Quick & Hearty Potato and Sausage Chowder Recipe For Cozy Nights

Steaming potato and sausage chowder captures the essence of comfort food with its hearty blend of rustic ingredients.

Rich, creamy broths form the foundation of this soul-warming dish that speaks directly to hunger and nostalgia.

Robust sausage mingles with soft potato chunks, creating a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

Each spoonful promises a delightful mix of savory flavors and satisfying warmth.

Seasonal vegetables and herbs enhance the chowder depth, revolutionizeing a simple recipe into a memorable meal.

Home cooks appreciate its straightforward preparation and adaptable nature, making it a reliable go-to for quick dinners.

Families gathered around the table will savor every comforting, nourishing bite.

Tips for Sausage That Adds Just the Right Spice

• Select Quality Sausage: Choose a flavorful sausage like Italian or chorizo to enhance the chowder's depth and richness.
• Remove Sausage Casing: Carefully peel off the casing before cooking to ensure even browning and better texture integration.
• Layer Vegetable Flavors: Sauté onions, celery, and carrots slowly to develop a sweet, caramelized base that deepens the chowder's overall taste.
• Manage Flour Carefully: Stir flour thoroughly into vegetables to prevent lumps and create a smooth, silky thickening effect for the chowder.
• Control Simmering Time: Watch wild rice and potatoes closely during cooking to maintain perfect tenderness without becoming mushy.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat for Later Comfort

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover chowder to an airtight container and seal tightly. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, keeping the flavor and texture intact.
• Freezing Method: Cool the chowder completely before freezing. Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing portions with cream, as it might separate when thawed.
• Reheating Technique: Thaw frozen chowder overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken stock or cream to restore the creamy consistency. Avoid boiling, which can break down the soup's smooth texture. Stir carefully to prevent burning and ensure even heating. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed before serving.

What to Serve with This Hearty Bowl

• Craft the Perfect Sip: Pair this hearty chowder with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the richness and complements the sausage's robust flavor.
• Bread Buddy Boost: Serve alongside a crusty sourdough or rustic rye bread to soak up the creamy broth and add delightful textural contrast.
• Veggie Sidekick: Add a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the chowder's creamy intensity and provide a fresh, zesty counterpoint.
• Comfort Drink Companion: Enjoy with a medium-bodied amber ale or craft beer that echoes the chowder's warmth and brings out the sausage's smoky notes.

Bold Additions to Reinvent It

• Veggie Power Chowder: Replace sausage with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or tempeh, adding smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
• Seafood Ocean Blend: Swap sausage with diced shrimp or crab meat, incorporating fresh dill and a splash of white wine for a coastal inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced jalapeños, replace thyme with cumin, and stir in roasted corn kernels for a zesty southwestern-style chowder that brings heat and excitement.
• Hearty Mountain Style: Include diced bacon instead of sausage, use root vegetables like parsnips alongside potatoes, and finish with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese for a rustic mountain-inspired rendition.

Why Potato and Sausage Chowder Is a Cozy Classic

• Savor Hearty Comfort: This chowder wraps you in a warm, satisfying embrace with its rich blend of sausage, potatoes, and creamy broth that feels like a hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Assembled in just one pot with simple ingredients, this recipe saves time and dishes while delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Nutrient-Packed Meal: Packed with vegetables, protein from sausage, and wild rice, this chowder delivers a balanced meal that keeps you full and nourished without sacrificing taste.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adaptable by swapping sausage types, adding different herbs, or making it vegetarian, this recipe offers flexibility for every palate and dietary preference.

The Hearty Ingredients That Warm You Up

• Sausage: Flavorful protein base with rich, savory taste; choose a spicy or mild variety based on preference.
• Chicken Stock: Essential liquid for building deep soup flavor; low-sodium options work well for better control of salt content.

