This creamy Cajun potato soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s packed with soft potatoes, tasty spices, and a touch of cream to make it wonderfully smooth.
You’ll love how it warms you right up on chilly days. I like to top mine with some crispy bacon bits—nothing beats that crunchy goodness! 🥔🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are perfect for soups due to their starchy nature. If you’re short on russets, you could use Yukon Golds as a substitute—they have a buttery flavor and hold up well in cooking.
Cajun Seasoning: This spice mix brings warmth to the soup. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, a mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and oregano works nicely. You can also reduce or increase the amount based on your spice preference!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk. Just note that the soup will be a bit less rich if you go this route. Coconut milk is also a great non-dairy alternative.
Bacon: While bacon adds a nice crunch, you can skip it for a vegetarian version or use turkey bacon for a healthier option. You might also try crispy chickpeas for a vegan crunch!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Soup Texture?
Getting the right texture in potato soup is all about the blending method. Here’s how you can nail it:
- After the potatoes are tender, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup directly in the pot. This keeps some chunks while still making it creamy.
- If you don’t have an immersion blender, ladle out half of the soup, blend it in a regular blender, and then return it to the pot.
- Be cautious while blending hot soup! Allow it to cool slightly or blend in batches with the lid slightly ajar to release steam. This prevents the lid from popping off!
Adjust the texture to your liking—smooth, chunky, or somewhere in between! Enjoy your creamy and flavorful Cajun potato soup!
How to Make Creamy Cajun Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For Garnishing:
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Cooking Essentials:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 to 1.5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy Cajun potato soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 30 minutes to cook, making a total of around 45 minutes. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the pot and let it cool on a paper towel. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the pot for added flavor.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the butter to the pot with the bacon fat. Once melted, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
3. Make the Roux:
Stir in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will help thicken your soup!
4. Add the Broth and Potatoes:
Gradually whisk in the broth to prevent lumps. Then, add the diced potatoes and Cajun seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
5. Blend the Soup:
Using an immersion blender, partially puree the soup to create a creamy yet chunky texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can scoop out half of the soup, blend it in a regular blender, and then return it to the pot.
6. Incorporate Cream and Cheese:
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook on low heat until the cheese melts and the soup is heated through, about 5 minutes.
7. Season to Taste:
Adjust the seasoning with salt, black pepper, and more Cajun seasoning if you wish. Taste as you go to find your perfect flavor!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and parsley if you’re using it. Enjoy your flavorful and hearty Cajun potato soup!
Happy Cooking!
FAQ for Creamy Cajun Potato Soup
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Yes! While russet potatoes are ideal for their creaminess, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a buttery flavor. Just make sure to dice them evenly for even cooking.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables, like carrots or spinach, for extra flavor and nutrition!
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Absolutely! Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and gently warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream to restore creaminess.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk. For a non-dairy alternative, coconut milk or cashew cream works well, although it will give a slightly different flavor.
