When it comes to comfort food with a spicy Southern twist, Cajun Potato Soup sits right at the top. Rich, hearty, and creamy with tender potatoes swimming in a smoky, flavorful broth, this soup brings a taste of Louisiana straight to your kitchen. Topped with crisp bacon, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of green onions or chives, every spoonful is warm, indulgent, and just the right amount of spicy.

Whether you’re curled up on a chilly evening or hosting a game-day gathering, this soup delivers big flavor without much fuss. The beauty lies in its balance—the potatoes offer that rustic feel, while the Cajun spices and bacon add depth and a bold, zesty kick. It’s a dish that feeds the soul as much as the stomach.

What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use for Cajun Potato Soup?

For this soup, waxy or all-purpose potatoes work best. Yukon Golds are a favorite for their buttery texture and ability to hold their shape. Russets are starchier and break down more, making the soup thicker, so it depends on your preferred consistency. The key is to cut them into even chunks so they cook uniformly.

Ingredients for the Cajun Potato Soup

Potatoes: The heart of the dish—they soak up all the Cajun flavors while giving the soup its hearty texture.
Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory crunch that complements the creamy base beautifully.
Onions: A flavor base essential to build depth right from the start.
Garlic: A sharp kick that enhances the Cajun flair.
Chicken broth: Forms the foundation of the soup’s savory flavor.
Heavy cream: Adds velvety richness that smooths out the spice.
Cajun seasoning: The soul of the soup—a mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs that brings the heat and complexity.
Cheddar cheese: For a creamy finish and extra indulgence.
Green onions or chives: Brings a bright, fresh element to cut through the richness.

How To Make the Cajun Potato Soup

Step 1: Render the Bacon

Start by cooking diced bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel. Leave about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the rendered fat in the pot for extra flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the reserved bacon fat, sauté diced onions until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This creates a flavorful base.

Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Broth

Toss in the peeled and diced potatoes, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Season and Cream It Up

Stir in the Cajun seasoning and heavy cream. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to slightly break up some of the potatoes for a creamier consistency, if desired.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Bacon

Turn off the heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Ladle into bowls and top with the crispy bacon and chopped green onions or chives.

Serving and Storing Cajun Potato Soup

Serve this soup hot with crusty bread or cornbread on the side for a Southern-inspired meal. A simple green salad also makes a great companion to balance the richness.

To store, let the soup cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much. This soup also freezes well—just leave out the cream and cheese before freezing, and add them when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For added depth, you can sauté some smoked paprika with the onions.

How spicy is Cajun Potato Soup?

It has a medium heat level, thanks to the Cajun seasoning. You can adjust the spice by adding more or less of the seasoning, or even stirring in a bit of hot sauce.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the result will be a bit lighter and less creamy. Whole milk is the best substitute if you’re looking to cut down on richness.

Is it okay to leave the soup chunky?

Definitely. Some prefer a chunkier soup with whole pieces of potato, while others mash part of the soup for a smoother texture. It’s totally up to you.

What can I substitute for Cajun seasoning?

If you don’t have a premade Cajun mix, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and black pepper for a quick DIY version.

Can I add meat like sausage or chicken?

Yes, adding cooked sausage or shredded chicken gives the soup even more heartiness and flavor.

Want More Soup Ideas with Bold Flavor?

If you loved this Cajun Potato Soup, you’ll enjoy these cozy and flavor-packed dishes too:

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup for a comforting classic with pillowy gnocchi.
Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup for a smoky, tangy twist on a staple.
Sausage and White Bean Soup if you’re craving something rustic and protein-packed.
Spicy Corn Chowder for a sweet and savory combo with a kick.
Loaded Broccoli Cheese Soup if you want ultra-creamy and cheesy.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you always have it handy for chilly nights or weekend cravings.

And tell me how your soup turned out! Did you stick with bacon or go with spicy sausage? Did you add extra cheddar on top?

I’d love to hear your creative tweaks and help troubleshoot any questions. Let’s keep the flavor flowing in the comments!

Cajun Potato Soup

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4–6

Print Recipe

Description

Cajun Potato Soup is a rich and hearty Southern-style dinner recipe that combines tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a smoky Cajun-spiced broth. Creamy, bold, and comforting, it’s perfect for cold nights or cozy gatherings.

Instructions

In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving 1–2 tablespoons of fat in the pot.
Add diced onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.
Add potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
Stir in Cajun seasoning and heavy cream. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
Lightly mash some of the potatoes for a creamier texture.
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Serve hot, garnished with bacon and green onions or chives.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner