Easy Cajun Potato Soup: Creamy, Spicy Southern Comfort

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Cold evenings call for something hearty, creamy, and full of spice. This Easy Cajun Potato Soup Recipe warms the whole kitchen with its smoky sausage aroma and velvety texture. One spoonful brings that Southern comfort we crave bold, cozy, and impossible to stop eating. Perfect for weeknights when you want comfort with a kick.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cajun Potato Soup Recipe

This soup delivers a beautiful balance of smoky, creamy, and spicy. The andouille sausage brings heat and depth, while the potatoes melt into a thick, cozy base. Each bite has rich cheddar and cream that mellow the spices perfectly. Because it’s a one-pot recipe, cleanup stays easy. It also reheats beautifully for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Key Ingredients & Easy Substitutions

The Main Flavor Builders

Andouille sausage gives this soup its signature Cajun edge. Its smoky flavor infuses every spoonful. The onion, celery, and red bell pepper form the base of the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking, creating that warm, savory aroma. Garlic deepens the flavor, and a blend of Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne brings bold spice. The potatoes make the texture thick and creamy, while cheddar cheese adds richness.

Substitutions and Customizations

If you prefer a milder soup, use kielbasa or smoked bratwurst instead of andouille. Yukon gold or red potatoes will hold their shape better if you like chunkier bites. For a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also replace the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Easy Cajun Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1 – Brown the Sausage

Start by heating oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook until browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Browning builds flavor, so let it develop a bit of crisp on the edges before removing them from the pot.

Step 2 – Sauté the Veggies

In the same pot, add the diced onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. The mix should smell sweet and savory by now.

Step 3 – Add Seasonings and Broth

Stir in Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne. Next, pour in the chicken broth and add the cubed potatoes. Bring it to a simmer and cook for 20 to 25 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. The broth will start to thicken slightly as the starch releases.

Step 4 – Add Cream and Cheese

Return the sausage to the pot. Pour in the cream and stir in the shredded cheddar. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy and smooth. The aroma at this point will be irresistible.

Step 5 – Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with chopped parsley for freshness and color. Serve warm with crusty bread or cornbread for a full Southern meal. For another cozy soup idea, try my creamy broccoli cheddar soup for cozy weeknights.

A hearty Cajun potato soup with smoky sausage and tender potatoes served hot in a cozy bowl

Flavor Tips & Cajun Heat Control

Cajun spice blends can vary in intensity. For a milder taste, reduce the cayenne or use a light hand with the Cajun seasoning. If you love heat, add an extra pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce. Sausage choice also matters — andouille brings more spice, while kielbasa or smoked sausage keeps things gentle. To balance the richness, finish with a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of parsley for brightness.

Texture & Serving Suggestions

This soup is thick and creamy, perfect for ladling into deep bowls. It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, a simple side salad, or buttery biscuits. For a little extra indulgence, top each serving with more shredded cheese or chopped green onions. It’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary night into something special.

Storage, Reheating & Freezing Tips

Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. To freeze, cool the soup fully and store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Helpful Notes & Recipe Variations

You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your taste. Add corn for a touch of sweetness or smoked paprika for deeper flavor. For a thicker texture, mash some of the potatoes with the back of your spoon before adding the cream. If you prefer a thinner soup, add more broth. Feeling adventurous? Try blending part of the soup for a smooth, velvety finish like my creamy parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup.

More Such Recipes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cajun soup?

Cajun soup is a hearty dish from Louisiana, often made with smoky sausage, vegetables, and bold spices like paprika and cayenne. It’s known for its deep flavor and comforting warmth.

What was Julia Child’s favorite soup?

Julia Child loved classic French soups, especially French onion and leek-potato soup. While not Cajun, her influence on creamy soup recipes remains timeless.

What are the ingredients in Cajun potato soup?

This soup includes andouille sausage, onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, Cajun seasoning, potatoes, broth, cream, and cheddar cheese — finished with parsley for freshness.

Is potato soup a German dish?

Potato soup appears in many cuisines, including German, American, and Cajun. Each has its own twist. The Cajun version stands out for its spicy, smoky flavor.

Cajun potato soup with sausage and potatoes in a white bowl
Creamy Cajun potato soup with smoky sausage and potatoes served in white bowls on a white-gray table

Conclusion

This Easy Cajun Potato Soup Recipe brings together creamy potatoes, smoky sausage, and just the right amount of spice for a meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s simple, hearty, and endlessly customizable. Whether it’s for a quiet night in or family dinner, this soup delivers bold flavor and cozy satisfaction every time. For more cozy ideas, check out my recipes on Pinterest and join our cooking community on Facebook.

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Easy Cajun potato soup with sausage and potatoes in creamy golden broth

Easy Cajun Potato Soup: Creamy, Spicy Southern Comfort


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  • Author: kai
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Warm, comforting, and full of Southern flair, this Cajun Potato Soup brings together smoky andouille sausage, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese for a hearty bowl that’s both spicy and satisfying.


Ingredients

Scale

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 shredded mild cheddar cheese

Chopped parsley for garnish


Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same pot, cook onion, celery, and bell pepper over medium heat until softened, about 5–8 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.

3. Stir in Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne, chicken broth, and potatoes. Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.

4. Return sausage to the pot. Add cream and cheese. Simmer 5 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

5. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

You can substitute kielbasa, smoked bratwurst, or other smoked sausage for andouille, though it may be less spicy.

Yukon gold or red potatoes can be used instead of russet potatoes.

To make it less spicy, reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

For storage, cool the soup and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

To freeze, let cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of total recipe
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 960mg
  • Fat: 29g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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