If you’ve ever wanted a comforting, fuss-free meal that fills your home with irresistible aromas and delights every palate, then this Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender baby potatoes cooked slow and low with perfectly browned smoked sausage, all wrapped up in a luxuriously creamy sauce studded with sharp cheddar cheese and just the right hint of Dijon mustard. Every bite offers a rich, hearty hug that transforms simple ingredients into a cozy masterpiece, perfect for those busy weeknights or restful weekends when you want to come home to something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is straightforward yet essential in crafting the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors. From the smoky depth of the sausage to the velvety smoothness of sour cream and the mellow bite of fresh garlic, every element plays its part in this delicious symphony.
- Smoked sausage (1 pound, sliced into rounds): Adds a wonderful smoky, savory base that brings the dish to life.
- Baby potatoes (1.5 pounds, halved or quartered): Their tender, creamy texture becomes the hearty backbone of the meal.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Provides subtle sweetness and an aromatic layer.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds a punch of robust flavor that complements the sausage perfectly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts into a luscious, creamy finish that envelopes every bite.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Brings tanginess and creaminess that keeps the dish rich but balanced.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Keeps everything moist while deepening the savory notes.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Offers a gentle zing that brightens and elevates the sauce.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): A subtle smoky warmth enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Essential seasonings that unlock all the dish’s deliciousness.
- Olive oil or butter (1 tablespoon): Used to brown the sausage, adding extra richness and depth.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and pop of color.
How to Make Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Smoked Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat and lightly browning the sliced smoked sausage for about 3 to 4 minutes. Browning isn’t mandatory, but it adds an irresistible depth and slightly crispy texture that really kicks this dish up a notch.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Transfer the browned sausage to your crockpot, then add the halved or quartered baby potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic. These fresh veggies will absorb the sausage’s smoky goodness as they cook together, making the dish truly flavorful.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, sour cream, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This creamy sauce base brings richness and just the right tang, harmonizing all the flavors beautifully when poured over the sausage and potatoes.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Pour the creamy mixture over everything in the crockpot and stir gently to combine, ensuring that potatoes and sausage are well coated. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded into a sumptuous, cozy meal.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Final Touches
During the last 15 to 20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, stirring gently until it melts beautifully into a creamy swirl. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Finish off with a garnish of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a bright, herbal contrast to the rich creaminess of the dish. Feel free to add a dollop of sour cream or a few sliced green onions to really elevate the presentation and layering of flavors.
Side Dishes
While this recipe is hearty on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables adds a refreshing crunch and balances the richness. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple steamed green bean almondine work beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets or rustic bowls. Top with a handful of additional cheddar or crispy fried shallots for an indulgent twist. It also reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for casual family-style meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals to prevent drying out. Add a splash of broth or sour cream if the creaminess needs a little boost.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage offers wonderful flavor, you can substitute with kielbasa, andouille, or even a spicy chorizo for a different twist. Just adjust cooking times if using raw sausage.
Is it necessary to brown the sausage before adding it to the crockpot?
Browning is optional but highly recommended. It deepens the flavor and adds a slightly crispy texture that enhances the overall dish. If you’re in a rush, you can skip this step without sacrificing much.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or cashew cream and use a dairy-free shredded cheese. The dish will still be creamy and satisfying.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Baby potatoes, Yukon gold, or red potatoes hold up well during slow cooking, offering a tender yet firm texture that doesn’t turn mushy. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets to keep the dish from breaking down too much.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Chopped spinach, peas, or even diced bell peppers stirred in during the last hour of cooking add extra nutrition, color, and freshness without overpowering the flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s effortless yet so rewarding, the Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner Recipe is the dessert of savory comfort you deserve. Its creamy, cheesy richness paired with smoky sausage and tender potatoes never fails to please. Give it a try and watch how this one-pot wonder quickly earns a spot on your weekly dinner rotation.
Print
Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner is a comforting, easy-to-make meal featuring tender baby potatoes and smoky sausage slow-cooked to perfection in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty dish combines bold flavors of smoked sausage with a luscious blend of sour cream, cheddar cheese, and spices, all cooked low and slow in your crockpot for melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese and 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
Cooking Fat and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil or butter and lightly brown the smoked sausage slices for 3–4 minutes. This enhances the flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Place the browned sausage, halved or quartered baby potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic into the crockpot.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, sour cream, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Add Sauce to Crockpot and Stir: Pour the sauce mixture over the sausage and potatoes in the crockpot. Gently stir to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Cheese: About 15–20 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese to melt and create a creamy texture.
- Adjust Seasonings and Garnish: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a fresh touch.
Notes
- This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Yukon gold or red potatoes work best for texture and flavor in this recipe.
- For added nutrition and color, add chopped spinach or peas towards the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- If short on time, you can skip browning the sausage though it does add extra flavor.
