When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving something that hugs you from the inside out, this Creamy Cajun Potato Soup is your answer. It’s rich, loaded with tender potatoes, and packed with the smoky, spicy flavors of smoked sausage and Cajun seasoning. Plus, with melty cheddar cheese stirred right in, every spoonful feels like a cozy Southern kitchen moment.

This is one of those “everyone at the table is happy” recipes—perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and soul-satisfying, but still easy enough to throw together without stress. So, grab that Dutch oven and let’s get simmering!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Potato Soup

This isn’t just any hearty potato soup. It’s a full-flavored, spicy, smoky, creamy bowl of happiness. Here’s why it’ll become a staple in your kitchen:

Smoked sausage adds a deep, savory richness with a kick of spice.
The spicy broth is creamy yet light, thanks to a blend of broth and half & half.
Cubed russet potatoes soak up all those Cajun flavors, making each bite ultra-satisfying.
A melty handful of cheddar cheese takes it to next-level comfort.
It’s a one-pot wonder that’s ready in under an hour—weeknight dinner win!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Extra-virgin olive oil
Spicy smoked sausage (Andouille or your favorite)
Yellow onion, red bell pepper, celery
Garlic cloves, minced
Cajun seasoning
Unsalted butter, all-purpose flour (for that creamy roux)
Low-sodium chicken broth and half & half
Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step: How to Make Creamy Cajun Potato Soup

Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until beautifully browned—about 4-5 minutes. Remove to a plate and set aside.

Sauté the Veggies

In the same pot, add onion, red bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute—your kitchen will smell amazing by now.

Make the Roux

Add butter and flour to the pot, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes to eliminate that raw flour taste.

Build the Broth

Gradually pour in chicken broth and half & half, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add cubed potatoes, 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir.

Simmer to Perfection

Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep those potatoes from sticking. You’re looking for fork-tender potatoes here.

Add Cheese and Sausage

Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the browned sausage and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts into the broth, turning it into a creamy, cheesy delight. Taste and adjust seasoning with the remaining Cajun spice if you’re feeling bold.

Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a pinch of cracked black pepper. Cozy, creamy, and just the right amount of spicy.

Pro Tips for Soup Success

Control the heat: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your spice tolerance. Start light—you can always add more!
Cheese matters: Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor impact, but feel free to mix in a little Monterey Jack for extra meltiness.
Make it thicker: If you prefer a super-thick soup, mash a few of the cooked potatoes right in the pot before adding the sausage back.
Add greens: A handful of chopped kale or spinach stirred in at the end would be a delicious way to sneak in extra veggies.

A Personal Favorite for Chilly Nights

This Creamy Cajun Potato Soup became my cold-weather ritual after a trip to New Orleans, where every bite seemed to have a story. I wanted to recreate that cozy, soul-hugging vibe at home but with a little weeknight simplicity. The smoked sausage brings the depth, the Cajun spices bring the personality, and the potatoes… well, they do what potatoes do best—make everything feel like a warm blanket. It’s been a family favorite ever since, with everyone racing to get the last ladleful.

What to Serve with Creamy Cajun Potato Soup

This soup is hearty enough to be a standalone meal, but if you’re feeding a crowd or just feeling fancy, here are some perfect pairings:

A side of crusty French bread for dunking
A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness
Cornbread muffins for a Southern-style spread
A glass of chilled white wine or sweet iced tea for balance

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better as they meld together.

For reheating, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or half & half to loosen it up if it gets too thick. You can also freeze this soup for up to 2 months, though the potatoes may get a tad softer upon thawing. Still delicious, though!

FAQs About Creamy Cajun Potato Soup

Can I make this soup less spicy?

Definitely! Just cut back on the Cajun seasoning and opt for a mild smoked sausage.

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yukon Golds are a great swap if you prefer a creamier, buttery texture.

Is there a dairy-free alternative?

Yes! Use a plant-based milk (like unsweetened almond or oat milk) and a vegan butter. Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Can I add more protein?

Absolutely. Shredded chicken or shrimp would both be delicious additions to bulk up the soup.

Creamy Cajun Potato Soup: Your New Go-To Comfort Bowl

This Creamy Cajun Potato Soup hits that perfect balance between hearty and comforting, with just enough Cajun kick to keep things exciting. It’s simple enough for a cozy family dinner but flavorful enough to serve to guests who’ll swear you spent all day on it. Trust me—this one will have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe the recipe, too).

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Creamy Cajun Potato Soup

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Author: Olivia Hartwellen
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy Cajun Potato Soup is a hearty, comforting bowl filled with tender potatoes, spicy smoked sausage, and a rich, cheesy Cajun-spiced broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, this easy one-pot recipe delivers Southern soul food flavor in under an hour—ideal for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Extra-virgin olive oil
Spicy smoked sausage (Andouille or your favorite), sliced
1 yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (960ml)
2 cups half & half (480ml)
1½ lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (200g)
Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned (4-5 min). Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery until softened (2-3 min). Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add butter and flour, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes until smooth and golden.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth and half & half until smooth. Add cubed potatoes, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Simmer uncovered on medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are fork-tender.
Stir in browned sausage and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional Cajun spice if desired.
Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper. Serve hot.

Notes

Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.

Sharp cheddar is best for bold flavor, but Monterey Jack can be added for extra meltiness.

Mash a few potatoes in the pot for a thicker texture.

Add greens like chopped spinach or kale for extra nutrition.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.

Freezes well for up to 2 months (note: potatoes will soften slightly).

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: 6 servings
Method: One-Pot
Cuisine: Cajun-American

Creamy Cajun Potato Soup: A Hearty Bowl of Comfort with a Spicy Twist