Sausage Cream Soup with Potatoes and Cheese (Slow-Cooker)

slowcookercheesypotatokielbasasoup This creamy sausage soup recipe is simple, comforting and loaded with flavourful Italian sausage and potatoes. It's a ridiculously cozy soup that's ready in under an hour.

12 oz kielbasa, sliced
2 small russet potatoes, diced
2 cups chicken broth (or one 15 oz can)
1 cup beer
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
1 small onion, diced
½ tsp. dried thyme
½ tsp. sea salt
¼ tsp. ground cayenne pepper
½ tsp. garlic powder
1 cup heavy cream
3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour, unbleached
1 (8 oz) block sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

Add everything to the slow cooker except the heavy cream, flour and cheese.

Cook on LOW for 6 hours.

When the cooking time is done, whisk the heavy cream and flour together. Add to the soup and stir.

Cook for 30 more minutes on high, then stir in the cheese and serve.

Makes 4-6 servings.

Cook's Notes:

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just be sure to stir well to redistribute the flavours.
Make-Ahead: The soup can be prepared in advance and reheated on the stove.

Variations:

Here are my favourite ways to change up this recipe, feel free to make it your own:

Potatoes: Any potato, such as red potatoes, gold potatoes, or sliced fingerling potatoes, will work great in this recipe.
Cheeses: Change the flavour of the recipe by using pepper jack cheese or even Swiss cheese.
Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno for an entirely different flavour profile.
Meats: You can use cooked ground beef or cooked ground sausage instead of kielbasa. Or feel free to use a different kind of kielbasa such as chicken or spicy.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this Potato Kielbasa Soup with a side salad for a balanced meal.
Grab your favourite baguette some homemade garlic bread. A good crusty bread pairs perfectly with creamy soups like this.
Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a dash of red pepper flakes and a handful of chopped green onions for layers of flavour.
Make it a family affair by setting up a soup bar with various toppings. Let everyone customize their bowls with extra cheese, herbs, or even a dollop of sour cream. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy this delicious creation.