Warm, creamy, and full of smoky spice, Cajun Potato Soup brings comfort in every spoonful. With tender potatoes, zesty sausage, and melted cheddar, this easy soup recipe fills your kitchen with cozy southern aromas — perfect for weeknights or chilly weekends.

Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Potato Soup
This hearty soup balances creamy richness with bold Cajun spice, creating a warm and satisfying bowl every time. The smoky andouille sausage pairs beautifully with tender potatoes and savory vegetables, while a splash of cream and cheese makes it luxuriously smooth. You’ll love that it’s made with simple, affordable ingredients yet tastes like something from a New Orleans kitchen. Plus, it’s family-friendly and easy to customize — add veggies or adjust spice levels to suit your taste. It’s comfort food made simple, ideal for busy nights or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients
You’ll start with andouille sausage, the heart of Cajun flavor. Its smoky spice deepens the soup’s aroma and adds a rich meaty taste. Russet potatoes give the soup its creamy body when simmered until tender. Onion, celery, and red bell pepper create the classic “Cajun trinity,” forming a savory base that builds flavor. Garlic adds warmth, while Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne bring that kick of heat. Chicken broth ties it all together with a comforting depth, and heavy cream with melted cheddar adds a luscious finish.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you can’t find andouille, use kielbasa or smoked bratwurst for a milder touch. Swap Yukon gold or red potatoes for russets if you prefer a softer or slightly waxy texture. To tone down the spice, simply reduce cayenne pepper or pick a mild sausage. You can also replace cheddar with Monterey Jack or Colby for a different flavor twist. The recipe is forgiving, so play with what you have on hand while keeping that comforting Cajun flair.
How to Make Cajun Potato Soup
Step 1 – Brown the Sausage
Start by heating vegetable oil in a large pot. Add the sausage rounds and cook them until browned, about three to four minutes. This step builds a smoky layer of flavor and gives the soup its signature depth. Remove the sausage and set it aside, keeping those flavorful bits in the pot.
Step 2 – Sauté the Vegetables
Next, add onion, celery, and red bell pepper to the same pot. Stir and cook until softened, about five to eight minutes. The veggies absorb the leftover sausage flavor, creating a savory base. Add garlic and cook for another minute, stirring often to keep it from burning.
Step 3 – Add Broth and Potatoes
Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in diced potatoes, Cajun seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for twenty to twenty-five minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. The broth will thicken slightly as the starch releases from the potatoes.
Step 4 – Stir in Cream and Cheese
Once the potatoes are tender, return the sausage to the pot. Pour in the cream and add shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and everything blends into a smooth, creamy soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 5 – Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with chopped parsley or a little extra cheese. Serve it hot with crusty bread or cornbread on the side. Every spoonful delivers smoky, creamy comfort.
Tips for the Best Cajun Potato Soup
Use fresh vegetables for maximum flavor, and brown the sausage well for that smoky richness. If you prefer a thicker soup, mash a few potatoes right in the pot before adding the cream. For extra depth, sprinkle in a dash of smoked paprika. Always add the cream at the end to keep it from curdling. Finally, let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving — it tastes even better as the flavors mingle.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this hearty soup with crusty garlic bread, buttery cornbread, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. It also goes great with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple Caesar salad. For a cozy meal, serve it alongside your favorite winter dessert like Magic Cake Eggnog Christmas Dessert or Christmas Cookie Lasagna Dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions
Let the soup cool before storing it in airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for three to four days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or use the microwave in short bursts. The soup will thicken slightly after cooling, so you can add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it while reheating. Avoid boiling it again once the cream is added to keep its silky texture intact.
Can You Freeze Cajun Potato Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully. Divide it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to two to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. The flavor stays bold and creamy if you stir well as it warms.
Recipe Variations
Add kale or spinach for a bit of color and nutrition. Stir in a can of white beans to make it even heartier. Try different cheeses like pepper jack or smoked gouda for a fun twist. You can also swap the sausage for smoked turkey or bacon if you like a lighter touch. This Cajun Potato Soup is endlessly adaptable while staying true to its cozy roots.
FAQs About Cajun Potato Soup
What are common mistakes making potato soup?
Overheating cream or adding it too soon can make the soup curdle. Always add it last and stir gently.
What is the best liquid base for Cajun soup?
Chicken broth gives the perfect savory depth without overpowering the spices.
How long can homemade potato soup last?
It stays fresh for three to four days in the fridge when stored properly in airtight containers.
What makes potato soup curdle?
Adding dairy to a very hot or acidic base can cause curdling. Always lower the heat before stirring in cream.
Related Recipes to Try
- Magic Cake Eggnog Christmas Dessert
- Christmas Cookie Lasagna Dessert
- Peppermint Pie Easy Christmas Dessert
- Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake
- Yule Log Cake Classic Christmas Dessert
- Frosted Christmas Brownies Holiday Dessert
Conclusion
Cajun Potato Soup brings warmth, comfort, and southern flavor to your table with minimal effort. Each bite blends smoky sausage, creamy potatoes, and zesty spices for the perfect cozy bowl. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and sure to become a family favorite. For more cozy meal ideas, visit my Pinterest page at Cozy Recipes by Clara.
Print
Cajun Potato Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Warm, creamy, and smoky, this Cajun Potato Soup packs tender potatoes, andouille sausage, and cheddar into a cozy bowl that’s perfect for easy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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 minced garlic
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 cups chicken broth
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
½ cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage slices and cook until browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, cook diced onion, celery, and bell pepper until softened, 5 to 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Stir in Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, chicken broth, and potatoes. Simmer over reduced heat for 20 to 25 minutes, until potatoes are fork tender.
4. Return sausage to the pot, stir in cream and cheese, and simmer for another 5 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
For a milder flavor, reduce or omit Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper, or use a less spicy sausage.
The soup thickens slightly as it cools and reheats well.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Freeze in freezer safe containers for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Suitable sausage substitutes: kielbasa or smoked bratwurst.
Recommended potato types: russet preferred, or Yukon gold, or red.
Texture: creamy broth with tender potatoes and vegetables.
Flavor profile: spicy, savory, slightly smoky, rich with cheddar.
Variations: add beans or greens like kale, adjust spice level, use different cheeses or smoked meats.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490
