cayenne and adding more after tasting—you can always bump up the heat but can’t take it away!
  • Potatoes As Thickener: Use russet potatoes for their natural starch that thickens the soup, making it creamy without needing flour or cornstarch.
  • Add Cheese Gradually: Stir in cheese off the heat or on very low flame to prevent curdling and keep the soup silky smooth.

How to Serve Cajun Potato Soup with Sausage Recipe

Two white bowls filled with a creamy soup showing three main layers: a light orange broth full of small bubbles, large chunks of pale yellow potatoes scattered throughout, and several slices of browned sausage with a reddish outer edge evenly placed on top. Green chopped herbs are sprinkled on the surface giving small dots of green color. A silver spoon rests inside the bottom bowl on a dark purple cloth, and to the side, torn pieces of crusty golden bread are visible. The background is a white marbled texture with a few green herb sprigs casually placed. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with fresh parsley because it adds color and a bright herbaceous note, but if I want to take it up a notch, I’ll add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits. A few scallions or shredded green onions work beautifully too, adding a mild sharpness that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

This soup is rich and filling on its own, but there’s something special about pairing it with buttery garlic bread or a crisp green salad to round out the meal. I find cornbread is a classic Southern-style match that my whole family adores with this Cajun Potato Soup with Sausage recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive occasion, I’ve served this soup in small bread bowls — it’s such a fun way to impress guests. You can also sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or drizzle a bit of hot honey on top for a fancy touch. Little ramekins with extra cheese and herbs on the side make for a lovely customizable experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover soup in airtight containers and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before reheating because the cream and cheese can settle at the bottom. It tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup a couple of times, and it holds up well—just skip adding the cheese and cream if you plan to freeze. Instead, add those fresh when you reheat. Freeze in portioned containers, then thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat is gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking or curdling. If reheating from frozen, take your time with low heat and add cream and cheese once it’s fully warmed through for that creamy finish.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of sausage for this Cajun Potato Soup with Sausage recipe?

    Absolutely! While andouille sausage is traditional and offers a smoky, spicy flavor, you can substitute it with smoked kielbasa, chorizo, or even a milder sausage if you prefer less heat. Just make sure to adjust the Cajun seasoning accordingly.

  2. Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

    Yes! Simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To maintain depth of flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke and extra veggies such as mushrooms or corn for heartiness.

  3. How spicy is the Cajun Potato Soup with Sausage recipe?

    It’s moderately spicy thanks to the Cajun seasoning and a touch of cayenne pepper. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can reduce the cayenne or leave it out altogether. On the flip side, add more for an extra kick!

  4. Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

    You sure can! Brown the sausage and sauté the veggies first, then combine everything (except cream and cheese) in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the cream and cheese near the end, about 15 minutes before serving.

  5. What’s the best way to thicken this soup if it’s too thin?

    The russet potatoes help thicken it naturally, but if you find it too thin, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot with a spoon or blend a portion with an immersion blender. You can also simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid a bit.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cajun Potato Soup with Sausage recipe has become one of my go-to comfort foods that I keep coming back to, especially when I want something cozy but full of personality. It’s straightforward, adaptable, and so rewarding to make. I hope after you try it, you’ll feel the same way — trust me, it’s a bowl of happy you won’t regret!

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Cajun Potato Soup with Sausage Recipe

Cajun Potato Soup with Sausage Recipe

4.5 from 112 reviews
  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Description

This Cajun Potato Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish combining spicy andouille sausage with tender potatoes and a medley of vegetables. The soup is seasoned with a blend of Cajun spices, simmered to perfection, then enriched with cream and cheddar cheese for a comforting and creamy finish. Perfect for warming up on a chilly day, it’s an easy stovetop recipe that delivers bold flavors in every spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Sausage

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 ring (13.5 ounces) andouille sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds

Vegetables

  • 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

Soup

  • 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

  1. Cook the sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced andouille sausage rounds. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside on a plate or bowl.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot over medium heat, add the diced onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
  3. Add spices and broth: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and add the cubed potatoes. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Simmer the soup: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and cooked through.
  5. Finish the soup: Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in the heavy whipping cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the soup is heated through.
  6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot during cooking.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the heat level.
  • Use low-fat cream or milk as a lighter alternative to heavy whipping cream.
  • This soup pairs well with crusty bread or cornbread.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (about 250 ml)
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg