Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Sauté the base
- Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Keep it moving until fully melted and glossy, about 1 minute.
- Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until lightly browned. Stir occasionally until the edges color, about 4–6 minutes.
- Stir in the diced onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Build flavor and simmer
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir constantly so it doesn’t brown.
- Stir in the cubed russet potatoes, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix until the potatoes are coated with spices.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Look for steady bubbling across the surface.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until potatoes are tender. A fork should slide in easily through the largest cubes.
Thicken and finish
- Mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher for a thicker texture. Stop when you get a mix of creamy and chunky pieces.
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the soup looks smooth and creamy.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes until creamy. You should see gentle bubbling and a slightly thickened consistency.
Serve
- Serve topped with the cooked crumbled bacon and sliced green onions. Add toppings right before serving for best texture.
Notes
For a thicker soup, mash more of the potatoes after simmering; if it gets too thick, loosen with a splash of chicken broth. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; freeze yes (up to 2 months), though creaminess may be slightly reduced when reheated. For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and add the cheese gradually to help it melt smoothly.
