I’m so excited to share this deeply satisfying Kielbasa Potato Soup recipe with you! There’s just something special about the combination of smoky kielbasa, tender potatoes, and a creamy broth that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish at a family gathering, this soup is a real winner.
If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, hearty, and sure to please everyone, this recipe is for you! Plus, it’s so adaptable—you can tweak it based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences. Let’s dive right in!
Why You’ll Love This Kielbasa Potato Soup
- Comforting & Filling: The creaminess of the soup combined with the heartiness of kielbasa and potatoes makes this an incredibly satisfying meal.
- Rich Flavor: The smoky, savory kielbasa paired with fragrant thyme and paprika adds layers of warmth and complexity.
- Easy to Make: It’s simple, straightforward, and takes only about 45 minutes from start to finish!
- Versatile: You can get creative with toppings like shredded cheese or crispy bacon. Plus, it’s great for meal prep!
The Taste? Out of This World!
Imagine the creaminess of the broth mingling with perfectly tender chunks of potato, each bite infused with the smoky, meaty goodness of kielbasa. The touch of smoked paprika adds just enough warmth, while the thyme gives it a subtle herbaceous note that ties everything together. It’s the kind of soup that feels like a treat, whether you’re enjoying it at home in your coziest sweater or sharing it with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 14 oz (400g) kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (960ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 2 cups (480ml) milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Potato masher (optional but recommended for texture)
- Sharp knife for chopping
- Ladle for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Kielbasa
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until it’s browned and slightly crispy on the edges. This step gives the kielbasa extra depth of flavor. Once browned, remove the kielbasa and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. The garlic will infuse the base with its fragrant goodness!
3. Simmer the Potatoes
- Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, smoked paprika, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Thicken the Soup
- Use a potato masher to lightly mash some of the potatoes in the soup. This will give your soup a slightly thicker, more luxurious texture without needing flour or additional thickeners.
5. Add Cream and Kielbasa
- Stir in the heavy cream, milk, and the browned kielbasa. Simmer for another 5 minutes, just until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.
6. Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. For an extra indulgent touch, feel free to add shredded cheese or crispy bacon on top!
What to Serve with Kielbasa Potato Soup?
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy broth.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette would balance the richness of the soup.
- Garlic Bread: Because let’s be honest, garlic bread makes everything better!
Tips for Making the Best Kielbasa Potato Soup:
- Don’t skip browning the kielbasa: It adds so much flavor to the soup.
- Use starchy potatoes like russets for the best creamy texture.
- Mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot to naturally thicken the soup.
- Customize your toppings: Shredded cheddar, sour cream, and even a sprinkle of crispy bacon can take this soup to the next level!
Storage Instructions:
This soup stores beautifully! Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove. Tip: If freezing, add the cream after thawing for the best texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use another type of sausage?
- Absolutely! Smoked sausages, andouille, or even chorizo would be delicious.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
- Yes! Swap the heavy cream and milk for coconut milk or a non-dairy alternative of your choice. It will still be creamy and delicious!
3. What can I substitute for kielbasa?
- You can use smoked turkey sausage or even chicken sausage if you prefer a lighter option.
Conclusion
This Kielbasa Potato Soup is everything you want in a hearty, comforting meal. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with smoky flavor, all while being super easy to make. Whether you’re enjoying it as a weeknight meal or impressing guests with a cozy, home-cooked dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit. And remember, don’t hesitate to make it your own with your favorite toppings or additions!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Please leave a review or share a photo on Pinterest—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 28g
Looking for more cozy recipes? Try these next:
- Creamy Salmon, Leek & Potato Traybake
- Creamy Garlic Sauce Baby Potatoes
- Pot Roast Over Mashed Potatoes
Let me know which ones you love!
Hearty Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Kielbasa Potato Soup is a rich, comforting dish perfect for cozy nights. The smoky kielbasa, tender potatoes, and creamy broth come together in under an hour, making it a quick and easy meal packed with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this hearty soup is sure to be a hit with everyone!
Ingredients
- 14 oz (400g) kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (960ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 2 cups (480ml) milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Lightly mash some of the potatoes to thicken the soup.
- Stir in the heavy cream, milk, and cooked kielbasa. Simmer for another 5 minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Optional: top with shredded cheese or crispy bacon for extra richness.
Notes
- For a thicker texture, mash more of the potatoes in step 4.
- Customize your toppings: try adding sour cream, shredded cheddar, or bacon bits.
- To make this soup dairy-free, substitute heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or a non-dairy alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1350mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Kielbasa Potato Soup, creamy potato soup, hearty soup, kielbasa recipes, comfort food, easy dinner