It’s a blustery day, the kind where you just want to curl up with something warm and delicious, you know? Well, friend, let me tell you about my absolute go-to for those evenings: Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage! Seriously, this soup is like a hug in a bowl, and the best part? It’s ridiculously easy. I’m talking “throw everything in the slow cooker and forget about it” easy. Perfect for those crazy busy weeknights when you’re running around, but still crave a home-cooked meal.
I’ve been making this soup for ages. My grandma used to make a similar one, which I loved as a kid. I found that using the slow cooker makes it even better, because the flavors meld together so beautifully, and the potatoes just get melt-in-your-mouth tender. Honestly, I make a big batch every few weeks now, because it’s a lifesaver!
Why You’ll Love This Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage
Okay, so, why is this soup the BEST? Let me break it down for you:
- Super Simple: Seriously, it’s a dump-and-go kind of recipe! The slow cooker does all the work.
- Flavor Bomb: The sausage adds a ton of savory deliciousness, and the potatoes get so creamy. Mmm!
- Perfect Comfort Food: Seriously, nothing beats a warm bowl as the weather gets chilly.
- Make-Ahead Magic: It’s even better the next day, which makes it great for meal prepping!
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage
Alright, so to make this amazing soup, you’re not going to need a ton! Honestly, it’s pretty pantry-friendly, which I love. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound Italian sausage, sliced (or your fave kind!)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because, garlic!)
- 4 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 1-inch cubes)
- 4 cups chicken broth – the good stuff!
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste, of course!)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground, if you’re feeling fancy!)
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream (for extra creamy goodness!)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but YUM!)
- Chopped chives or green onions, for garnish (also optional, but pretty!)
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage
Okay, so, here’s the absolute easiest way to make this amazing soup! Honestly, it’s so simple; you’ll be making it again and again. The slow cooker really is the star of the show here. Just a few easy steps, and then you can forget about it while your kitchen fills with the most amazing smells. Trust me, it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights!
Preparing the Ingredients
First up, let’s get our ingredients ready. Grab your sausage and slice it up. I like about half-inch slices, but do what you like! Next, chop your onion – I just do a rough chop, nothing fancy. Mince your garlic, because, well, garlic makes everything better! And finally, peel and cube your potatoes. I like to cut them into about 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly.
Cooking the Soup in the Slow Cooker
Now, this is the super easy part! Throw everything – and I mean, *everything* – except the milk/cream and cheese and garnishes, into your slow cooker. That’s the sausage, onion, garlic, potatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir. Then, set that baby on low for 6-8 hours, or if you’re in a hurry (we’ve all been there!), on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are fork-tender.
Finishing Touches and Serving
Once the potatoes are nice and soft, it’s time to finish things off! Stir in the milk or cream – it’ll make the soup so creamy and dreamy! If you’re using cheese, stir that in now until it’s all melted and gooey. Taste it, and add a little more salt and pepper if you need to. Finally, ladle it into bowls and garnish with chopped chives or green onions. Yum!
Tips for Success with Your Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage
So, you want to make the absolute BEST Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage? Awesome! I’ve made this soup more times than I can count, so I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. First off, taste, taste, taste! Seriously, every slow cooker is a little different, and everyone likes things seasoned differently. Don’t be shy about adding extra salt and pepper – or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick!
Also, if you want a thicker soup (and who doesn’t love a thicker soup?), you have a couple of options. You can mash some of the potatoes with a fork or potato masher at the end. Or, you can take out a cup or two of the cooked soup, blend it with an immersion blender, and stir it back in. It’s like magic! Oh, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different kinds of sausage!
Variations to Spice Up Your Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage
Okay, so, you’ve made the basic soup, and it’s amazing, right? But you know I’m always one to say, “Let’s kick things up a notch!” Trust me, this soup is a blank canvas just begging for some creative additions. Feel free to swap out the sausage for something different! Andouille sausage is a total flavor bomb, or maybe try some chicken sausage for a lighter version.
You can also totally change up the veggies. Add some carrots for sweetness! A little bit of celery adds a nice crunch. And don’t be shy with the herbs – fresh thyme or rosemary would be delicious! Have fun with it, that’s what cooking is all about!
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage
Okay, so, you’ve made a big pot of this dreamy soup (smart move!). The absolute best part? You can totally make it ahead of time! It’s fantastic for meal prepping or just having a quick, delicious dinner waiting for you during the week. Seriously, I do this all the time!
You can store the soup in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just let it cool completely before you put it in an airtight container. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you’re freezing it, let it cool completely, then freeze it in a freezer-safe container or bag. I like to freeze it in individual portions – perfect for those busy lunches! Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage
Alright, so you’ve got questions? I’ve got answers! I get asked about this soup all the time, and I’m happy to share my wisdom. These are some of the most common questions I get, and hopefully, they help you make the best, coziest soup ever. Don’t be shy; if you have other questions, feel free to ask!
Can I use frozen potatoes?
You know, frozen potatoes can be a lifesaver for busy cooks like us! But for this soup, I don’t really recommend them. See, frozen potatoes have a higher water content, and they can get a little mushy in the slow cooker. Fresh, peeled, and cubed are really the way to go for the best texture!
How do I thicken the soup?
Want a heartier, thicker soup? No problem! The easiest way is to mash some of the potatoes right in the slow cooker with a potato masher or a fork. Another way is to take out a cup or two of the cooked soup and blend it with an immersion blender. Stir it back in, and boom – instant thickness! If you really want to kick it up a notch, a tablespoon or two of cornstarch mixed with a bit of cold water, added towards the end, will do the trick.
What kind of sausage is best?
Oh, the options! This is where you can really get creative. I love a good Italian sausage for that classic flavor. But honestly, any sausage you enjoy will work! Smoked sausage adds a smoky depth. Andouille sausage gives you a Cajun kick. Experiment and see what you like best! Just make sure it’s fully cooked before you serve it, of course!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage
Alright, so here’s a rough idea of what you’re looking at when it comes to the nutrition, but a quick heads up: this is just an estimate! The actual values will change based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, and how much you put in your bowl. So, keep that in mind!
Enjoy!
Enjoy Your Delicious Cozy Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage!
There you have it, friend! A big ol’ pot of the most comforting, easiest soup you’ll ever make. I really hope you love it as much as I do. If you make it, please, PLEASE come back and rate the recipe and leave a comment below! I’d love to hear how it went (and if you made any fun variations!). And don’t forget to share those soup-y pics on social media! I can’t wait to see your creations!
Happy cooking!