Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the Bacon
- In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Retain the rendered fat in the pan. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, allow it to cool, then crumble and refrigerate until needed.
- Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, melt the butter within the remaining bacon fat over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sliced leeks, cooking until tender, approximately 3–4 minutes. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, and stir to combine. Incorporate the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until aromatic.
- Cook the Soup in the Crock Pot
- Lightly coat the interior of the slow cooker with cooking spray. Transfer the sautéed onion and leek mixture to the crock pot. Add the quartered potatoes, diced celery, chicken stock, white wine, rosemary, and Cajun seasoning. Stir thoroughly, cover, and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Prepare the Sausage
- While the soup simmers, brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
- Blend the Soup
- Once the soup has finished cooking, turn off the slow cooker and remove the lid. Use an immersion blender to purée to your preferred consistency. For a fully smooth texture, blend the entire mixture; for a chunkier finish, blend partially. Alternatively, a standard blender can be used in batches, returning the soup to the crock pot afterward.
- Finish the Soup
- Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar, Parmesan (or Romano), and crumbled sausage. Mix until the cheese has completely melted and the ingredients are well incorporated. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
Notes
Warm the crumbled bacon briefly in the microwave, about 30 seconds. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with the bacon and chopped chives if desired, and serve immediately.