Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Chowder

When the temperatures drop, there’s something undeniably cozy about a warm bowl of chowder. As the comforting aroma of sausage and potatoes fills the kitchen, engaging your senses, you can’t help but feel right at home. This Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Chowder is not only rich and satisfying but is also packed with about 25 grams of protein per serving, making it a nourishing option for chilly evenings. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that effortlessly combines flavor with the convenience of a slow cooker.

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Why This Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Chowder is the Ultimate Comfort Food

There’s a reason why this chowder has graced many dinner tables—it’s a foolproof recipe that delivers rich flavor without requiring hours of effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a lazy Sunday, this chowder takes the stress out of mealtime. Just throw the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you focus on your family, a good book, or even a quick binge-watch session.

The Essentials

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful chowder:

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 pound sausage, casings removed
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 16 ounces frozen corn
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 cup heavy cream

Let’s Cook

Now, let’s walk through the process step-by-step to ensure everything goes smoothly:

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up as it cooks until nicely browned. This step builds the initial depth of flavor!
2. Stir in the diced onion and chopped garlic. Cook for a few minutes until the onion softens. This mixture should be fragrant and inviting.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for another minute. This will help thicken your chowder later on.
4. Pour the sausage mixture into your slow cooker. Trust me, all those bits of flavor are essential!
5. Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, frozen corn, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Stir well to combine. You’re building hearty goodness here.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender. Slowly cooked flavors are unbeatable.
7. Stir in the heavy cream and gently mash some of the potatoes to create that perfect creamy texture.
8. Cover again and let it cook for another 30 minutes on low to meld those flavors.
9. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm with a garnish of parsley and crusty bread.

Nutrition Breakdown

Each serving of this chowder provides an impressive nutrition profile. A typical serving size offers approximately 380 calories, with 25 grams of protein, 45 grams of carbohydrates, 17 grams of fat, and 4 grams of fiber. The combination of protein-packed sausage and hearty potatoes makes this chowder not just comforting but satisfying. The fiber from the potatoes and corn can also contribute to digestive health, making this meal not only delicious but healthy as well.

Table-Ready in Minutes

To serve, ladle generous portions into bowls garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. For the ultimate comfort, pair it with crusty artisanal bread or homemade biscuits for dipping. This chowder is especially delightful during the fall and winter months, offering warmth on those brisk evenings.

How to Store It Right

This chowder is perfect for making ahead! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave; it’ll taste just as good as the day you made it. To maintain its creamy texture, avoid boiling when reheating.

Expert Tips

1. Sauté the sausage until it’s deeply browned for maximum flavor.
2. Use a combination of Yukon Gold and russet potatoes for varied texture.
3. If you prefer a spicier chowder, opt for a spicy sausage or add diced jalapeños during cooking.
4. Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor; consider adding parsley or chives just before serving.
5. For an extra flavor boost, deglaze your skillet with a splash of white wine after cooking the sausage.

Flavor Experiments

• Seasonal Twist: Add diced butternut squash during the final hour of cooking for a fall-inspired sweet note.
• Gourmet Upgrade: Stir in a handful of freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled feta right before serving for a decadent touch.
• Playful Variation: Mix in some cooked bacon or pancetta to add smokiness to the chowder.

Learn from My Mistakes

1. Overcooked Potatoes: If you cook the chowder on high for too long, the potatoes can turn mushy. Aim to check them around the 3-hour mark.
2. Not Enough Seasoning: Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Sometimes chowders need that final pinch of salt!
3. Sticking Ingredients: If your skillet isn’t hot enough, the sausage might stick. Make sure you preheat before adding.
4. Thick Consistency: If your chowder is too thick after cooking, stir in a bit more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
5. Wrong Sausage Choice: Using a lean sausage might lead to a less flavorful chowder. Opt for something with a bit of fat for richness.

What to Do with Leftovers

• Chowder-stuffed Potatoes: Hollow out baked potatoes and fill them with leftover chowder for a delicious twist.
• Chowder Casserole: Mix the chowder with cooked pasta, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly for a cheesy casserole dish.
• Chowder Quesadillas: Spread some chowder on a tortilla, top with cheese, fold, and grill for a tasty quesadilla.

Quick Questions

• Can I use fresh corn? Absolutely! Fresh corn will add a bright flavor to the chowder. Just be sure to add it during the last hour of cooking.
• Can I make this vegetarian? You can substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• How do I get a thicker chowder? For a thicker chowder, mash more potatoes and stir them back into the broth towards the end of cooking.
• Can I freeze the chowder? Yes! This chowder freezes great. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

With this recipe, you’re not just making a chowder; you’re crafting warm memories in a bowl. Enjoy the comforting flavors and the joy of sharing it with loved ones!