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Creamy Crockpot Sausage Potato Soup with Kale (Easy 30-Minute Recipe)

creamy crockpot sausage potato soup with kale - featured image

A velvety, silky soup with smoked sausage, tender Yukon Gold potatoes, and fresh kale, all made in a slow cooker for an easy weeknight dinner. The broth is luxuriously creamy and packed with smoky, savory flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cups fresh kale, stems removed and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • ¼ cup crumbled bacon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and crispy. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  2. In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Scrape up any browned bits and transfer to the slow cooker.
  3. Add diced potatoes, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth, ensuring potatoes are mostly submerged. Stir to combine.
  4. Cover and cook on high for 20-25 minutes, or on low for 4-5 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.
  5. Stir in chopped kale and heavy cream. Cover and cook for another 3-5 minutes until kale is wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

Don’t skip browning the sausage—it adds depth. Add cream at the end to prevent curdling. For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk. For a lighter option, use half-and-half. The soup thickens as it sits; add extra broth when reheating if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy crockpot sausage potato soup with kale, slow cooker soup, sausage potato soup, kale soup, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food