It was a chilly evening, and my son, Leo, came in from playing, shivering and asking for something warm and comforting. “Mom, can you make that Kielbasa Potato Soup again? The one with the smoky sausage and creamy potatoes?” Of course, how could I resist that sweet face and a request for a family favorite? That night, as we all sat around the table, ladling up bowls of hearty Kielbasa Potato Soup, I knew this was more than just dinner.
It’s about the feeling of warmth and togetherness that only a home-cooked meal can bring. What started as a simple way to use up some leftover kielbasa has become a staple in our house, a meal that everyone looks forward to. I’ve tweaked it over the years, adding little touches here and there, but the essence remains the same: a simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious Kielbasa Potato Soup.
I think what makes this Kielbasa Potato Soup special is the way the smoky kielbasa complements the creamy potatoes, creating a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and irresistible. It’s the kind of meal that fills you up, body and soul. I’m excited to share my kielbasa and potato soup recipe with you, so you can experience the joy of bringing your family together with a warm, comforting bowl of Kielbasa Potato Soup. Give it a try, and let me know what you think! If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for creamy reuben soup!
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting Kielbasa Potato Soup. I always try to keep the ingredients simple and easy to find. You’ll find everything for this Kielbasa Potato Soup at your regular grocery store.
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced: For the best Kielbasa Potato Soup, I recommend using a good quality smoked kielbasa. My family prefers when I use Polish kielbasa in our Kielbasa Potato Soup.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps to sauté the vegetables and sausage.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a lovely base flavor to the soup.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a nice aromatic touch.
- 4 cups chicken broth: You can also use vegetable broth if you prefer.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthy flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: This enhances the smoky flavor of the kielbasa.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Season to taste.
- 1.5 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed: Russet potatoes work well, but you can also use Yukon Gold.
- 1 cup milk: For a richer soup, you can use half-and-half or heavy cream.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Optional, but adds a nice cheesy touch.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: For garnish.
- Salt to taste: This is important to ensure all the flavors in the Kielbasa Potato Soup pop!
Trust me, this Kielbasa Potato Soup ingredient list keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor! This Kielbasa Potato Soup is forgiving if you need to swap ingredients. For instance, if you don’t have fresh garlic, use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Prep wisdom? Chop all your vegetables before starting – it makes the cooking process so much smoother!
How to Make It
Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to make this delicious Kielbasa Potato Soup. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! I am here to guide you to making a perfect creamy kielbasa soup. If you are looking for an alternative, you could check out this Easy Kielbasa Potato Soup – Vikalinka.
- Sauté the kielbasa: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the kielbasa from the pot and set aside. This Kielbasa Potato Soup typically takes me about 30-40 minutes to prepare and cook.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing while this Kielbasa Potato Soup cooks!
- Add the broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, add the dried thyme, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Bring to a boil. Here’s where I used to mess up my Kielbasa Potato Soup – now I always remember to measure out all the spices beforehand!
- Cook the potatoes: Add the cubed potatoes to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Don’t worry if your Kielbasa Potato Soup looks a little thin at this point; it will thicken up as the potatoes cook.
- Mash some of the potatoes: Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash some of the potatoes in the pot. This will help to thicken the soup. If you like a chunkier soup, leave some of the potatoes unmashed. You’ll know your Kielbasa Potato Soup is ready when the potatoes are soft and the soup has thickened slightly.
- Add the kielbasa and milk: Return the browned kielbasa to the pot. Stir in the milk and heat through. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the milk, as it may curdle.
- Add the cheese (optional): If desired, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle the Kielbasa Potato Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot. While your Kielbasa Potato Soup is cooking, you’ll have time to prepare a simple side salad.
That’s it! A hearty, flavorful Kielbasa Potato Soup that’s perfect for a cozy night in. If you are looking for inspiration, you could review another Kielbasa Potato Soup recipe (Cheesy Sausage Soup)!
