Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe

Try This Cozy Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe Tonight

Hearty potato kielbasa soup brings comfort to chilly evenings with its rich, warming blend of savory ingredients.

Robust Polish sausage mingles beautifully with tender potato chunks, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.

Creamy textures and smoky notes dance across your palate, promising a satisfying meal.

Seasonal vegetables add depth and nutrition to this classic one-pot wonder.

Kitchens fill with inviting aromas as the soup simmers gently on the stove.

We’ve crafted a simple yet memorable recipe that celebrates traditional comfort food.

Grab a spoon and let this soul-warming soup transport you to culinary bliss.

Storage Instructions for Potato Kielbasa Soup

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Store frozen soup for 2-3 months. Pro tip: Separate dairy-based portions before freezing to maintain better texture.
  • Thaw refrigerated or frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Pour into a pot, stir occasionally over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken stock or milk to restore creamy consistency. Heat until steaming, approximately 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

  • Is kielbasa necessary for this soup?

Kielbasa adds a rich, smoky flavor and protein to the soup. If unavailable, you can substitute with smoked sausage or ham for similar taste and texture.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version, replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or extra vegetables like mushrooms. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to maintain the soup’s hearty profile.

  • What type of potatoes work best?

Yukon gold or russet potatoes are ideal for this soup. They hold their shape well during cooking and provide a creamy, smooth texture when added to the broth.

  • How can I thicken the soup if it's too thin?

Create a quick slurry by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water, then slowly stir into the soup.

Potato Kielbasa Soup Highlights

  • Savor Hearty Comfort: This soup brings pure comfort in every spoonful, delivering warm, rich flavors that hug your taste buds with delightful intensity.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your preferences, making this recipe incredibly flexible for different palates and dietary needs.
  • Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Packed with protein from kielbasa, vegetables providing essential nutrients, and cheesy goodness, this soup delivers balanced nutrition without multiple cooking steps.
  • Quick Family Pleaser: Simple cooking technique means minimal prep work, allowing you to create a satisfying meal that appeals to both adults and kids with its delicious, accessible ingredients.

Ingredients for Potato Kielbasa Soup

Main Proteins:
  • Kielbasa: A flavorful Polish sausage that adds rich, smoky depth to the soup.
  • Chicken Stock: A savory liquid base that provides fundamental flavor and moisture to the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Potatoes, Carrots, Onions, Celery: Fresh vegetables that contribute essential texture, nutrition, and hearty flavor to the soup.
  • Garlic: An aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Milk, Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a smooth, luxurious texture and add rich, tangy flavor to the soup.
Seasonings and Herbs:
  • Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's natural flavors.
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright, herbal garnish that adds color and a fresh finish to the soup.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A high-quality cooking oil used for sautéing and adding a subtle fruity undertone to the soup.

How to Prepare Potato Kielbasa Soup

Step 1: Sizzle the Kielbasa

Brown the kielbasa pieces in extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking for 5-6 minutes.

Remove the browned kielbasa using a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 2: Aromatic Vegetable Sauté

Add to the same pot:
  • Minced garlic
  • Diced onions
  • Chopped carrots
  • Sliced celery

Sauté the vegetables for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to release their flavors.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Pour in chicken stock and add diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.

Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Create Creamy Goodness

Return the kielbasa to the pot.

Pour in milk and sprinkle in:
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Parmesan cheese

Season with salt and black pepper. Simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring constantly until cheese melts completely.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the soup. Give a final stir and serve piping hot.

Enjoy this comforting and hearty soup that warms you from the inside out.

Tips for Potato Kielbasa Soup Success

Enhance flavor by choosing high-quality kielbasa with robust smoky notes for deeper taste profile. Swap chicken stock with vegetable broth to create a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains rich, hearty consistency. Reduce dairy content by using low-fat milk and light cheese options without compromising creamy texture. Consider adding additional vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutritional boost and vibrant color. Keep soup’s thickness balanced by adjusting liquid quantities – add more stock if too thick or simmer uncovered to reduce if too thin.

Variations of Potato Kielbasa Soup

  • Vegetarian Kielbasa Soup: Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or smoked tofu, maintaining the smoky flavor profile while creating a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free chicken stock and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially cheese and seasonings.
  • Spicy Southwestern Style: Add diced green chiles, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle cayenne pepper for a zesty kick that transforms the soup's traditional flavor.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving the soup's creamy texture and hearty character.

Pairings That Match Potato Kielbasa Soup

  • Slice thick, crusty rye bread to complement the soup's rich, hearty flavors and provide a perfect dipping companion that soaks up the creamy broth.
  • Select a cold, light-bodied pilsner that cuts through the soup's richness, offering a refreshing contrast and cleansing the palate between spoonfuls.
  • Create a light apple and fennel salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy texture and provide a crisp, fresh counterpoint to the warm, comforting dish.
Print
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Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe

Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty potato kielbasa soup combines Polish sausage with creamy potatoes for a comforting winter meal. Rich flavors and simple ingredients make this soup a satisfying choice for hungry families.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds (680 g) potatoes (diced into precise cubes)
  • 1 pound (454 g) premium kielbasa (sliced into ½ inch segments)
  • 4 cups (946 ml) high-quality chicken stock
  • 2 cups (473 ml) full-fat milk
  • 2 cups (200 g) finely shredded aged cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (80 g) yellow onion (finely diced)
  • 1/2 cup (65 g) carrots (approximately 2 large ones, peeled and finely diced)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) celery (approximately 23 stalks, finely sliced)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) finely shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup (15 g) freshly chopped parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp (1.25 g) freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear kielbasa segments for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown. Remove kielbasa with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, sauté minced garlic, onions, carrots, and celery for 2 minutes, stirring to prevent burning.
  3. Pour chicken stock into the pot and add diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 15 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
  4. Return kielbasa to the pot. Pour in milk and incorporate cheddar and parmesan cheeses. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and stir continuously for 5-10 minutes until cheeses completely melt and blend into the soup.
  5. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the soup. Give a final gentle stir to distribute herbs evenly. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this hearty soup.

Notes

  • Achieve perfect browning by patting kielbasa dry before searing to enhance caramelization and prevent steaming.
  • Opt for starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for a creamier soup texture that helps naturally thicken the broth.
  • Swap dairy milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version without compromising rich flavor.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken stock and adjusting salt content gradually while tasting throughout cooking process.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 412 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 770 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 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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