Slow Cooker Potato and Kielbasa Chowder is rich, cheesy, and satisfyingly hearty. The best part: a slow cooker does most of the work, so you can set it and forget it until dinner time.
Let It Slow Cook All Day
This chowder is designed for low-and-slow cooking. Letting it simmer in the crock pot for hours allows the potatoes and kielbasa to release their flavors and develop a deep, comforting taste. It’s an ideal slow-cooker meal for chilly days; serve with crusty French or Italian bread to soak up the creamy broth.
The recipe is easy to assemble in the morning: potatoes need plenty of time to become tender, so this dish works well when you prep before leaving for work or get it started while you handle other tasks. Near the end of cooking, a splash of heavy cream and a generous handful of shredded cheddar are stirred in to finish the chowder with a smooth, cheesy texture.
Beyond potatoes and kielbasa, the chowder includes corn for a touch of sweetness, plus onion and garlic for aromatic depth. Seasonings are simple but effective: a single bay leaf for background aroma (remove it before serving), dried thyme for earthy notes, and a modest amount of Cajun seasoning to enhance savory flavors without necessarily making the dish very spicy.
Slow Cooker Potato and Kielbasa Chowder — Recipe Tips
Adjust the Cajun seasoning to taste. The amount in the recipe perks up the overall flavor without creating strong heat. If you prefer a spicier chowder, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes just before serving.
Using a mix of chicken and beef broth adds depth; beef broth gives the chowder a heartier, more robust backbone. If you don’t have beef broth, using all chicken broth works fine and keeps the flavor lighter.
Always taste and adjust seasonings right before serving. Canned broths and Cajun seasoning supply salt, but depending on your broths and sausage, you may need to add a small pinch of additional salt or more black pepper to balance flavors.
What to Serve with This Chowder
- Cornbread — classic pairing, slightly sweet contrasts nicely with savory chowder
- Honey Oat Wheat Bread — hearty, whole-grain option that complements the creamy soup
- Jalapeño Beer Bread — adds a little heat and texture for those who like spice
- Salad with Creamy Parmesan Dressing — a fresh, crisp salad helps balance the richness of the chowder
Other Slow Cooker Soup Ideas
- Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup — bright, tangy, and great with tortilla strips
- Crock Pot Spicy Vegetable Beef Soup — a vegetable-packed option with bold flavors
- Crock Pot Creamy Potato Beer Cheese Soup — another cheesy potato favorite
- Crock Pot Cheesy Ham and Corn Chowder — smoky ham and sweet corn in a creamy base
- Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup — indulgent and satisfying
- Slow Cooker Spicy Cabbage Beef Soup — a heartier, spiced cabbage and beef stew-style soup
Slow Cooker Potato and Kielbasa Chowder
Equipment
-
6-quart slow cooker (or similarly sized crock pot)
Ingredients
- 6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 16 ounces kielbasa sausage, cut into 1/2-inch slices
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14-ounce) can chicken broth
- 1 (14-ounce) can beef broth
- 2 cups frozen corn kernels
- 1 whole bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
-
Place all ingredients except the heavy cream and cheddar cheese into a 6-quart slow cooker.
-
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or on HIGH for 5 to 6 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
-
Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, then replace the lid and allow the cheese to melt for about 5 minutes. Stir again to combine and serve hot.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.