Name: Cajun Potato Soup with Sausage Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Cajun
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 garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 4 cups (960 g) chicken broth; 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed; ½ cup (119 g) heavy whipping cream; 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded; Parsley, chopped for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 86 reviews

If you’re craving a bowl of comfort with a kick, this Cajun Potato Soup with Sausage Recipe is exactly what you need. It blends creamy potatoes, smoky sausage, and bold Cajun spices for a soup that warms you to the core. Believe me, once you try this, you’ll want to keep it in your dinner rotation all year round—my family absolutely goes crazy for it!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, Creamy Texture: The combination of potatoes, heavy cream, and cheddar creates a velvety soup you’ll savor with every spoonful.
Perfect Spicy Kick: Cajun seasoning and cayenne add warmth without overwhelming the flavors—just right for those craving a little heat.
Hearty and Satisfying: With sausage and vegetables, this soup stands as a meal on its own—great for busy weeknights.
Easy One-Pot Prep: Minimal cleanup and straightforward steps make it a winner for any home cook.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with a creamy soup showing three layers: the top layer has chunks of light yellow potatoes and reddish-brown sausage slices, the middle layer is a thick creamy broth with small bits of herbs sprinkled on top, and the bottom layer includes some small pieces of onions and carrots with a soft texture. A silver ladle with a curved handle scoops from the bowl, lifting a portion showing the same chunky mixture. The background has a white marbled texture with blurred elements, and a woman's hand partly visible on the right side holding the ladle. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cajun Potato Soup with Sausage, Cajun sausage potato soup, spicy potato soup, creamy Cajun soup, hearty sausage potato stew

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients blend seamlessly to create that signature Cajun warmth balanced by creamy potatoes and savory sausage. When you shop, look for good-quality andouille sausage—the smokier, the better—and fresh produce to boost flavor.

Flat lay of a few slices of andouille sausage arranged neatly, a small mound of diced white onion, a small pile of diced celery ribs, half of a red bell pepper diced into cubes, a small heap of minced garlic, a small white ceramic bowl with a blend of Cajun seasoning spices including paprika and cayenne powder, a peeled russet potato cut into cubes, a small white ceramic bowl filled with chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl holding heavy whipping cream, a small white ceramic bowl with shredded mild cheddar cheese, a few sprigs of fresh chopped parsley, a small white ceramic bowl with vegetable oil, two whole uncracked brown eggs placed apart, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cajun Potato Soup with Sausage, Cajun sausage potato soup, spicy potato soup, creamy Cajun soup, hearty sausage potato stew

Andouille sausage: This smoky sausage lends authentic Cajun flavor; if you can’t find it, a smoked kielbasa works too.
Vegetable oil: A neutral oil is best here to brown the sausage without overpowering it.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed—yellow or white onions work well.
Celery: Provides a subtle crunch and slight bitterness that balances richness.
Red bell pepper: Adds color and a touch of sweetness to the soup.
Garlic: Essential for that savory punch; always use fresh minced garlic.
Cajun seasoning: The star spice blend—feel free to adjust the amount if you want it milder or spicier.
Kosher salt and black pepper: To enhance all the natural flavors.
Paprika: Adds smoky undertones and beautiful color.
Cayenne pepper: Gives that signature heat—add less if you prefer a milder soup.
Chicken broth: Provides the savory base; homemade or store-bought both work.
Russet potatoes: Perfect for mashing slightly in the soup, lending thickness and creaminess.
Heavy whipping cream: This is what makes the soup luxuriously creamy—you can’t skip it!
Mild cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly to enrich the soup with cheesy goodness.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh herbal note as a garnish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about this Cajun Potato Soup with Sausage Recipe is how adaptable it is. I love tweaking it for different occasions or diets, and you’ll find it easy to make it your own.

Vegetarian version: Swap the sausage for smoked mushrooms or plant-based sausage; I’ve tried this, and it still packs lots of flavor.
Extra spicy: Add more cayenne or some hot sauce if you like a serious kick like my husband does.
Cheese variations: Try sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a different twist—I’ve mixed it up and loved both.
Thicker texture: Mash some potatoes with a spoon after simmering to get a chunkier, stew-like feel.
Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the cheese for a creamy dairy-free option I make for friends sometimes.

