Potato and turkey Sausage Chowder is a delightful dish that warms the soul. This creamy, hearty chowder combines tender potatoes and savory turkey sausage for a fulfilling meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or need a comforting lunch, this chowder is sure to impress. Plus, it’s simple to make and packed with flavor, making it a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, this chowder is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of turkey sausage and fresh vegetables creates a deliciously savory base.
- Comforting Texture: Creamy and hearty, this chowder will warm you up on chilly days.
- Versatile Ingredients: Easily swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices to suit your taste.
- Feeding a Crowd: This recipe serves six, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings or meal prep.
Tools and Preparation
Creating Potato and turkey Sausage Chowder requires minimal tools but ensures maximum flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Soup pot
- Spatula
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Soup pot: A sturdy soup pot allows even cooking and ample space for all ingredients without overcrowding.
- Spatula: A good spatula helps break up the turkey sausage evenly while sautéing, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Chopping board: It provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables quickly and efficiently.

Ingredients
Swap out the traditional seafood for turkey sausage and sink into a steaming bowl of hot creamy potato chowder.
For the Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 400g (6) turkey sausages (any flavour)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 stalks celery (sliced)
- 2 carrots (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
For the Broth
- 3 tbsp plain/all-purpose flour
- 1 litre/4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 bay leaves
For the Texture
- 100g/1/2 cup wild rice
- 3 potatoes (medium, peeled and cut into chunks)
For Creaminess
- 375ml/1 1/2 cups single/light cream or half and half
- Salt to taste
How to Make Potato and turkey Sausage Chowder
Step 1: Cook the turkey Sausage
Heat the oil in a soup pot. Remove the turkey sausage from the casing, add it to the pot, break it up with a spatula, and fry until golden on the outside and fully cooked. Remove to a separate plate. If your turkey sausage is very fatty, remove excess fat but leave about 2 tablespoons in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
To the same pot, add the chopped onion, celery, and sliced carrot. Cook over low heat for about 10 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and dried thyme; cook for an additional 30 seconds. Sprinkle flour over the mixture, combining it until it forms a paste. Continue cooking for another couple of minutes before returning the turkey sausage to the pot.
Step 3: Add Stock & Simmer
Pour in a bit of chicken stock while stirring to combine with the roux. Gradually pour in the remaining stock along with bay leaves and wild rice. Bring everything to a simmer and cook over low to medium heat for about 30 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate Potatoes
After 30 minutes, add cubed potatoes into the broth mixture. Cook for an additional 15 minutes or until both wild rice and potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Finish with Cream
Pour in light cream or half-and-half, stirring gently to combine. Season with salt as needed. Allow cream to warm through before removing from heat. Serve hot with chopped fresh parsley on top!
How to Serve Potato and turkey Sausage Chowder
Serving Potato and turkey Sausage Chowder is all about enhancing its rich flavors. This creamy dish can be made even more delightful with a few thoughtful accompaniments.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped parsley – A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
- Chives – Finely chopped chives introduce a mild onion flavor that pairs beautifully.
Add a Side of Bread
- Crusty bread – Serve with a warm, crusty baguette or sourdough for dipping.
- Garlic bread – The buttery garlic flavor complements the chowder perfectly.
Pair with a Salad
- Caesar salad – The tanginess of Caesar dressing contrasts well with the creamy chowder.
- Mixed greens – A simple salad with vinaigrette lightens the meal while adding crunch.
Offer Extra Toppings
- Croutons – Add texture by sprinkling some crispy croutons on top of each bowl.
- Cheese – Grated cheese like cheddar can be melted into the chowder for added richness.
How to Perfect Potato and turkey Sausage Chowder
Perfecting your Potato and turkey Sausage Chowder can elevate this comforting dish. Here are some tips to ensure it turns out delicious every time.
- Use quality turkey sausages – Selecting flavorful turkey sausages enhances the overall taste of your chowder.
- Don’t rush the cooking process – Allowing each ingredient to cook properly builds depth in flavors.
- Adjust the consistency – If you prefer thicker chowder, add more flour; for thinner, increase the stock.
- Taste as you go – Adjust seasoning throughout cooking to achieve your desired flavor profile.
- Let it sit before serving – Allowing chowder to rest enhances its flavors as they meld together.
Best Side Dishes for Potato and turkey Sausage Chowder
Pairing side dishes with your Potato and turkey Sausage Chowder can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Garlic Bread – Crunchy and buttery, perfect for dipping into the chowder.
- Coleslaw – A tangy slaw adds crunch and balances the creaminess of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized enhance nutrition and flavor.
- Cornbread – Sweet cornbread offers a delightful contrast to savory chowder.
- Stuffed Peppers – These can be filled with grains or quinoa for a hearty addition.
- Baked Potatoes – Simple yet satisfying; serve them topped or alongside the chowder.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your cooking experience. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using the wrong type of turkey sausage – Not all turkey sausages work well in chowder. Choose ones with good seasoning and fat content for the best flavor.
- Neglecting to sauté vegetables properly – Sautéing enhances the flavor. Make sure to cook onions, celery, and carrots until they’re soft before adding other ingredients.
- Skipping the roux step – The roux is essential for thickening. Don’t rush this step; allow the flour to cook slightly for better texture.
- Overcooking potatoes – If you add potatoes too early, they may become mushy. Add them when the rice is nearly cooked for perfect texture.
- Not adjusting seasoning – Always taste before serving. Adding salt and pepper at the end helps enhance all the flavors in your chowder.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Potato and turkey Sausage Chowder
- Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Potato and turkey Sausage Chowder
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place chowder in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warm.
- Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between intervals.
- Stovetop – Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Potato and turkey Sausage Chowder that might help you find answers.
How can I make Potato and turkey Sausage Chowder healthier?
You can substitute cream with low-fat milk or plant-based alternatives. Additionally, increasing the vegetable content can boost nutrition.
Can I use different types of turkey sausage in Potato and turkey Sausage Chowder?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version or beef sausage for a heartier flavor.
What can I serve with Potato and turkey Sausage Chowder?
This chowder pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. You can also top it with fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor.
How long does it take to prepare Potato and turkey Sausage Chowder?
The total time is approximately 65 minutes, including prep and cooking time.
Can I freeze Potato and turkey Sausage Chowder?
Yes, it freezes well! Be sure to store it properly in airtight containers to prevent freezer burn.
Final Thoughts
Potato and turkey Sausage Chowder is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try – it’s perfect for cozy dinners!
Potato and turkey Sausage Chowder
Indulge in a bowl of comforting Potato and turkey Sausage Chowder, a creamy and hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly days. This delightful chowder features tender potatoes and flavorful turkey sausage, creating a satisfying meal that warms the soul. With its rich, savory base filled with fresh vegetables, this recipe is not only simple to prepare but also versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this chowder is sure to impress family and friends alike.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves six
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 400g (6) turkey sausages (chicken, beef, lamb, or turkey)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 3 tbsp plain flour
- 1 litre (4 cups) chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 100g (1/2 cup) wild rice
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 375ml (1 1/2 cups) light cream or plant-based alternative
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Remove turkey sausage from its casing and add to the pot. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same pot, add onion, celery, and carrots; sauté for about 10 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and thyme; cook for an additional minute.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and combine until it forms a paste. Cook for another couple of minutes before adding back the turkey sausage.
- Slowly pour in some chicken stock while stirring to combine with the roux. Gradually add remaining stock along with bay leaves and wild rice. Bring to a simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Add cubed potatoes to the pot; cook for an additional 15 minutes until both potatoes and rice are tender.
- Stir in light cream or alternative; season with salt as needed. Allow to warm through before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 50mg