Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crockpot Creamy Sausage and Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh kale in a rich, creamy broth. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld perfectly, making it an easy and delicious meal that warms you from the inside out. The addition of sausage gives the soup a hearty, savory depth, while the creamy texture makes each spoonful indulgent. With minimal prep and the convenience of the slow cooker, this soup is perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the crumbled Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and transfer the sausage to the Crockpot.
- Add the chicken broth, diced potatoes, and diced onion to the Crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the chopped kale to the Crockpot and stir to combine. Cook until the kale is tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on high until the soup is creamy and well-combined.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning, adding red pepper flakes for heat if desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional pepper or a sprinkle of cheese if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Cooking Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Additional Time for Cream: 10-15 minutes on high
Variations
- Spicy Version: If you like a little extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño along with the kale.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version of the soup.
- Herb Variations: Add a pinch of thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: To make this soup dairy-free, use coconut milk or another non-dairy cream alternative instead of heavy cream.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of extra broth or water if needed to adjust the consistency.
FAQs
How long can I keep leftovers of Crockpot Creamy Sausage and Potato Soup?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Can I use other greens instead of kale?
Yes, you can substitute kale with other leafy greens like spinach, Swiss chard, or even collard greens. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of greens you use.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. It stores well in the fridge and can even be made a day in advance for the flavors to develop.
Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! You can add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or parsnips to increase the flavor and nutrition of the soup. Add them along with the potatoes for the best results.
How do I adjust the thickness of the soup?
If the soup is too thick, you can add more chicken broth or water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, you can let it cook a little longer with the lid off to reduce the liquid.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free sausage and broth. Be sure to check the labels of the sausage and broth to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I use frozen potatoes?
It’s best to use fresh potatoes in this soup, as frozen potatoes might break down too much and become mushy. However, if you need to use frozen potatoes, make sure they are diced and add them in during the last hour of cooking.
Can I use a different kind of greens like spinach?
Yes, spinach is a great alternative to kale and will cook much quicker. Add spinach in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking it.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To make the soup spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add hot sauce to taste.
Conclusion
Crockpot Creamy Sausage and Potato Soup is a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender potatoes, flavorful sausage, and the goodness of kale in a creamy broth, this soup hits all the right notes. It’s easy to make, filling, and customizable based on your preferences. Whether you serve it as a main dish or alongside a fresh salad, this comforting soup will become a family favorite!
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Zuppa Toscana
- Total Time: 6.5 to 7.5 hours
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crockpot Creamy Sausage and Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and hearty kale in a creamy broth. This slow-cooked soup is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With its rich, indulgent texture and customizable flavors, this soup is sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
Ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
4 cups chicken broth
4 cups potatoes, diced
1 onion, diced
2 cups kale, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook crumbled sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat and transfer sausage to the Crockpot.
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Add chicken broth, diced potatoes, and diced onion to the Crockpot. Stir to combine.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
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About 30 minutes before serving, add chopped kale and stir. Cook until kale is tender.
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Stir in heavy cream, salt, and pepper, and cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until creamy.
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Taste and adjust seasoning, adding red pepper flakes for heat if desired.
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Serve hot, garnished with additional pepper or cheese if desired.
Notes
For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño along with the kale.
To make this soup vegetarian, swap sausage for plant-based sausage or omit it entirely.
Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder for extra flavor.
For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food, Crockpot Recipes
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American