When the leaves turn and the temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage – Hearty and Delicious for Fall. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead. The combination of creamy potatoes, savory sausage, and aromatic herbs creates a dish that not only warms the belly but also the soul.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the work while you enjoy your day.
- Rich Flavor: Slow cooking allows all the ingredients to meld together, resulting in a deliciously rich soup.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or different types of sausage for variety.
- Hearty and Filling: This soup is loaded with potatoes and sausage, making it a satisfying meal on its own.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a chilly evening at home or a festive gathering, this soup fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
To make this cozy soup effortlessly, you’ll need a few essential tools.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stirring spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Ensures even cooking at low temperatures, making flavors richer over time.
- Chef’s knife: A good-quality knife makes chopping vegetables quick and efficient.
Ingredients
Here’s your full list of flavorful ingredients to make this creamy crockpot potato soup:
– 1 lb Italian-style sausage (mild or spicy — your choice)
– Use a chicken or beef-based version if avoiding traditional Italian sausage blends
– 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
– 2 cloves garlic (minced)
– 4 cups potatoes (peeled and diced into ½-inch chunks)
– Fresh parsley or green onions (chopped for garnish)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– ½ tsp salt
– ½ tsp black pepper
– ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning blend
– 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
– ½ cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
How to Make Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage – Hearty and Delicious for Fall
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and peel and dice the potatoes into uniform chunks for even cooking.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned sausage to the slow cooker. Add in chopped onion, minced garlic, diced potatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, thyme (or Italian seasoning), and stir well to combine.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for about 6 hours or high for about 3 hours until potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
Once cooked through, stir in heavy cream (or half-and-half) and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined. Let it cook for an additional 10–15 minutes on low to melt the cheese.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. Enjoy your hearty soup warm!
How to Serve Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage – Hearty and Delicious for Fall
Serving a warm bowl of Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage is all about enhancing the comforting experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will make your meal even more enjoyable.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley or Green Onions: Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs on top for a pop of color and additional flavor.
Accompanied by Bread
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread or rolls to soak up the creamy broth and add texture to your meal.
Topped with Cheese
- Extra Cheddar: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top just before serving for a melty, indulgent finish.
Served with Salad
- Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad dressed with vinaigrette balances the rich flavors of the soup and adds freshness.
How to Perfect Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage – Hearty and Delicious for Fall
Perfecting your Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage can elevate this dish to new heights. Here are some tips to ensure it turns out just right.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor significantly, making your soup taste vibrant and wholesome.
- Brown the Sausage First: Sautéing the sausage before adding it to the slow cooker develops deeper flavors that enrich the entire soup.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes after cooking or add less broth for a creamier texture.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick that complements the sausage well.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for 30 minutes after cooking helps meld flavors together beautifully before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage – Hearty and Delicious for Fall
Pairing side dishes with your Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup can round out your meal beautifully. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Bread: This buttery delight complements the richness of the soup perfectly.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and nutrition to your meal, enhancing the cozy vibe.
- Stuffed Peppers: These can be made ahead, filled with grains or beans, adding variety alongside your comforting soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins serve as a wonderful accompaniment, perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw cuts through the creaminess, giving your palate a refreshing note between bites.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage can be easy, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Using the wrong sausage: If you opt for traditional pork sausage, it will change the flavor profile. Choose a chicken or beef-based sausage for a satisfying alternative.
- Neglecting to chop ingredients evenly: Unevenly chopped potatoes can lead to inconsistent cooking. Cut all potatoes into ½-inch chunks for even texture.
- Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing onions and garlic adds depth to the soup’s flavor. Always take a few minutes to sauté before adding to the crockpot.
- Not adjusting seasoning: Tasting is key! Don’t forget to adjust salt and pepper according to your preference before serving.
- Overcooking the soup: Cooking too long can make potatoes mushy. Stick to the recommended cook time for the best texture.
- Forgetting garnishes: Skipping fresh parsley or green onions means missing out on a pop of flavor and color. Always finish with a sprinkle of herbs!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage – Hearty and Delicious for Fall
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Will last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage – Hearty and Delicious for Fall
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage so hearty?
This soup is packed with creamy potatoes, savory sausage, and rich broth, creating a filling meal that warms you from the inside out.
Can I use different types of sausage?
Absolutely! You can use chicken or beef sausage as alternatives while still keeping that comforting flavor.
How long does it take to cook this potato soup?
The total cook time is approximately 360 minutes on low heat in the crockpot, making it perfect for all-day preparation.
Can I customize the ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or switch up the herbs according to your taste preferences.
Is this soup healthy?
With wholesome ingredients like potatoes, broth, and lean sausage, this cozy soup can fit into a balanced diet.
How do I ensure my potatoes don’t get mushy?
Stick to the recommended cook time and cut your potatoes uniformly-sized. This helps maintain their texture during cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage is not only warm and comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding seasonal veggies or adjusting spices according to your taste. Give it a try this fall; it’s sure to become a staple in your home!
Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage – Hearty and Delicious for Fall
Warm up this season with our Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup featuring savory sausage – a hearty and comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. This creamy soup is made with tender potatoes, aromatic herbs, and flavorful chicken or beef sausage, delivering a delightful meal that warms both the belly and the soul. Ideal for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead, this easy slow cooker recipe allows you to spend more time enjoying your day while it cooks to perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours on low
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken or beef sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups potatoes (peeled and diced into ½-inch chunks)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning blend
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and dicing the potatoes into uniform pieces.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and brown the sausage until cooked through. Break it into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Transfer the browned sausage to the slow cooker. Add in chopped onion, minced garlic, diced potatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, thyme (or Italian seasoning), and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours or high for about 3 hours until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in heavy cream (or half-and-half) and shredded cheddar cheese; let cook on low for an additional 10–15 minutes to melt cheese.
- Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley or green onions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Leave a Comment