Cajun Potato Soup Recipe
Get ready to cozy up to a bowlful of soul-warming comfort, because this Cajun Potato Soup is exactly the recipe you need when you’re craving something creamy, hearty, and packing just the right amount of Southern spice! This soup is a hug in a bowl: loaded with tender potatoes, vibrant bell pepper, a tangle of sautéed aromatics, and a glorious hint of smoky bacon, then finished with a swirl of cream. Best of all, it’s easy enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough to share with friends (if you don’t eat it all yourself!). Try it once—you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk building blocks! Each ingredient in Cajun Potato Soup is simple, but together, they bring so much flavor, color, and irresistible texture to the table. Every addition makes a difference, so pick the freshest you can find and get ready for a pot bubbling with Louisiana-inspired warmth.
- Potatoes: The starchy backbone of the soup, diced potatoes create that creamy, comforting base.
- Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down.
- Celery: Adds a subtle, savory crunch and classic Cajun flavor.
- Green bell pepper: Brings fresh brightness and essential New Orleans flair.
- Garlic: Minced garlic wakes up all the spices with its aromatic bite.
- Chicken broth: This is the soup’s foundation—use a rich, flavorful broth for best results.
- Heavy cream: Responsible for that velvety, luxurious texture.
- Cajun seasoning: The signature blend that brings smoky, spicy, tangy notes!
- Smoked paprika: Boosts color and delivers another layer of smoky warmth.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who want that little extra kick!
- Bacon: Salty, smoky, and just a touch decadent—don’t skip the crumbled topping.
- Butter: Enriches the soup and helps the veggies caramelize perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out all those robust flavors.
- Green onions: Adds a crisp, oniony freshness at the finish.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): For those who love a melty, cheesy topping.
How to Make Cajun Potato Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, start by melting your butter over medium heat. Once it’s sizzling, toss in your diced onion, celery, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Let everything cook together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are softened and aromatic—this layer builds the flavor foundation for your Cajun Potato Soup and fills your kitchen with the most incredible smell!
Step 2: Add Potatoes and Spices
Next, add in your peeled and diced potatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper, adjust to taste, then give it all a good stir. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender and soaking up all that spicy, savory broth.
Step 3: Blend for Creaminess
Now comes the magic! Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup right in the pot. You want about half the potatoes blended—this keeps your Cajun Potato Soup thick and creamy while leaving plenty of satisfying potato chunks for texture. No immersion blender? Just carefully mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot with a spoon or potato masher.
Step 4: Finish with Cream and Bacon
Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until it’s fully incorporated, then add your cooked, crumbled bacon to take things over the top. Gently heat through, but don’t let it come to a boil—overheating can cause the cream to separate. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before removing the pot from the stove.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle your Cajun Potato Soup into bowls, then lavish them with a handful of sliced green onions and, if you like, a shower of shredded cheddar cheese. Serve it piping hot and watch smiles appear with every spoonful!
How to Serve Cajun Potato Soup

Garnishes
The right toppings can turn your bowl of Cajun Potato Soup into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece! I love finishing each bowl with a flourish of fresh green onions for bite and color, a little extra crumbled bacon for indulgence, and, of course, a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese that melts deliciously into the hot soup. A dusting of extra Cajun seasoning or paprika on top gives it that final Louisiana flair.
Side Dishes
All you really need is a good piece of crusty bread or a fluffy buttermilk biscuit to dip into your Cajun Potato Soup and soak up every last drop. If you’re making it a bigger meal, a crisp green salad or skillet cornbread pairs beautifully, balancing the creamy richness with freshness or crunch. For an extra Southern touch, try serving alongside blackened shrimp or grilled sausage.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting friends? Serve individual portions of Cajun Potato Soup in mini bread bowls, or set up a “soup bar” with toppings like sliced jalapeños, sour cream, and hot sauce so everyone can customize their bowl. For a party, offer espresso cups of the soup as a spicy starter—guaranteed to wow your guests and spark conversation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cajun Potato Soup keeps surprisingly well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches. Spoon cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better as they mingle, so you might love it even more the second time around.
Freezing
While the texture of cream-based soups can sometimes change after freezing, this Cajun Potato Soup actually holds up nicely! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup in a saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer. Avoid boiling—the cream will thank you!
FAQs
Is Cajun Potato Soup very spicy?
The soup has a gentle kick, thanks to Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, but it’s totally customizable! If you prefer mild flavors, skip the cayenne and use less Cajun seasoning. Or spice it up even more with extra hot sauce or sliced jalapeños for garnish.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and leave out the bacon. If you want to add more substance, toss in sautéed mushrooms, corn, or even some cannellini beans—it’ll still have that classic Cajun Potato Soup flavor.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this Cajun Potato Soup, as they turn wonderfully creamy and tender when cooked and partially pureed. Red potatoes will work too, though they’ll hold their shape a bit more.
Can I make Cajun Potato Soup ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, letting the flavors mingle for a day in the fridge often makes the soup even richer and more delicious. Just wait to add fresh garnishes until serving to keep those textures vibrant.
How can I add extra protein?
This soup is fantastic with cooked sausage slices (andouille is amazing here), shredded rotisserie chicken, or even some peeled shrimp tossed in at the end—just heat through until the shrimp are pink and tender.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you’ll try Cajun Potato Soup the next time you’re craving something bold, comforting, and totally satisfying! Once you ladle out that first steamy bowl, I promise—this recipe will become a regular favorite in your kitchen too. Enjoy every spicy, creamy bite!
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Cajun Potato Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm up with a bowl of hearty Cajun Potato Soup, a creamy and flavorful dish perfect for chilly days. This soup is a comforting blend of tender potatoes, aromatic vegetables, Cajun spices, and a touch of cream, topped with crispy bacon and cheese.
Ingredients
Potato Soup:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Garnish:
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Shredded cheddar cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, green bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Cook Soup: Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
- Blend and Finish: Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. Stir in heavy cream and cooked bacon. Heat through but do not boil. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit bacon.
- Add cooked sausage or shredded chicken for extra protein.
- Serve with crusty bread for a hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg