Kielbasa Potato Soup

Kielbasa Potato Soup is the kind of hearty, rustic dish that makes cold evenings feel cozy. I first made this comforting soup on a chilly October Saturday when I wanted something filling but didn’t want to spend all afternoon cooking. The smoky kielbasa combined with tender potatoes in a creamy broth created the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

What I love most about this kielbasa potato soup recipe is how those simple ingredients transform into something that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. The smoked sausage releases its savory oils into the broth while the potatoes break down slightly, creating natural thickness. This hearty potato sausage soup has become my go-to when I need comfort food that appeals to everyone at the table, from picky kids to hungry adults.

It’s budget-friendly, family-friendly, and absolutely delicious.

Everything You Need for This Rustic Soup

I always use fully cooked smoked kielbasa for this recipe because it adds incredible flavor. Pro tip: Slice your kielbasa into rounds rather than chunks so every spoonful has that perfect smoky bite.

Main Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 oz (340g) kielbasa sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium potatoes (about 1½ lbs/680g), peeled and diced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 5 cups (1.2L) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• ¾ cup (180ml) heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Pro tip: I prefer using Yukon Gold potatoes for this kielbasa potato soup recipe because they hold their shape well while still becoming tender. Russets work too if you want a creamier texture, but they’ll break down more.

Simple Steps to Soup Perfection

I recommend browning the kielbasa first to develop deeper flavor. This extra step makes all the difference in this hearty potato sausage soup.

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat until it shimmers slightly. Add the sliced kielbasa rounds in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage develops golden-brown edges and releases some of its flavorful oils. You’ll smell that amazing smoky aroma filling your kitchen. Remove the browned kielbasa with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.

Pro tip: Don’t skip this browning step. Those caramelized bits add so much depth to the soup base.

Step 2: In the same pot with the kielbasa drippings, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. The vegetables will soak up all those smoky flavors from the sausage. Sauté for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more until fragrant.

Troubleshooting: If the bottom of your pot looks too dark, add a splash of broth and scrape up those bits. They’re pure flavor.

Step 3: Add the diced potatoes to the pot along with the smoked paprika, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together for about a minute, coating the potatoes with the spices and allowing the paprika to bloom slightly.

Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, making sure all the vegetables are submerged. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. You’ll see bubbles breaking the surface across the entire pot.

Step 5: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 15-18 minutes. The potatoes should be fork-tender, meaning you can easily pierce them with a fork and they slide right off. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.

Pro tip: Different potato sizes will affect cooking time. Check for doneness by testing the largest pieces with a fork.

Step 6: Return the browned kielbasa to the pot along with any juices that accumulated on the plate. Stir in the heavy cream, mixing until it’s evenly distributed throughout the soup. The broth will turn a beautiful creamy color. Let everything simmer together for 3-4 more minutes so the flavors can meld.

Step 7: Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remember that kielbasa is already quite salty, so taste before adding extra salt.

Step 8: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with crusty bread on the side for dipping into that creamy, smoky broth.

Perfect Accompaniments for This Hearty Soup

This rustic and filling kielbasa potato soup pairs beautifully with simple sides that let the soup shine.

Crusty Bread for Dunking: A thick slice of warm, crusty artisan bread or a fresh baguette is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that smoky, creamy broth. The sturdy texture holds up well to repeated dipping.

Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup. The acidity cuts through the creaminess and adds a bright, fresh element to the meal.

Extra Chopped Parsley on Top: Fresh herbs don’t just look pretty. They add a burst of fresh flavor that brightens each bowl and balances the smoky sausage in this hearty potato sausage soup.

Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickles or pickled red onions on the side provide an acidic contrast that cleanses your palate between spoonfuls of the rich, creamy soup. They’re one of the best sides for kielbasa potato soup.

Apple Cider: A glass of warm or cold apple cider brings seasonal sweetness that complements the savory, smoky flavors perfectly during fall and winter months.

More Hearty Potato Soup Favorites

This Kielbasa Potato Soup pairs wonderfully with other creamy, satisfying potato-based soups perfect for cold weather. For another sausage and potato combination, the Potato and Sausage Chowder Recipe offers similar comfort with a thicker consistency. Potato soup lovers will also enjoy the Tuscan Sausage Potato Soup, which adds Italian herbs and kale for a different flavor profile.

For variety at the dinner table, try the classic Garlic Potato Soup for a vegetarian option, or the indulgent Loaded Mashed Potato Bites as an appetizer. Serve alongside Garlic Bread Rolls or Biscuit Muffin Bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Keeping Your Soup Fresh and Delicious

Store any leftover kielbasa potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the soup has cooled completely to room temperature before sealing to maintain the best quality and prevent excess condensation from forming.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the bottom from scorching. The soup will thicken as it sits in the fridge, so you may want to add a splash of chicken broth to restore that perfect creamy consistency. I recommend stirring frequently while reheating to keep the texture smooth.

Pro tip: For this hearty potato sausage soup, I suggest freezing the base without the cream for up to 2 months. The cream can sometimes separate and become grainy when frozen and thawed. Freeze the broth, vegetables, and kielbasa together, then stir in fresh cream after reheating for that silky texture. This way, your kielbasa potato soup recipe tastes just as good as the day you made it.

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