Potato and Sausage Chowder

If you’re looking for a cozy, fulfilling dish that warms both your heart and your belly, then you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe: Potato and Sausage Chowder. This dish is like a hearty hug in a bowl, combining creamy textures and savory flavors that make it an instant favorite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend family gathering, this chowder is sure to bring everyone together around the dinner table.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make. In just over an hour, you can whip up a delicious meal that feels truly special. Plus, it’s so comforting—there’s nothing quite like diving into a steaming bowl of chowder after a long day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This chowder comes together in just over an hour, making it perfect for those busy evenings.
• Family-Friendly: With its creamy texture and flavorful sausage, even picky eaters will ask for seconds!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare this chowder in advance and reheat it for an effortless meal throughout the week.
• Deliciously Satisfying: Each spoonful is packed with flavor from wholesome ingredients that warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This Potato and Sausage Chowder calls for simple, wholesome items you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you need:

For the Chowder

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 400g (6) sausages (any flavor)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 stalks celery (sliced)
• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 3 tbsp plain/all-purpose flour
• 1 litre/4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 100g/1/2 cup wild rice
• 3 potatoes (medium, peeled and cut into chunks)
• 375ml/1 1/2 cups single/light cream or half and half
• Salt to taste

Variations

One of the best things about this Potato and Sausage Chowder is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken or turkey sausage instead of pork for a lighter option.
• Add some greens: Toss in some fresh spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for extra nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Go dairy-free: Substitute the cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream for a dairy-free version.

How to Make Potato and Sausage Chowder

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing and add it to the pot. Use a spatula to break up the sausage as it cooks until it’s golden brown on the outside and fully cooked. This step adds depth of flavor to your chowder! Once cooked, transfer the sausage to a separate plate while keeping any leftover fat in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Your Vegetables

In that same pot, add your chopped onion, sliced celery, and carrots. Cook these over low heat for about 10 minutes until they are soft. Remember, sautéing these vegetables allows their natural sweetness to emerge! Once softened, stir in minced garlic and dried thyme; cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Then sprinkle flour over this mixture and stir until everything is well combined into a paste—this will help thicken your chowder later!

Step 3: Combine Stock and Rice

Next, pour in just a bit of chicken stock while stirring to mix with your roux—this prevents lumps. Gradually add in the rest of the stock along with bay leaves and wild rice. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook over low to medium heat for about 30 minutes. This slow cooking helps develop those rich flavors!

Step 4: Add Potatoes and Cream

After 30 minutes have passed, add those cubed potatoes into your pot. Let them simmer alongside everything else for another 15 minutes until both the wild rice and potatoes are tender. Finally, stir in your cream carefully—allowing it just enough time to warm through enhances its richness! Season with salt as needed before removing from heat.

Serve your Potato and Sausage Chowder hot with some freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top for garnish. Enjoy every comforting bite!

Pro Tips for Making Potato and Sausage Chowder

Making a delicious potato and sausage chowder is all about the little details! Here are some tips to ensure your chowder turns out creamy and flavorful every time.

• Use high-quality sausages – Selecting good-quality sausages can significantly enhance the flavor of your chowder. Look for ones made from fresh ingredients without fillers, which will provide a richer taste.

• Don’t rush the cooking process – Allowing the vegetables to cook slowly helps develop deeper flavors. This gentle cooking also ensures that your onions become sweet and translucent, adding to the overall deliciousness of the chowder.

• Adjust the thickness – If you prefer a thicker chowder, let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid. For a thinner consistency, add more stock or cream until you reach your desired texture.

• Experiment with spices – Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices! A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can add a lovely warmth and depth to your chowder without overpowering it.

• Serve it hot – Chowder is best enjoyed hot! Keep it warm on low heat before serving, as this enhances the comforting experience of this dish.

How to Serve Potato and Sausage Chowder

Serving potato and sausage chowder is as enjoyable as making it! With just a few thoughtful touches, you can elevate this comforting dish into something truly special for your family or guests.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley – A sprinkle of vibrant parsley adds color and freshness that beautifully complements the rich flavors of the chowder.
• Croutons or crispy bacon alternatives – Add crunch with homemade croutons or crispy plant-based options for an extra texture contrast.
• Shredded cheese – A handful of shredded cheese like cheddar or a dairy-free alternative can add creaminess and further enhance flavor.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread rolls – Serve warm, crusty rolls alongside your chowder for dipping. They soak up the creamy goodness beautifully!
• Simple garden salad – A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chowder.
• Roasted vegetables – Try roasted seasonal veggies such as carrots and Brussels sprouts; their natural sweetness will balance nicely with the hearty soup.
• Cornbread – Sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with chowder’s savory notes. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a comforting side!

Now that you have all these tips and serving ideas in hand, I hope you’re inspired to make this delightful potato and sausage chowder! Enjoy every spoonful of comfort!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Potato and Sausage Chowder is perfect for meal prep! It’s hearty, comforting, and tastes even better the next day. Here’s how to store it properly so you can enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chowder to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing portions instead.

Freezing

• Divide the chowder into individual servings in freezer-safe containers.
• Leave some space at the top of each container for expansion during freezing.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw frozen chowder overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 1-minute intervals until hot.

FAQs

Got questions about this delicious recipe? We’ve got answers!

Can I make Potato and Sausage Chowder ahead of time?

Absolutely! This chowder is great for making ahead. Just follow our storing guidelines to keep it fresh and ready to enjoy later.

What can I substitute for sausage in Potato and Sausage Chowder?

If you’re looking for alternatives, consider using plant-based sausage or your favorite protein that suits your dietary preferences.

How do I thicken Potato and Sausage Chowder?

If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can add more flour when making the roux or use a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water before adding it to the pot.

Can I use different vegetables in my Potato and Sausage Chowder?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative with different vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or green beans. They all add fantastic flavor and texture!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in crafting this Potato and Sausage Chowder as much as I do! Its creamy goodness makes it a delightful dish that warms both heart and home. Don’t hesitate to make a big batch—it’s perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week. Happy cooking!