Serving Ideas
This Kielbasa Potato Soup is a meal on its own, but it’s even better with some delicious sides. My family loves it when I serve it with crusty bread for dipping. Everyone reaches for seconds when this Kielbasa Potato Soup comes out with a side of warm, buttered rolls.
Here are some other ideas:
- Crusty bread or rolls: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth.
- Side salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
- Grilled cheese sandwich: A classic pairing! The cheesy sandwich complements the Kielbasa Potato Soup perfectly.
- Cornbread: A slightly sweet cornbread is a great accompaniment to the savory soup.
This Kielbasa Potato Soup is perfect for those nights when you want something really satisfying!
I often make a big batch of this smoked sausage potato soup on Sunday and we enjoy it throughout the week. Leftovers, if there are any, are great for lunch the next day.
Presentation Tip: I like to sprinkle a little extra cheddar cheese and parsley on top of each bowl just before serving. It makes the Kielbasa Potato Soup look extra inviting.
Variations:
- For a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- You can also add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
- For a kielbasa potato cheese soup, add more cheese!
- I have had a lot of success making a creamy kielbasa soup by adding a cup of heavy cream.
My son, Leo, loves it when I add a dollop of sour cream to his bowl. My daughter, Mia, prefers hers with extra cheese. No matter how you serve it, this Kielbasa Potato Soup is sure to be a hit with your family. For more recipe ideas, check out creamy reuben soup.
Your Questions Answered
Here are some common questions I get asked about making Kielbasa Potato Soup. I am happy to answer them for you and provide you with tips to make a delicious Kielbasa Potato Soup.
Can I make this Kielbasa Potato Soup ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! In fact, I often find that the flavors meld together even better when the soup sits for a day or two. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What if I don’t have kielbasa? Can I use another type of sausage?
Yes, you can definitely substitute another type of sausage. Smoked sausage, Italian sausage, or even chorizo would work well. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings accordingly. This Kielbasa Potato Soup recipe is very versatile.
How do I store leftover Kielbasa Potato Soup?
Store leftover Kielbasa Potato Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I freeze Kielbasa Potato Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Kielbasa Potato Soup, but the texture of the potatoes may change slightly. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
What if my soup is too thick?
If your Kielbasa Potato Soup is too thick, simply add more broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
What if my soup is too thin?
If your Kielbasa Potato Soup is too thin, you can mash some more of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the soup while it’s simmering.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sauté the kielbasa and vegetables as directed, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the broth, seasonings, and potatoes. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or for something similar, check out this Kielbasa Potato Soup – Skinny Spatula.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Carrots, celery, bell peppers, and corn are all great additions to Kielbasa Potato Soup. Just add them to the pot along with the onions and garlic. For a different spin, check out white lasagna soup recipe.
The Final Word
This Kielbasa Potato Soup has earned its place in my recipe collection because it’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together, no matter what’s going on. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or any time you need a comforting bowl of goodness. Here are some of my Kielbasa Potato Soup Tips:
- Use good quality kielbasa: It makes a big difference in the flavor of the soup.
- Don’t overcook the potatoes: They should be tender but not mushy.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings: Add more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika to your liking.
Variations:
- I sometimes add a can of diced tomatoes for a slightly tangy flavor. My husband, Mark, loves it this way.
- For a creamier soup, I’ll add a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half.
- My daughter, Mia, is a big fan of adding a handful of spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
I encourage you to make this easy kielbasa soup your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings. I hope your family loves this Kielbasa Potato Soup as much as mine does. Cooking is all about sharing love through food, and I hope this recipe helps you create some special memories around your own dinner table.
Kielbasa Potato Soup
This Kielbasa Potato Soup is a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for a chilly evening. Smoked kielbasa sausage and tender potatoes combine in a creamy broth for a comforting and satisfying soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add kielbasa and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove kielbasa from the pot and set aside.
- Add onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in chicken broth and add potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in milk and sour cream. Heat through, but do not boil.
- Return kielbasa to the pot and heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a spicier soup, use hot kielbasa sausage. You can also add other vegetables such as carrots or celery to the soup.