If you’re craving cozy comfort food that almost cooks itself, Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner is destined to become your new favorite. Think hearty chunks of smoky sausage, tender potatoes, sweet caramelized onions, and a luscious sauce that’s equal parts tangy, cheesy, and velvety—and yes, the slow cooker does all the work for you! This crowd-pleasing dish is bursting with rich flavors and simple, wholesome ingredients that bring out nostalgia and pure dinnertime joy. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or anytime you want a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner is found in its humble, straightforward ingredients—every item plays a key role in taste, texture, or that craveable creamy finish. Here’s what you’ll need, along with why you really don’t want to leave anything out!
- Smoked sausage (1 pound, sliced into rounds): Smoky, meaty sausage is the superstar, offering big flavor and a deeply satisfying bite in every spoonful.
- Baby potatoes (1.5 pounds, halved or quartered): Their creamy texture and natural sweetness hold up beautifully during slow cooking, absorbing all the savory sauce.
- Medium onion (chopped): Adds natural sweetness and depth; as it cooks, it nearly melts into the sauce for irresistible aroma.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Just the right amount for garlicky warmth that makes the comfort factor soar.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1.5 cups): The very definition of comfort—melty, sharp, and wonderfully gooey.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds tang and that delightfully creamy consistency to the sauce.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Infuses extra savory flavor and keeps the sauce light and pourable.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Gives a subtle zing and rounds out the richness in the sauce.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds color and a gentle hint of smoky spice—so important for depth!
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for making all the flavors pop; adjust to taste at the end.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A little pepper goes a long way in balancing those creamy, cheesy notes.
- Olive oil or butter (1 tablespoon): For browning the sausage and giving even more savory goodness.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): A final sprinkle for color and a touch of freshness—don’t skip it if you love a pop of green!
How to Make Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner
Step 1: Brown the Smoked Sausage
Begin by heating the olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add your smoked sausage slices and let them sizzle for about 3–4 minutes, turning until just lightly browned on each side. This quick browning is pure flavor magic! Not only does it add depth, but the caramelized edges will infuse every bite of your Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner with irresistible smokiness. Of course, if you’re in a hurry, you can toss them in uncooked, but it’s worth the extra step if you have a few minutes to spare.
Step 2: Layer the Main Ingredients in the Crockpot
Next, add the browned sausage, halved or quartered baby potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic straight into your crockpot. This trio is the heart of the dish, and layering them together ensures the flavors meld as they slowly cook. The potatoes get buttery-tender, while the onion and garlic nearly dissolve, perfuming every bite.
Step 3: Whisk and Pour the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, sour cream, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture becomes your secret sauce—the magic that transforms everything into a mouthwatering Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner. Pour it evenly over the sausage and veggies in the crockpot, and give everything a gentle stir so all the flavors are mingling.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Pop the lid on your slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and everything smells absolutely inviting. As the hours tick by, your kitchen will fill with comforting, savory aromas that are nearly impossible to resist!
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish
With about 15–20 minutes left on the clock, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. It will melt into the sauce, creating that signature creamy, cheesy finish that defines Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner. Taste for seasoning and adjust if desired. A shower of fresh parsley just before serving brightens up the whole dish with color and freshness.
How to Serve Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner
Garnishes
Just before serving, a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley does wonders—not just for a pop of color, but also for a hint of herbal brightness that balances the creamy cheese. For a little extra flair, try a pinch of smoked paprika or even some sliced green onions on top of each bowl. These little touches make Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This creamy, hearty dinner is a meal all on its own, but pairing it with a crisp, lightly dressed green salad or a side of steamed green beans turns dinner into a real feast. A slice of crusty bread is also fantastic for sopping up every last bit of cheesy, savory sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun family-style serving, ladle Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner into a large, shallow dish and let everyone help themselves. If you want to be playful, try serving it in individual ramekins or small oven-proof bowls and pop under the broiler for a minute to brown the cheese. When you want to impress, a sprinkle of microgreens or edible flowers brings elegance to even the most comforting of one-pot dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The creamy sauce thickens as it chills, but the flavors will deepen, making your next meal just as satisfying as the first feast.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner for longer storage—just let cool completely, then place in freezer-safe containers. Leave a little space for expansion, and it will keep well for up to three months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce as needed. If you’re reheating in the microwave, cover and use half power, stirring halfway through, so the cheese melts evenly and the potatoes warm through without getting mushy.
FAQs
Can I use another kind of sausage?
Absolutely! You can swap in kielbasa, turkey sausage, or even andouille if you want a little spice. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s fully cooked and slice it into bite-sized pieces for the best experience.
Can this be made vegetarian?
Yes, just use your favorite plant-based smoked sausage, and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, so you don’t lose out on any of that rich, comforting flavor.
What potatoes work best in Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner?
Yukon gold or red potatoes hold their shape beautifully and turn creamy as they cook—perfect for this recipe. You can use russet potatoes in a pinch, but they tend to break apart more in the slow cooker.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Toss in a handful of chopped spinach or frozen peas during the last 15 minutes for an extra hit of color and nutrition. You can also try diced carrots or bell peppers, though add these closer to the end to keep some bite.
How can I make it even more flavorful?
Try browning the onions along with the sausage, or finish with a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika before serving. Playing around with different cheeses is also a great way to put your own spin on Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about coming home to a hearty, cheesy, flavor-packed meal that’s been cooking all day—especially when it’s as simple and delicious as Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner. Give it a try, share it with people you love, and let it become your new go-to for effortless comfort and joy at the table!
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Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this easy-to-make Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this dish combines smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and a cheesy sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Smoked Sausage:
1 pound smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)
Potatoes:
1.5 pounds baby potatoes (halved or quartered)
Onion:
1 medium onion (chopped)
Garlic:
3 cloves garlic (minced)
Cheese Sauce:
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, lightly brown the smoked sausage in olive oil or butter for 3–4 minutes.
- Prepare Crockpot: Add the browned sausage, potatoes, onion, and garlic to the crockpot.
- Mix Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, sour cream, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the sausage and potatoes. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Cheese: In the last 15–20 minutes of cooking, stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
- For best results, use Yukon gold or red potatoes.
- Add spinach or peas for extra color and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
