Easy Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe

Quick & Cozy Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe for Comfort Meals

Crafting a hearty kielbasa potato soup becomes a delightful culinary adventure that warms your soul on chilly evenings.

Comfort emerges from simple ingredients blended with love and care.

Polish sausage adds a smoky depth to this creamy classic.

Potatoes create a rich, velvety base that hugs every spoonful with warmth.

Robust flavors mingle effortlessly, promising a satisfying meal in minutes.

Each ingredient tells a story of rustic simplicity and nourishment.

Dive into this soul-soothing recipe that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into memorable moments of pure deliciousness.

Why Kielbasa Potato Soup Hits the Spot

  • Craft Hearty Comfort: This kielbasa potato soup brings soul-warming goodness straight to your dinner table with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Customize Your Flavor: Easily swap ingredients or adjust spices to match personal preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for different tastes and dietary needs.
  • Quick Family Pleaser: Packed with protein-rich kielbasa and creamy potatoes, this one-pot wonder satisfies hungry family members without complicated cooking techniques.
  • Stress-Free Cooking: Simple step-by-step instructions guarantee success even for novice cooks, ensuring a delicious meal comes together smoothly without advanced culinary skills.

What Goes in Kielbasa Potato Soup

Protein Base:
  • Kielbasa: A flavorful Polish sausage that adds smoky and rich taste to the soup.
  • Chicken Stock: The liquid foundation that provides depth and savory background to the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Onions, Garlic, Carrots, Celery: Classic aromatic vegetables that create a robust and hearty soup base with layered flavors.
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that make the soup creamy and provide satisfying texture.
Dairy and Seasonings:
  • Heavy Cream, Milk: Dairy components that create a smooth and rich soup consistency.
  • Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Cheeses that melt into the soup, adding creamy texture and sharp flavor.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the soup.
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright green herb used for garnishing and adding a fresh finish to the dish.
  • Olive Oil: Cooking fat used for sautéing ingredients and preventing sticking.

How to Cook This Hearty Soup

Step 1: Sear the Kielbasa

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add kielbasa slices and cook until golden brown, stirring occasionally.

Once crispy, remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 2: Build Flavor Base

In the same pot, add:
  • Garlic
  • Onions
  • Carrots
  • Celery

Saute for 2 minutes until vegetables become fragrant and slightly softened.

Step 3: Simmer Potatoes

Pour chicken stock into the pot and add cubed potatoes. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Cover and simmer for approximately 15 minutes until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

Return cooked kielbasa to the pot.

Stir in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Cook over low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring continuously until cheese melts and soup becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal.

Advice to Perfect Kielbasa Potato Soup

  • Cut kielbasa into uniform, thin rounds for even cooking and consistent flavor distribution throughout the soup.
  • Cube potatoes just before adding to the pot and keep them in cold water to stop browning and maintain their fresh appearance.
  • Add a splash of white wine while sautéing vegetables to enhance depth of flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
  • Adjust soup thickness by adding more chicken stock for a thinner soup or mashing some potatoes for a thicker, heartier texture.
  • Remove pot from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and ensure smooth, creamy incorporation into the soup.

Fresh Takes on Kielbasa Soup Ideas

  • Vegetarian Polish Potato Soup: Replace kielbasa with smoked tofu or plant-based sausage, using vegetable broth for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and hearty texture.
  • Spicy Southwestern Soup Variation: Add diced green chiles, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and include cumin and chili powder to create a zesty southwestern-inspired soup with bold heat.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Substitute: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets, reducing carbohydrates while keeping the creamy consistency and satisfying sausage-based profile of the original recipe.
  • Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Option: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream, select dairy-free cheese alternatives, and maintain the soup's creamy texture for lactose-intolerant or vegan preferences.

Dishes That Pair with Kielbasa Potato Soup

Choose a bold, medium-bodied red like Zinfandel or Syrah that complements the rich, smoky kielbasa and creamy soup texture.

Select a rustic sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the creamy broth and provide a delightful textural contrast.

Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the soup’s richness and add a refreshing counterpoint.

Serve a cold, slightly tart hard apple cider that enhances the soup’s savory flavors and provides a clean, palate-cleansing finish.

Keeping Kielbasa Potato Soup Good Later

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Transfer desired portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm. Add splash of chicken stock if soup seems thick.
  • Pour soup into saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. Add extra liquid if needed. Warm until steaming and reaching 165°F internal temperature.

FAQs

  • Is kielbasa the same as regular sausage?

Kielbasa is a Polish sausage with a distinct smoky flavor, different from typical breakfast or Italian sausages. It’s usually made from pork and has a coarser texture and more robust taste.

  • Can I use different types of potatoes?

Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold work best for this soup because they break down slightly and help create a thicker, creamier consistency. Avoid waxy potatoes that might remain too firm.

  • How can I make the soup healthier?

Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, choose reduced-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like spinach or kale to increase nutritional value. You can also use low-sodium chicken stock to control salt intake.

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Easy Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe

Easy Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty kielbasa potato soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending smoky Polish sausage with creamy potatoes. Rich flavors and simple ingredients make this soup a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Base:

  • 1 1/2 pounds potatoes, cubed
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup carrots, peeled and finely diced
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups heavy cream or whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Sear kielbasa in hot olive oil over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes until golden brown, creating a flavorful base. Remove and reserve for later.
  2. Utilize the same pot to sauté aromatic vegetables – garlic, onions, carrots, and celery – for 2 minutes, releasing their fragrant essence and developing deep flavor profiles.
  3. Pour chicken stock into the vegetable mixture, introducing cubed potatoes. Elevate heat to boiling point, then reduce to low, covering and allowing potatoes to simmer for approximately 15 minutes until tender.
  4. Reintroduce browned kielbasa to the pot, incorporating heavy cream, cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, salt, and black pepper. Gently stir and simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes, enabling cheese to melt completely and create a luxurious, creamy consistency.
  5. Perform a final taste assessment, adjusting seasonings as necessary. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the soup for a vibrant garnish, serving immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Enhance sausage flavor by slightly charring kielbasa before adding to the soup for a deeper, smokier taste.
  • Opt for waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes to maintain their shape and prevent turning mushy during cooking.
  • Prevent dairy separation by reducing heat to low and stirring continuously when adding cream and cheese.
  • Make it lighter by substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a less caloric version.
  • Prep Time: 7 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 478 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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