Print

Cozy Crockpot Sausage Potato Soup with Kale

cozy crockpot sausage potato soup - featured image
Print Recipe

A hearty, creamy slow cooker soup with smoked sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh kale. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, this hands-off recipe delivers deep, savory flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
  • 4 cups fresh kale, chopped (stems removed)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnish: fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan

Instructions

  1. Brown the sausage (optional but recommended): Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on edges.
  2. Layer ingredients in the crockpot: Place diced onion and minced garlic at the bottom. Add cubed potatoes, browned sausage, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Pour chicken broth over everything and stir gently.
  3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.
  4. Add the kale: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in chopped kale. Let it cook for 20-30 minutes until wilted and tender.
  5. Blend a portion of the soup (optional but game-changing): Using an immersion blender, blend about half the soup directly in the crockpot, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, carefully transfer 2 cups of soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and stir back into the pot.
  6. Stir in the cream (if using): Add heavy cream or half-and-half and stir until fully incorporated. Let heat through for 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve and enjoy: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, or grated Parmesan. Serve with crusty bread.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, skip the cream. The blended potatoes provide creaminess. If using frozen kale, add it in the last 15 minutes. To prevent soup from becoming too salty, use low-sodium broth and season in layers. Let soup rest 10 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot soup, sausage potato soup, kale soup, slow cooker soup, creamy potato soup, comfort food, winter soup

Find it online: https://platebelle.com/cozy-crockpot-sausage-potato-soup-with-kale/