Smoked Sausage Chowder
A hearty and creamy smoked sausage chowder with tender potatoes, savory bacon, and smoky sausage flavors, perfect for comfort food lovers and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large saucepan until crisp.
- Remove bacon and set aside.
- Add onions to the saucepan and cook until tender.
- Pour off the drippings from the saucepan.
- Add potatoes, water, salt, and pepper to the saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover tightly, and simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Add milk, cooked sausage, and bacon to the saucepan.
- Stir and heat slowly for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked paprika or adding a dash of hot sauce. You can substitute the smoked sausage with kielbasa or turkey sausage for a lighter option. If you prefer a thicker chowder, mash some of the potatoes before adding the milk. This recipe is versatile; feel free to add in seasonal vegetables like corn or carrots.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chowder hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping, making it a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving alongside a fresh garden salad or a side of Doris' Jalapeno Pepper Poppers for some extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if the chowder thickens too much. Avoid boiling to maintain the creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Smoked Sausage Chowder contains roughly 596 calories, with 20g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value) and protein (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2662mg per serving (116% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chowder in advance. Just follow the recipe up to the point of adding the milk. Cool and refrigerate it, then reheat gently and add the milk right before serving to keep the texture creamy.
Is it possible to freeze the chowder?
While you can freeze the chowder, the texture of the potatoes and milk may change upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, omit the milk and add it after reheating. Store in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you want to skip the bacon, smoked paprika or a bit of liquid smoke can provide a similar flavor profile. You might also consider using turkey bacon or even a plant-based bacon alternative for a healthier or vegetarian twist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).