Slow Cooker Cajun Potato Soup

why make this recipe

Slow Cooker Cajun Potato Soup is a delightful dish that brings the rich flavors of Cajun cooking right into your kitchen. This soup is perfect for a cozy night at home or a gathering with friends. The combination of savory andouille sausage, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese makes it a hearty meal that everyone will love. Plus, using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly without much effort.

how to make Slow Cooker Cajun Potato Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 (13.5-ounce) package andouille sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 4 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup diced bell pepper (red or green)
• 1 cup onion, diced
• ½ cup diced celery
• ½ cup sliced carrots
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup whipping cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Green onions, sliced for garnish
• Tabasco sauce, for serving

Directions:

1. Brown the sausage: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. Prepare the slow cooker: Transfer the browned sausage to the slow cooker. Add the diced potatoes, bell pepper, onion, celery, carrots, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the broth: Pour the chicken broth over the sausage and vegetables. Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 5 hours, or until the potatoes and vegetables are tender.
5. Add milk: After the initial cooking time, stir in the milk and continue cooking for an additional 1 hour on low heat.
6. Add cream and cheese: Stir in the whipping cream and shredded cheddar cheese, allowing the cheese to melt into the soup. This should take about 15 minutes.
7. Serve: Once the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy, ladle it into bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with a dash of Tabasco sauce for a spicy kick.

how to serve Slow Cooker Cajun Potato Soup

Serve the soup hot in bowls, topped with sliced green onions for freshness. A splash of Tabasco sauce adds a nice kick. You can pair it with crusty bread or crackers for a full meal.

how to store Slow Cooker Cajun Potato Soup

To store the soup, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave some space at the top of the container as the soup may expand when frozen.

tips to make Slow Cooker Cajun Potato Soup

• Chop your vegetables evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
• If you want it spicier, consider adding more Cajun seasoning or chopped jalapeños.
• Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite flavor combination.

variation

You can customize this soup by adding other vegetables like corn or spinach. You could also swap the andouille sausage for chicken or a meat substitute if preferred. For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of sausage?

Yes, you can use turkey sausage or any other cooked sausage as a substitute for andouille sausage.

2. Is there a dairy-free option?

You can use coconut milk or almond milk instead of regular milk and cream, and choose a dairy-free cheese for the topping.

3. How can I make it thicker?

To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the potatoes after they are cooked or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) towards the end of cooking.