The Ultimate Potato and Sausage Chowder Recipe for Cozy Nights

Cold winter nights demand a warm, soul-soothing meal like this hearty potato and sausage chowder that promises pure comfort.

Creamy textures and robust flavors mingle in every spoonful of this satisfying dish.

Russet potatoes and savory sausage create a delightful combination that warms you from the inside out.

Packed with rich ingredients and simple seasonings, this chowder delivers a deeply satisfying meal in less than an hour.

Crisp vegetables and tender meat blend seamlessly into a thick, luxurious base that feels like a warm embrace.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of heartiness and flavor that transforms an ordinary evening into something special.

Ladle this chowder into bowls and watch as smiles spread around the table.

Tips for Satisfying Potato Chowder

• Remove excess sausage fat while keeping enough for rich flavor, ensuring a balanced and delicious chowder without greasiness.
• Slowly cook onions, celery, and carrots over low heat to develop deep, sweet undertones that enhance the overall soup's complexity.
• Add wild rice first, then potatoes later to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal texture for each ingredient.
• Sprinkle flour gradually and stir consistently to create a lump-free base that thickens the chowder beautifully without clumping.
• Stir cream at the end and warm briefly to prevent separation, preserving the silky, luxurious texture of the chowder.

Potato Chowder Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Potato Chowder: Replace sausage with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or vegetarian sausage crumbles, maintaining the same cooking technique and spice profile.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for the roux, ensuring the same thickening effect without wheat-based ingredients.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap potatoes and wild rice with cauliflower florets and cauliflower rice, reducing overall carbohydrate content while preserving the chowder's creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and choose dairy-free sausage options to create a lactose-free version that still delivers rich, comforting flavors.

Serving the Best Potato Chowder

• Rustic Bread Companion: Slice crusty sourdough or hearty whole grain bread to soak up the rich, creamy chowder and add delightful texture.
• Cheese Topping Delight: Sprinkle sharp cheddar, crumbled gouda, or parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of savory flavor and creamy richness.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Scatter additional fresh chopped parsley or chives just before serving to brighten the dish with a pop of color and fresh herbal notes.
• Crispy Bacon Crunch: Crumble some crispy bacon bits over the chowder for an irresistible smoky crunch that complements the sausage's robust taste.

Saving Potato and Sausage Chowder Leftover

• Store leftover chowder in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chowder to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if cream is added, as it might separate upon thawing.
• Place portion in microwave-safe bowl. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add splash of chicken stock to restore creamy consistency if needed.

FAQs

• Why use wild rice in this chowder?

Wild rice adds a nutty flavor and provides extra texture and nutritional value. It’s a whole grain that brings more complexity to the dish compared to regular white rice.

• Can I substitute the sausage with another meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausage as alternatives. Just ensure the substitute has similar seasoning to maintain the chowder’s rich flavor profile.

• Is this chowder gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains flour for the roux. To make it gluten-free, you can replace wheat flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to create the thickening base.

Why This Chowder Is Extra Hearty

• A soul-warming dish packed with rich, satisfying flavors that hug you from the inside out.
• Swap sausage types, adjust spices, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without extensive kitchen work.
• Kid-approved recipe that pleases both adults and children, offering nutritious ingredients in a deliciously approachable way.

Potato Sausage Chowder Ingredient Guide

• Sausage: A flavorful protein that provides a rich and hearty foundation for the chowder.
• Olive Oil: Helps to brown the sausage and create a delicious base for cooking.

• Onion, Celery, Carrots: A classic mirepoix that builds a deep and aromatic flavor profile for the chowder.
• Garlic, Thyme: Adds additional layers of herb and aromatic notes to enhance the overall taste.

• Flour: Creates a smooth roux to thicken the chowder and provide a creamy texture.
• Wild Rice: Adds a nutty flavor and provides additional texture to the dish.
• Potatoes: Hearty root vegetable that makes the chowder substantial and filling.

• Chicken Stock: Provides a rich liquid base that adds depth to the chowder.
• Bay Leaves: Offers a subtle herbal background flavor to the dish.
• Cream: Gives the chowder a luxurious and smooth consistency.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance and balance the overall flavor.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the chowder.

Equipment for Cozy Chowder Nights

• Large soup pot: Essential for cooking and combining all ingredients.
• Spatula: Perfect for breaking up sausage and stirring mixture.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for slicing sausage, dicing onions, and cutting potatoes.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Help ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.

Steps for Creamy Potato Chowder

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Grab a large soup pot and heat olive oil.

Squeeze sausage out of its casing directly into the pot.

Break up the meat with a spatula, cooking until it turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Once fully cooked, transfer the sausage to a separate plate.

If the meat looks super greasy, drain some fat but keep a thin layer for extra flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Base

Toss chopped onions, celery, and carrots into the same pot.

Let them dance over low heat for about 10 minutes.

Add minced garlic and thyme, stirring for just 30 seconds to release their aromatic magic.

Step 3: Create a Flavor-Packed Roux

Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables.

Mix thoroughly until a thick paste forms.

Continue cooking for a few minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.

Step 4: Build the Chowder Foundation

Return the browned sausage to the pot.

Slowly pour in chicken stock, stirring to create a smooth mixture.

• Bay leaves
• Wild rice

Bring the pot to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away on low to medium heat for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Add Hearty Potatoes

Introduce cubed potatoes to the chowder.

Cook for an additional 15 minutes until both wild rice and potatoes become wonderfully tender.

Step 6: Finish with Creamy Richness

Pour in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.

Warm the chowder through, then remove from heat.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.

Get ready for a comforting meal that hugs your soul!

Hearty Potato and Sausage Chowder – Perfect Comfort Food Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Potato and sausage chowder brings warmth to winter dinners with creamy, rich flavors from Wisconsin potatoes and spicy Italian sausage. Homemade comfort awaits with this simple one-pot meal you will savor to the last delicious spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 400g (14.11 ounces) (6) sausages, any flavor

Vegetables:

• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 tablespoons plain/all-purpose flour
• 750ml (3 cups) chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 100g (1/2 cup) wild rice
• 375ml (1 1/2 cups) single/light cream or half and half
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Liberate sausage from its casing, crumble into the pot, and sauté until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Transfer to a separate plate, reserving about 2 tablespoons of rendered fat.
2. Return pot to heat, introduce chopped onion, celery, and sliced carrots. Gently sweat vegetables for 10 minutes until softened. Incorporate minced garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to release aromatic oils.
3. Dust vegetables with flour, stirring to create a cohesive paste. Toast the mixture for 2-3 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
4. Reintroduce cooked sausage to the pot. Gradually stream in chicken stock, whisking to prevent lumps. Add bay leaves and wild rice, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low, allowing the chowder to simmer for 30 minutes, developing deep flavors and tenderizing the wild rice.
6. Fold in cubed potatoes, continuing to cook for 15 minutes until both potatoes and rice reach perfect tenderness.
7. Finish the chowder with cream, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Warm through without boiling.
8. Ladle into serving bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous freshness.

Notes

• Customize Sausage Selection experiment with different types like spicy Italian, chorizo, or chicken sausage to create unique flavor profiles and suit various dietary preferences.
• Rice Alternatives swap wild rice with quinoa, barley, or cauliflower rice for gluten-free or lower-carb options that maintain the chowder’s hearty texture.
• Fat Management skim excess sausage fat to reduce calories, or use leaner sausage varieties without compromising the rich, robust taste of the dish.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation replace heavy cream with coconut milk, almond milk, or cashew cream to make the chowder suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners while preserving its creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 70mg