Okay, picture this: it’s a chilly evening, you’re craving something warm and comforting, but you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Enter this Cajun Potato Soup. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, packing a flavor punch that’ll make your tastebuds sing. It’s way more exciting than your average potato soup, thanks to the Cajun seasoning, and honestly, it’s become a total weeknight staple at my house. Think of it as potato soup’s cooler, spicier cousin – the one everyone wants to hang out with!
What is Cajun Potato Soup?
Cajun potato soup, at its heart, is a creamy, comforting soup made with potatoes as the star. But what sets it apart is the addition of Cajun spices – think paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and sometimes a little thyme and oregano. It’s essentially potato soup with a kick, a little bit of Southern charm mixed in. Think of it as a potato soup that went on vacation to Louisiana and came back with a whole new attitude. It’s usually pretty thick, almost chowder-like, and I always love to top mine with some crispy bacon and a dollop of Sour Cream to really make it shine. It’s essentially a party in a bowl!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Alright, let’s get down to why you absolutely *need* this recipe in your life. First off, the flavor. Oh my goodness, the flavor! It’s a beautiful balance of creamy, savory, and spicy. The Cajun seasoning gives it that little something-something that’ll keep you coming back for more. I promise, it’s not just *another* potato soup. What I love most about this is how surprisingly easy it is to make. Seriously, it’s a one-pot wonder! On busy weeknights, this is a lifesaver. I can whip it up in about 30 minutes, which is a total win in my book. Plus, the ingredients are super budget-friendly. Potatoes are cheap, and you probably already have most of the spices in your pantry. It’s also incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it to your liking. Add some sausage, chicken, or veggies to make it a heartier meal. I’ve even thrown in leftover roasted vegetables before, and it was amazing! And if you’re feeling extra fancy, you can top it with some shredded cheese or green onions. It’s similar to a Loaded Baked Potato soup, but way more exciting, in my humble opinion.
How do I make Cajun Potato Soup?
Quick Overview
Making this Cajun potato soup is seriously a breeze. Basically, you’ll start by sautéing some onions and garlic, then add your diced potatoes, broth, and Cajun seasoning. Let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, then blend it all up until it’s nice and creamy. Stir in some milk or cream, and you’re done! It’s that simple. The best part? It’s mostly hands-off cooking, so you can relax while it simmers away, filling your kitchen with the most amazing aroma. It’s a foolproof recipe that even beginner cooks can master, I promise.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
2 tablespoons olive oil. 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 medium onion, diced.
2 cloves of garlic, minced. 1 clove
4 cups diced potatoes (I like Yukon Gold, but Russets work too)
4 cups chicken broth. 4 tbsp
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)!
What is 1 teaspoon salt?
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper. 1 teaspoon sage.
1 cup milk or cream (I’ve even used almond milk and it was fantastic)
For the Toppings (optional, but highly recommended):
Cooked bacon and crumble it into a
Sour cream or Greek yogurt.
What is shredded cheddar cheese?
Chopped green onions.
A sprinkle of Cajun seasoning.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper and stir to combine. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. How do you avoid burning garlic?
Step 2: Add Potatoes, Broth, and Seasoning
Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot. What is the best way to make sure the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasoning? What is the smell of your kitchen?
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender
What is the best way to make soup? Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. How long will it take for potatoes to cook?
Step 4: Blend Until Creamy
Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, be sure to vent the lid to allow steam to escape. I usually do it in batches to avoid any accidents. You can also use an immersion blender right in the pot.
Step 5: Stir in Milk or Cream
Return the soup to the pot and stir in the milk or cream. How do I heat through gently over low heat, being careful not to boil. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. I like Cajun seasoning a lot, so I usually add it to my meals. I also like it spicy!
Step 6: Serve and Top
What’s your favorite topping for soup? What are the best ways to eat cheese, green onions, and What’s your favorite Cajun seasoning?
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
What are some good side dishes to serve with Cajun potato soup? I love serving it with:
For Lunch:Grilled Cheese sandwiches are a classic pairing. What is the best combination of cheesy and creamy sandwich? What is a good side salad with vinaigrette?
For Dinner:What is the best cornbread recipe? What are some great ways to serve this with crusty bread for dipping? A side of roasted vegetables, like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, adds some extra nutrients and a healthy side dish. I’ve even made it with some fried okra for an extra southern kick!
For a Potluck:What is the best soup to serve at a potluck? I usually bring some toppings on the side so everyone can customize their own bowl. Don’t forget the spoons and napkins! I also like to serve mini grilled cheeses along side of it for this occasion too!
What is a cozy night in?Is it good to have a soup in hand? I like to pair it with a big blanket and /or sat down to read if it’s raining on an evening.
My family loves to eat this while watching movies on the couch, cuddled in a blanket while it’s still warm. What are some of the best nights to have a meal like this?
How do I make Cajun Potato Soup?
What are some ways to take Cajun potato soup to the next level? What are some of the best tips I’ve learned over the years?
Potato Choice:Yukon Gold Potatoes are my go-to for this soup. They have a naturally creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor that works really well with the cheese. Cajun seasoning. If you want a thicker soup, Russets work too. I’ve also mixed different potatoes to get a unique texture, so experiment!
Spice Level:Cajun seasoning can vary in spiciness, so start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can use a mild Cajun seasoning or reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. I personally like mine with a good kick, so I tend to be generous with the seasoning. What are some tips for a sensitive eater?
What is the creaminess For an extra creamy soup, you can use heavy cream instead of milk. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to each bowl before serving. I sometimes use a little cream cheese for an extra rich flavor, but be careful not to add too much, or it will be *too* thick.
Adding Protein: Want to make it a heartier meal? Add some cooked sausage, chicken, or shrimp to the soup. I like to use andouille sausage for an extra kick of flavor. I’ve even added leftover rotisserie chicken before, and it was delicious!
Vegetable Boost: Sneak in some extra veggies by adding diced celery, carrots, or bell peppers to the soup. Sauté them along with the onions and garlic. It’s a great way to add some extra nutrients and flavor.
Blending Techniques: If you don’t have a blender or immersion blender, you can mash some of the potatoes with a fork or potato masher to thicken the soup. It won’t be as smooth, but it will still be delicious. I do not suggest using a food processor for this as it will cause the soup to have a funny texture.
Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley would make the soup have an even richer flavor!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your Cajun potato soup:
Refrigerator Storage: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will actually meld together and taste even better the next day!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Be sure to leave some headspace in the container, as the soup will expand when frozen. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. But I’d like to say, cream based soups don’t always hold up the best to freezing.
Reheating Methods: You can reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave. On the stovetop, heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. In the microwave, heat it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup seems too thick after reheating.
Topping Timing Advice: It’s best to add the toppings (bacon, sour cream, cheese, etc.) just before serving, so they don’t get soggy or melt into the soup during storage or reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Creamy Dreamy Cajun Potato Soup! It’s a crowd-pleaser, a weeknight savior, and a flavor explosion all in one. I honestly can’t get enough of this soup, and I know you’ll love it too. If you’re looking for other comforting soup recipes, check out my recipes for easy tomato soup or chicken noodle soup!
I cannot wait to hear how this goes! Be sure to leave me a comment to let me know if you enjoyed this soup, and what you would change, happy cooking!
Cajun Potato Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 cup Chopped Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 0.5 cup Chopped Green Onions for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
- Add the potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning and heavy cream. Heat through, do not boil.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