How to Make Cajun Potato Soup with Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Brown the sausage for smoky flavor

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fragrant—about 3 to 4 minutes. Browning the sausage first not only enhances the flavor but also adds those crispy edges I love. Once browned, transfer it to a plate and set aside while you cook the veggies.

Step 2: Sauté the veggies to build the base

Using the same pot (don’t bother cleaning it—those sausage bits are flavor gold!), add the onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute—don’t let it brown, just soften to release the aroma. This veggie mix gives the soup its depth and sweetness.

Step 3: Simmer potatoes with spices and broth

Now add the Cajun seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, chicken broth, and cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir everything well to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. I always test a few cubes just to make sure—they should be tender but not falling apart completely.

Step 4: Bring it all together with cream, cheese, and sausage

Return the browned sausage slices to the pot. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the shredded mild cheddar cheese. Stir gently and let everything cook for about 5 more minutes, until the soup is heated through and the cheese has melted into that gorgeous creamy base. This is when the soup really comes alive—the creaminess balances the spices, and the sausage adds satisfying heartiness.

Step 5: Finish with fresh parsley and serve warm

Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and bright herbal flavor. Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s still warm—trust me, it won’t last long once the family smells it!

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Pro Tips for Making Cajun Potato Soup with Sausage Recipe

Don’t skip browning the sausage: It’s the key to getting that smoky depth that makes this soup so crave-worthy.
Use russet potatoes: Their starchiness helps thicken the soup naturally as you simmer.
Adjust the spice level carefully: Start with less cayenne if you’re sensitive—it’s easy to add more later, but you can’t take it out!
Stir gently when adding cheese: To avoid a grainy texture, add cheese slowly and keep heat moderate so it melts smoothly.

How to Serve Cajun Potato Soup with Sausage Recipe

A round deep pan with dark blue handles holds a creamy yellow-orange soup filled with large chunks of light yellow potatoes, slices of browned sausage with a reddish-brown outer skin, and small bits of cooked onions and red pepper. The soup is sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs, giving a fresh touch. Around the pan, small wooden bowls contain shredded yellow cheese and finely chopped green herbs, all set on a white marbled surface. A round bread roll sits on a wooden board nearby. The colors are warm and inviting, showing a rich and hearty dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cajun Potato Soup with Sausage, Cajun sausage potato soup, spicy potato soup, creamy Cajun soup, hearty sausage potato stew

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with fresh chopped parsley, but sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits for extra indulgence. A little shredded cheddar on top never hurts either—go with whatever feels right for your taste buds!

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty French bread or warm cornbread to soak up every last drop. I’ve also served it alongside a fresh green salad when I want something lighter on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve the soup in mini bread bowls—everyone loves the fun presentation and the edible “bowl” just makes it feel extra cozy. Also, a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top right before serving adds a beautiful pop of color and aroma that really wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and the soup actually tastes even better the next day—the flavors have had time to meld. Just give it a good stir when reheating, as the cheese can settle.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup successfully by letting it cool completely and then portioning it into freezer-safe containers. When thawed, the texture might be a bit thinner, so I recommend reheating gently and stirring well, maybe adding a splash of cream to bring back that richness.

Reheating

Warm leftovers on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup feels too thick, just add a little extra broth or cream as you stir to get it back to the perfect creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use other types of sausage for this Cajun Potato Soup?

Absolutely! While andouille sausage is traditional for its flavor and smokiness, you can substitute with smoked kielbasa, chorizo, or even a spicy Italian sausage, depending on your preference. Just make sure to brown it well to develop the best flavor.
Is Cajun Potato Soup with Sausage Recipe very spicy?

This recipe strikes a nice balance between warmth and spice. The cayenne and Cajun seasonings give it a pleasant kick without overpowering, but you can easily adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage. Just be gentle when reheating to maintain that creamy texture.
What can I serve with Cajun Potato Soup for a complete meal?

Pair your soup with crusty bread, cornbread, or a light green salad. For a heartier meal, you can add a simple side of roasted vegetables or even a sandwich on the side.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Cajun Potato Soup with Sausage Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. I discovered this recipe when I needed something comforting but quick, and it quickly became a family favorite. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll agree it’s the perfect mix of creamy, spicy, and satisfying. You’re going to love having this one in your homemade soup arsenal!