If you are craving a bowl of comforting, hearty goodness, you are going to fall head over heels for this Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe. Imagine tender chunks of russet potatoes swimming in a creamy broth, punctuated by smoky, perfectly browned kielbasa rounds that add just the right amount of savory kick. This soup is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create an incredibly satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re new to cooking kielbasa or a seasoned fan looking for a cozy dish, this recipe delivers flavor and comfort in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun of making a memorable soup. Each one is straightforward yet plays a key role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe.
- 14 oz kielbasa sausage: Choose your favorite kind, sliced into rounds for a smoky, meaty burst in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for browning the kielbasa and bringing out its rich flavor.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the base of the soup.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Gives a lovely aromatic kick that wakes up the senses.
- 4 cups russet potatoes (peeled and diced): The heart of the soup, offering creaminess as they cook down.
- 2 carrots (sliced): Adds a subtle sweetness and a pop of color to brighten the bowl.
- 3 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that ties everything together with warmth and seasoning.
- 1 cup milk: Introduces smooth creaminess without overpowering the other flavors.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Makes the soup luxuriously rich and velvety in texture.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky undertones from the kielbasa and adds a gentle earthiness.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Brings herbal brightness and complexity to the broth.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Perfectly seasons and balances the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Provides a fresh, vibrant finish to each bowl.
How to Make Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Browning the Kielbasa
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook it until both sides develop a beautiful golden brown color, roughly 5 to 6 minutes. This process is key—it creates those caramelized bits that bring intense, savory flavor to your soup. Once browned, remove the kielbasa and set it aside; this allows you to build your soup’s foundation without overcooking the sausage.
Step 2: Building the Flavor Base
In the same pot, toss in the diced yellow onion and cook it until it softens and becomes translucent, about 3 minutes. The onions will absorb any leftover sausage flavor from the pot’s bottom. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly for 30 seconds—just enough time to release its aroma without burning. This step layers in a fragrant, mellow foundation for your soup.
Step 3: Cooking the Vegetables
Now it’s time to add the diced potatoes and sliced carrots. Give them a quick stir to coat in the flavorful base, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything to a steady boil, and then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the vegetables cook for 12 to 15 minutes until they are tender through and through. This simmering allows the potatoes to soften just right—soft but still holding their shape for texture.
Step 4: Adding Creaminess and Seasoning
Return the browned kielbasa slices to the pot along with the milk, heavy cream, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine everything thoroughly. Simmer the mixture for another 5 minutes so that the soup thickens slightly and all those layers of flavor meld together perfectly. The heavy cream rounds out the broth with silky richness, making every spoonful utterly decadent.
How to Serve Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing finishes this soup better than a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. It adds not only a burst of green color but also a fragrant herbal contrast that brightens the rich, smoky flavors. You might also consider a dollop of sour cream or a handful of shredded cheese for extra creaminess and tang.
Side Dishes
For a truly satisfying meal, serve your soup alongside crusty rustic bread or warm dinner rolls. The bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing balance to the hearty soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls to impress your guests. You could also sprinkle some crispy bacon bits or toasted pumpkin seeds on top for an unexpected crunch. Layering textures makes the meal even more memorable and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your soup, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the potatoes will continue to absorb liquid, so you might want to add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to restore the perfect consistency.
Freezing
This Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming, and stir well to bring back the creamy texture.
Reheating
Warm your stored or thawed soup gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid scorching the dairy. Stir frequently until heated through. If the soup has thickened too much, thin it out with a little broth or milk to get back its perfect creamy feel.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While kielbasa is traditional and adds a wonderful smoky flavor, you can substitute with smoked sausage, chorizo, or even turkey kielbasa for a lighter option. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the sausage is fully heated through and nicely browned.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and sausage. Always check the labels to be sure, especially if you have gluten sensitivities or allergies.
How can I make the soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the cooked potatoes right in the pot before adding the kielbasa back. This releases the starch and makes the soup creamier without needing any extra thickening agents.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, swap the kielbasa for smoked tofu or seitan and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The smoked paprika and thyme will help keep that smoky, hearty flavor intact.
What’s the best way to reheat this soup?
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove while stirring often. This prevents the cream from separating and keeps the soup smooth and delicious. If needed, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the texture.
Final Thoughts
This Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that makes you feel instantly at home. With its creamy broth, tender potatoes, and smoky sausage, it brings comfort and satisfaction with every spoonful. I encourage you to give it a try—the process is easy, the flavors irresistible, and the results truly warming for both body and soul. Once you make it, I bet it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to soups for cozy nights in or feeding a hungry crowd.
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Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This hearty and creamy Kielbasa Potato Soup combines smoky kielbasa sausage with tender potatoes and carrots in a flavorful broth, enriched with milk and heavy cream. Perfect for a comforting meal, it’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 14 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
Liquids and Seasoning
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Brown the Kielbasa: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned on both sides, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Using the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced potatoes and sliced carrots to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 12–15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Cream and Sausage: Stir the cooked kielbasa back into the pot along with the milk, heavy cream, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the soup for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to become creamy and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the soup from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy with crusty bread for a heartier meal.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes before adding the kielbasa back in.
- Use turkey kielbasa for a lighter, lower-fat version.
- Serve with crusty bread to make the meal more filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Eastern European
