If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together smoky sausage slices and tender baby potatoes in a luscious, creamy sauce infused with herbs and garlic, all slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot. This dish is effortless to prepare yet rich in flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With every spoonful, you get that irresistible blend of smoky, creamy, and savory goodness that satisfies your soul and your appetite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture that complement one another, transforming everyday pantry staples into a show-stopping dish.
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces: Provides smoky, meaty flavor and a hearty texture that’s the star of the dish.
- 4 cups baby potatoes, halved: Tender and creamy once cooked, these potatoes absorb all the delicious sauce perfectly.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings an aromatic punch that elevates the whole dish.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Creates a flavorful base and keeps everything moist during the slow-cooking process.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Turns this meal into a silky, indulgent comfort food favorite.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers earthy, herbaceous notes that balance the richness.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Intensifies the smoky flavor and adds a gentle warmth.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant finishing touch and a pop of color.
How to Make Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Crockpot
Start by spraying your crockpot insert with cooking spray or lightly oiling it. This simple step helps prevent anything from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, letting you focus on the wonderful flavors.
Step 2: Layer the Main Ingredients
Add the sliced smoked sausage, halved baby potatoes, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic directly into the crockpot. Layering these fresh ingredients sets the stage for slow-cooked magic.
Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. This creamy mixture is what transforms the simple ingredients into a luscious dinner you’ll crave again and again.
Step 4: Pour and Cook
Pour the cream sauce evenly over the contents in the crockpot, giving everything a chance to soak in the flavors. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and all the flavors have melded beautifully.
Step 5: Final Touches
Before serving, give the dish a gentle stir to combine everything fully. If you desire, sprinkle with fresh parsley to add a bright, herbaceous note and that lovely splash of green color that makes the dish even more inviting.
How to Serve Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is my go-to garnish for this dish. Not only does it brighten the presentation, but it also adds a mild herbal freshness that balances the creamy sauce. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a few shreds of sharp cheddar cheese can also be delightful.
Side Dishes
This recipe is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans adds a wonderful texture contrast and freshness. A crusty bread or garlic toast also works wonderfully to scoop up all that creamy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the creamy smoked sausage and potatoes over a bed of rice or buttered egg noodles. You could also dish it out in individual ramekins topped with a little extra cheese and broil for a few minutes for a bubbly, golden crust. This turns a simple crockpot dinner into a comforting, elegant experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, which makes it perfect for meal prep. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it back up. This will retain that creamy texture that makes this recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage adds distinctive flavor, you can swap in kielbasa, andouille, or even a spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference. Just keep the slice thickness similar for even cooking.
Do I have to use heavy cream?
Heavy cream is key to that silky, rich sauce, but you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. The sauce will be less thick but still delicious. If using milk, consider adding a teaspoon of flour to help thicken.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?
Yes, using an Instant Pot works great. Cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes with a natural release, then stir in the cream and simmer for a few more minutes to thicken the sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, this recipe is gluten-free, but always double-check your smoked sausage brand to ensure no gluten-containing fillers are used. Most fresh sausage should be safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
What’s the best way to get baby potatoes evenly cooked?
Halving the baby potatoes helps them cook thoroughly and absorb the creamy sauce. Make sure to slice them uniformly and spread them evenly in the crockpot to ensure consistent tenderness.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner Recipe is a perfect example of how comfort food should taste: rich, satisfying, and full of warm, smoky flavors. It’s a dish that welcomes you home after a long day and makes any mealtime feel special with minimal effort. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try, and prepare to make it a beloved staple in your dinner rotation!
Print
Creamy Smoked Sausage & Potato Crockpot Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and creamy crockpot dinner featuring smoky sausage, tender baby potatoes, and a flavorful mixture of herbs and cream, perfect for an easy and hearty meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 4 cups baby potatoes, halved
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Seasonings
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the crockpot: Spray the crockpot insert with cooking spray or lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
- Add main ingredients: Place the sliced smoked sausage, halved baby potatoes, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic into the crockpot, distributing them evenly.
- Mix creamy sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine in crockpot: Pour the creamy broth mixture evenly over the sausage and vegetables in the crockpot.
- Cook slowly: Cover and cook on the low setting for 6 to 7 hours, or alternatively on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the baby potatoes are tender and flavors are well blended.
- Finish and serve: Before serving, gently stir the mixture to combine everything evenly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Cooking time may vary depending on your crockpot model; check potatoes for tenderness before serving.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter dish, but the sauce may be less rich.
- For more smoky flavor, use smoked sausage varieties like Andouille or Kielbasa.
- Fresh thyme can be used instead of dried thyme for a brighter flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
