Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavors: The combination of Cajun spices and andouille sausage provides a rich and spicy taste that excites the palate.
- Creamy Texture: Heavy cream and melted cheddar cheese create a luscious, velvety consistency that enhances the soup’s indulgence.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with potatoes and sausage, this soup is filling enough to serve as a main course, perfect for chilly days.
- Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible even for novice cooks.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 ring (13.5 ounces) andouille sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- ½ cup diced celery (about 1 rib)
- ½ red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- Chopped parsley for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the sliced andouille sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook until softened, approximately 5-8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- 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. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Return the browned sausage to the pot. Stir in the heavy whipping cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is heated through.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute andouille sausage with smoked turkey sausage or kielbasa for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to maintain substance.
- Spice Level Adjustment: For a milder soup, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. To increase heat, add extra Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a smoked cheese to alter the flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
FAQs
What is Cajun seasoning?
Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices commonly used in Louisiana cuisine. It typically includes paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and oregano, providing a spicy and flavorful kick to dishes.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, Cajun Potato Soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
Is this soup very spicy?
The soup has a moderate level of spiciness due to the Cajun seasoning and andouille sausage. To adjust the heat, modify the amount of cayenne pepper and choose a milder or spicier sausage according to your preference.
Can I use a different type of potato?
While russet potatoes are recommended for their starchy texture, you can substitute them with Yukon gold or red potatoes. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
Cajun Potato Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Cajun Potato Soup is a creamy, spicy, and hearty dish featuring tender russet potatoes, smoky andouille sausage, and bold Cajun spices. This comforting soup is enriched with heavy cream and melted cheddar cheese, making it perfect for chilly days. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 ring (13.5 oz) andouille sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- ½ cup diced celery (about 1 rib)
- ½ red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for 5-8 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add Spices and Broth: Mix in Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Pour in chicken broth and add cubed potatoes. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Return the sausage to the pot. Stir in heavy whipping cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Simmer for 5 more minutes until the cheese is melted and soup is heated through.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Protein Swap: Use smoked turkey sausage or kielbasa for a different twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit sausage and use vegetable broth; add mushrooms or zucchini for texture.
- Adjust Spice: Reduce cayenne for a milder soup or add hot sauce for extra heat.
- Cheese Choices: Try sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or smoked cheese for unique flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