• Onion, Celery, Carrot: Classic soup base providing depth and natural sweetness; fresh, firm vegetables preferred.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient adding robust flavor; choose fresh cloves for best taste.
• Potatoes: Hearty element creating creamy texture; waxy varieties like Yukon Gold recommended.
• Wild Rice: Nutty grain adding interesting texture and nutritional value; can substitute with regular rice if needed.
• Thyme: Fresh herb lending earthy, subtle flavor; dried thyme works as alternative.
• Bay Leaves: Subtle seasoning enhancing overall soup complexity; remove before serving.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for bright garnish and visual appeal.

• Flour: Thickening agent creating smooth soup consistency; all-purpose flour works best.
• Oil: Cooking fat for initial sautéing; neutral oils like vegetable or canola recommended.
• Cream: Adds richness and silky finish; heavy cream provides most luxurious texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings for balanced flavor; adjust to personal taste.

One-Pot Instructions for Thick, Creamy Comfort

Step 1: Prepare Sausage

Heat oil in a large soup pot. Remove sausage from its casing and cook until it turns golden brown. Transfer the cooked sausage to a separate plate.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

• Onion
• Celery
• Carrot

Cook for 10 minutes until vegetables soften. Stir in garlic and thyme, letting the herbs release their aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Create Roux Base

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring carefully to form a smooth paste. Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 4: Build Soup Foundation

Slowly pour in chicken stock, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add bay leaves and wild rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Cook Potatoes

Add potatoes to the pot and continue cooking for 15 minutes. Ensure both rice and potatoes are tender and fully cooked.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Pour in cream and season with salt and pepper. Warm the chowder through, stirring gently. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this hearty chowder.

Potato and Sausage Chowder Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty potato and sausage chowder brings comfort from first spoonful. Creamy broth, tender potatoes, and savory sausage meld together, promising warmth that wraps you in delicious satisfaction.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Base Ingredients:

• 400 g (14.1 ounces) sausages, any variety
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 100 g (½ cup) wild rice

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves

Liquid and Thickening Ingredients:

• 750 ml (3 cups) chicken or vegetable stock
• 375 ml (1 ½ cups) single or light cream, or half-and-half
• 3 tablespoons plain or all-purpose flour
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat a large soup pot over medium heat and drizzle olive oil to coat the bottom, ensuring even coverage.
2. Remove the casing from the sausage and crumble the meat into the heated pot, cooking until the pieces turn a rich golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.
3. Transfer the browned sausage to a separate plate, leaving behind the flavorful rendered fat in the pot.
4. Add finely chopped onions, diced celery, and sliced carrots to the same pot, sautéing for approximately 10 minutes until the vegetables become soft and translucent.
5. Introduce minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves, stirring to distribute the aromatic ingredients evenly throughout the vegetable mixture.
6. Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the vegetables, carefully stirring to create a smooth, cohesive paste that will help thicken the chowder.
7. Cook the flour-coated vegetables for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and develop a deeper flavor profile.
8. Gradually pour in chicken stock, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and ensure a silky smooth consistency.
9. Add bay leaves and wild rice to the pot, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil before reducing the heat to a gentle simmer.
10. Allow the rice to cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
11. Introduce cubed potatoes to the pot and continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes until both the rice and potatoes are tender and fully cooked.
12. Pour in heavy cream, creating a rich and luxurious base for the chowder.
13. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as needed.
14. Warm the chowder through, ensuring all ingredients are heated evenly.
15. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor before serving hot.

Notes

• Elevate your comfort food game with this hearty chowder that transforms simple ingredients into a soul-warming meal.
• Prepping vegetables in advance cuts down cooking time and ensures a smooth, stress-free kitchen experience.
• Wild rice adds unexpected texture and nutritional boost, making this chowder more than just another potato soup.
• Homemade versions always taste better than store-bought, with fresher ingredients and personalized seasoning.
• Leftovers taste even more delicious the next day as flavors continue to meld and develop in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 55mg