The Ultimate Potato Sausage Chowder Recipe: Hearty & Homemade

Potato sausage chowder whispers warmth into cold winter kitchens, promising comfort with every creamy spoonful.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic midwestern dish.

Rich flavors emerge from simple, wholesome components that speak to rustic cooking traditions.

Crisp bacon bits and tender potatoes create a delightful textural contrast you’ll adore.

Savory sausage chunks nestle among soft potato pieces, delivering robust satisfaction.

Creamy broth embraces each ingredient, forming a harmonious meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Discover why this chowder has been a beloved staple for generations – one taste, and you’ll understand its irresistible charm.

Why Potato Sausage Chowder Feels So Comforting

• Super easy one-pot recipe requiring minimal prep and cooking skills, making it ideal for beginners or busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Versatile chowder allows endless personalization by swapping sausage types, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to match family preferences and dietary needs.
• Delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort, making it an excellent option for family dinners, potlucks, or feeding hungry guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for a Hearty Potato Sausage Chowder

• Sausage: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the chowder.
• Potatoes: Creamy and comforting starch that provides the chowder's thick base and filling texture.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the potatoes and creates the soup's foundation.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a deep, savory flavor profile for the chowder.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and creates a smooth, velvety texture to the chowder.
• Corn: Provides a sweet, fresh element that complements the savory sausage and creamy base.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the sausage and aromatics to develop deep flavor.
• Parsley, Cheese: Optional toppings that can add fresh herbal notes or extra richness to the chowder.

Simple Instructions for Making the Chowder

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Carefully add sausage and cook until it develops a rich, golden-brown color, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks.

Transfer the browned sausage to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Aromatic Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance throughout the kitchen.

Step 3: Simmer Potatoes

Add the diced potatoes to the pot.

Pour in chicken broth, covering the potatoes completely.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer.

Cook until potatoes are fork-tender and start to break down slightly, creating a creamy texture.

Step 4: Blend Creamy Goodness

• Heavy cream
• Sweet corn kernels
• Browned sausage

Allow the chowder to simmer for a few more minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Season with salt and black pepper to enhance the overall taste.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Ladle the steaming chowder into warm bowls.

Optional garnishes include fresh chopped parsley, shredded cheddar cheese, or a sprinkle of green onions for an extra pop of flavor.

Pro Tips for Potato Sausage Chowder Success

• Brown sausage thoroughly to develop deep, rich caramelized notes that enhance the overall chowder taste.
• Cut potatoes into uniform small cubes to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Simmer cream-based mixture gently to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, velvety texture.
• Select spicy or mild sausage based on personal preference to adjust the chowder's overall flavor profile.
• Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley just before serving to add brightness and a pop of color to the comforting chowder.

How to Store and Reheat Potato Sausage Chowder

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Chowder stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping its delicious flavors intact.
• Pour cooled chowder into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze up to 2-3 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Transfer chowder to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Pour chowder into a pot, add a splash of broth or water to prevent scorching. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method helps maintain the original creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions for Potato Sausage Chowder

• Pair Hearty Craft Beer: Select a robust amber ale or German-style bock that complements the rich, meaty chowder with its malty backbone and warm undertones.
• Create Crisp Side Salad: Toss together a light green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the chowder's creaminess and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match Rustic Sourdough Bread: Serve thick slices of crusty sourdough bread alongside the chowder, perfect for soaking up the creamy broth and adding textural variety.
• Complement with Pinot Noir: Choose a medium-bodied Pinot Noir wine that offers subtle fruitiness and smooth tannins to balance the chowder's rich, savory profile.

Flavorful Variations of Potato Sausage Chowder

• Vegetarian Potato Chowder: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth and add smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use olive oil instead of butter and select dairy-free sausage alternatives.
• Low-Carb Version: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets. Use turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a leaner protein option. Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for enhanced taste.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure sausage is gluten-free certified. Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening. Verify all ingredients are gluten-free and check broth labels carefully.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute the sausage with kielbasa, Italian sausage, or chorizo for different flavor profiles. Just ensure the sausage is fully cooked before adding to the chowder.

• Is this chowder gluten-free?

The recipe as written is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your broth and sausage do not contain hidden gluten ingredients.

• How can I make this chowder more hearty?

Add extra protein like diced chicken or additional vegetables like diced carrots or celery to increase the heartiness and nutritional value of the chowder.

• Can I freeze this potato sausage chowder?

Yes, you can freeze the chowder for up to 3 months. However, the cream may slightly separate upon thawing, so whisk well when reheating to restore the texture.

Comforting Potato Sausage Chowder Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty potato sausage chowder brings warmth to winter dinner tables with its rich, creamy blend of savory sausage and tender potatoes. Comfort flows through each spoonful, inviting you to savor this satisfying midwest classic that promises to chase away cold-weather blues.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound sausage (Italian or kielbasa, sliced or crumbled)

Vegetables and Starch:

• 4 medium potatoes (about 2 pounds, peeled and diced)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped parsley
• Shredded cheese

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature, sizzle sausage until golden brown and crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer browned sausage to a separate plate, leaving behind flavorful drippings.
2. Utilize the same pot to caramelize onions and garlic, stirring frequently until onions become translucent and aromatic, roughly 3-4 minutes.
3. Introduce diced potatoes into the pot, then flood with chicken or vegetable broth. Elevate heat to generate a rolling boil, subsequently reduce to a gentle simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing potatoes to soften and absorb liquid.
4. Incorporate heavy cream and corn kernels, continuing to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. Carefully season with salt and freshly ground pepper, adjusting flavor profile to personal preference.
5. Carefully return browned sausage to the pot, gently stirring to integrate and warm through completely.
6. Ladle steaming chowder into serving bowls, creating an inviting presentation. Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley or grated cheese on top for enhanced visual appeal and complementary flavor.

Notes

• Choose spicy or mild sausage based on personal heat preference, ensuring a customized flavor profile.
• Swap regular sausage with plant-based alternatives for vegetarian diets, maintaining the hearty texture and taste.
• Reduce cream content or use low-fat milk to create a lighter version without compromising the chowder’s rich essence.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like carrots or celery during the aromatics stage for increased depth and vitamins.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg