Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe

The Hearty Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Creamy and comforting, this kielbasa potato soup recipe brings warmth to your kitchen on chilly days.

Polish sausage adds a smoky, robust flavor that elevates every spoonful of this hearty dish.

Tender potatoes mingle with savory kielbasa, creating a soul-satisfying meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Loaded with simple ingredients, this soup comes together quickly and easily.

Each bite promises rich, velvety goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The combination of smoky sausage and soft potatoes creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Grab a bowl and savor the delicious comfort of this hearty soup that’s sure to become a family favorite.

What Sets Kielbasa Potato Soup Apart

What Sets Kielbasa Potato Soup Apart
  • Discover why this kielbasa potato soup is a game-changer for home cooks.
  • The one-pot method means minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment, letting you spend less time washing dishes and more time eating deliciously.
  • Perfect for busy weeknights, this soup comes together in under an hour, delivering a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen.
  • Easily adapt the recipe by swapping cheeses, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables to make it your own signature dish that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Must-Have Ingredients for Kielbasa Soup

Protein Base:
  • Kielbasa: A smoky Polish sausage that provides rich, meaty flavor to the soup.
  • Chicken Stock: Adds depth and creates the liquid foundation for the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Carrot, Celery: A classic mirepoix that builds a robust flavor base for the soup.
  • Garlic: Adds aromatic warmth and complexity to the overall dish.
  • Chili Flakes: Brings a subtle heat and slight kick to the soup.
  • Potatoes: Hearty root vegetable that provides thickness and substance to the soup.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, clean finish to the dish.
Dairy and Seasoning:
  • Milk: Creates a creamy texture and softens the soup's overall profile.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the soup, adding richness and a tangy cheese flavor.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's flavors.
  • Oil: Used for initial sautéing and developing caramelized flavors.

How to Cook Kielbasa Potato Soup

How to Cook Kielbasa Potato Soup

Step 1: Sear the Kielbasa

Heat oil in a large pot.

Add sliced kielbasa and cook for 4–5 minutes until golden and crisp.

Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pot, cook for 5 minutes:
  • Diced onions
  • Chopped carrots
  • Sliced celery

Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; stir for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

Add:
  • Cubed potatoes
  • Chicken stock

Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Season with salt to taste.

Step 4: Add the Creamy Touch

In a separate bowl, mix hot soup with milk to temper.

Pour it back into the pot along with the cooked kielbasa.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese

Stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted and soup thickens slightly.

Simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Taste and adjust seasoning.

Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, comforting bowl!

Pro Tips for Big Flavor in Kielbasa Soup

Pro Tips for Big Flavor in Kielbasa Soup
  • Crisp the sausage pieces before adding to soup to develop deep, caramelized notes that boost overall taste profile.
  • Always temper dairy by gradually mixing hot liquid with cold milk in a separate bowl to ensure smooth, creamy texture without separation.
  • Use the same pot after searing kielbasa to sauté vegetables, capturing those delicious browned sausage bits for extra depth of flavor.
  • Cut potatoes into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and guarantee each bite is tender without becoming mushy.
  • Add grated cheese off direct heat and stir continuously to create a silky, lump-free soup consistency that coats every spoonful.

Reheating and Saving Kielbasa Soup

  • Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors and maintain freshness.
  • Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving about an inch of space for expansion. Properly stored, the soup will last 2-3 months. Avoid freezing portions with dairy for best texture.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Add a splash of chicken stock if soup seems too thick.
  • Reheat soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra chicken stock or milk to restore original consistency. Warm slowly to prevent separation of dairy and maintain creamy texture.

Pairing Suggestions for Kielbasa Soup

  • Pair Crispy Rye Bread: Toasted rye bread slices provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy soup, with its robust flavor complementing the kielbasa's smokiness.
  • Enhance with German Pilsner: A cold, crisp German pilsner cuts through the soup's richness, its hoppy notes balancing the cheesy, hearty flavors perfectly.
  • Match with Tangy Coleslaw: A zesty, vinegar-based coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch and acidic counterpoint to the rich, creamy potato soup.
  • Serve with Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled cornichons or dill pickles add a bright, sharp element that helps cleanse the palate between spoonfuls of the hearty soup.

Flavor Variants for Kielbasa Potato Lovers

  • Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace kielbasa with smoked tofu or plant-based sausage, using vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining a similar creamy texture and hearty feel.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk and nutritional yeast in place of cheddar cheese to create a lactose-free soup with rich, tangy flavor.
  • Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chiles, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle in some cumin for a zesty southwestern-inspired soup variation.

FAQs

  • Why temper the milk before adding to the soup?

Tempering prevents the milk from curdling by gradually raising its temperature. This technique ensures a smooth, creamy texture without unwanted milk separation.

  • Can I use a different type of sausage instead of kielbasa?

Absolutely! Andouille, chorizo, or smoked sausage work great as substitutes. Each will bring its own unique flavor profile to the soup.

  • How can I make this soup healthier?

Use low-fat milk, lean kielbasa, and add more vegetables like spinach or kale. You can also reduce the cheese amount or use a lighter cheese variety to cut down on calories.

  • Is this soup good for meal prep?

Yes! The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors actually develop and become more robust overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.

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Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe

Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Polish kielbasa potato soup brings comfort straight from Eastern European kitchens, blending smoky sausage with creamy potatoes. Robust flavors and simple ingredients make this soul-warming dish perfect for chilly evenings you’ll want to savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 750 g (1 1/2 lb) potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 300 g (10.5 oz) kielbasa sausage, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1.25 litres (5 cups) chicken stock
  • 300 ml (1 1/4 cup) full-fat milk
  • 100 g (3.5 oz) cheddar cheese, grated

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 2 celery ribs, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 30 g (1/2 cup) fresh parsley, roughly chopped

Seasonings and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chilli flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare kielbasa by slicing into bite-sized pieces and searing in a large pot over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes until edges caramelize and develop a crispy texture. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  2. Utilize the same pot with remaining sausage drippings to sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery for approximately 5 minutes until vegetables soften. Incorporate minced garlic and chili flakes, stirring quickly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
  3. Add cubed potatoes and chicken stock to the vegetable mixture. Bring liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork.
  4. Create a smooth milk integration by tempering dairy in a separate bowl. Gradually mix a ladle of hot soup liquid with milk to prevent curdling, then slowly incorporate the tempered mixture back into the pot.
  5. Reintroduce crispy kielbasa pieces to the soup and sprinkle grated cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely and soup develops a creamy consistency.
  6. Finish the soup by allowing it to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.

Notes

  • Prevent milk curdling by gently tempering it with hot soup liquid before adding to the pot, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.
  • Enhance flavor depth by using kielbasa drippings to sauté vegetables, capturing those delicious caramelized bits for extra richness.
  • use turkey kielbasa for lower fat, plant-based milk for dairy-free, or sweet potatoes for added nutrition.
  • Control soup consistency by adjusting chicken stock amount – add more for thinner soup, less for a heartier, stew-like texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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