Okay, grab a mug of something warm, pull up a chair, and let’s chat! I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite comfort foods with you: Kielbasa Potato Soup. It’s one of those recipes that just warms you from the inside out, you know? For me, it’s more than just a meal; it’s a memory wrapped in a bowl. I remember the first time I made this Kielbasa Potato Soup – it was a particularly blustery autumn evening, and the leaves were swirling outside like crazy. My kids were small, restless, and hungry, and I needed something quick, easy, and satisfying. I rifled through the fridge, found some kielbasa, potatoes, and a few other basics, and just started experimenting.
The aroma that filled the kitchen as the Kielbasa Potato Soup simmered was pure magic. My little ones, who were usually picky eaters, were suddenly hovering around the stove, their eyes wide with anticipation. That night, we all huddled around the table, slurping up every last drop of that soup. The silence, broken only by contented sighs, spoke volumes. That’s when I knew I had stumbled upon something special.
There’s definitely been a few times I added way too much salt and the whole family was reaching for water, but hey that is how we learn, right? This Kielbasa Potato Soup recipe has evolved over the years, tweaked here and there based on what I had on hand or what my family was craving. It’s a forgiving recipe, which is perfect for busy weeknights when you just want to throw something together without a lot of fuss. It really is the perfect easy kielbasa soup to have on hand when you need a quick meal. And let me tell you, it’s become a family staple. Even now, with my kids grown, whenever I make it, it brings back those cozy memories of that first autumn evening. I first perfected this creamy potato soup kielbasa a few years ago and since then it has been requested quite often.
My cooking philosophy is all about creating delicious, nourishing meals that bring people together, without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s about embracing simplicity, using fresh ingredients, and cooking from the heart. And that’s exactly what this Kielbasa Potato Soup is all about. So, are you ready to give it a try? I promise, it’s easier than you think, and the results are oh-so-worth it! If you love quick and cozy recipes, you should also check out my sausage sweet potato kale soup!
What You’ll Need for This Kielbasa Potato Soup
Alright, let’s talk ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this amazing Kielbasa Potato Soup. I’m going to list them out with the exact measurements, because that’s how I like it when I’m following a recipe!
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, cut into ½-inch slices. I always use a good quality smoked kielbasa for my Kielbasa Potato Soup, it really makes a difference in the flavor.
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced. Yukon Golds are my potato of choice for this Kielbasa Potato Soup because they get nice and creamy when cooked, but Russets will work in a pinch.
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced. Don’t skimp on the garlic! It adds so much flavor!
- 6 cups chicken broth. You can also use vegetable broth if you prefer.
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half. I use whole milk for extra creaminess, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
When making this easy Kielbasa Potato Soup, you can usually find good quality kielbasa at your local butcher shop or even in the deli section of your grocery store. Shop around and see what looks best! The better the quality of the kielbasa, the better your soup will taste.
Here’s a Kielbasa Potato Soup trick I learned from my grandma: she always added a bay leaf to her soups while they were simmering. It adds a subtle layer of flavor that’s just divine. I often keep bags of frozen diced onions, carrots and celery to use on those really hectic nights, it saves me so much time!
To save a bit of money on ingredients for this Kielbasa Potato Soup, try buying potatoes in bulk. They store well in a cool, dark place. You can also freeze leftover kielbasa – just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. It’ll keep for a couple of months.
Speaking of storage, leftover cooked potatoes will keep for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Let’s Make This Kielbasa Potato Soup Together
Okay, now for the fun part! Let’s get cooking! I’m going to walk you through each step of making this delicious Kielbasa Potato Soup, just like I would if you were standing right here in my kitchen.
- First, melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the kielbasa and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the kielbasa from the pot and set aside. This is where that delicious smoked sausage soup base starts!
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step – you want the veggies to be nice and tender. I learned the hard way with Kielbasa Potato Soup that undercooked veggies can ruin the whole texture of the soup.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Oh, that smell! Your Kielbasa Potato Soup should smell like comfort food heaven right now.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will help thicken the soup. Don’t worry if your Kielbasa Potato Soup looks a little clumpy at this point, it will all come together in the end.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. In my kitchen, Kielbasa Potato Soup usually takes about 30-40 minutes total to cook, but it depends on your stove.
- Add the diced potatoes, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup back to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. While the Kielbasa Potato Soup is cooking, I usually tidy up the kitchen a bit or maybe read a few pages of a book.
- Return the cooked kielbasa to the pot. If you want an even creamier soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup at this point. I usually leave some chunks for texture, but it’s totally up to you.
- Stir in the milk or half-and-half and heat through. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the milk, or it might curdle. I learned that lesson the hard way! Your Kielbasa Potato Soup should be thick and creamy at this point.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika to your liking.
- Ladle the Kielbasa Potato Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
And there you have it! A big pot of hearty, delicious Kielbasa Potato Soup, perfect for a cozy night in. If you are looking for some more potato recipes, you should try my roasted garlic potato soup!
How I Love to Serve This Kielbasa Potato Soup
Now, let’s talk about serving this delicious Kielbasa Potato Soup. My family loves this hearty and flavorful Kielbasa Potato Soup when I serve it with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping. There’s nothing better than soaking up all that flavorful broth!
Some of my go-to side dishes that pair perfectly with Kielbasa Potato Soup include a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some warm, buttery dinner rolls. The salad adds a bit of freshness to balance out the richness of the soup, while the rolls are just pure comfort food.
This Kielbasa Potato Soup is perfect for a chilly autumn evening, a casual family dinner, or even a potluck. It’s also a great option for meal prepping – it reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day!
When it comes to presentation, I like to keep it simple. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a nice touch. You can also add a few crispy croutons for some extra crunch.
If you have extra Kielbasa Potato Soup, it makes a fantastic lunch the next day. You can also freeze it for later. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
For a seasonal Kielbasa Potato Soup variation, try adding some roasted sweet potatoes and a pinch of cinnamon in the fall. It adds a lovely sweetness and warmth to the soup.
Friends always ask for this cozy Kielbasa Potato Soup recipe after they’ve tried it. It’s just that good! I love sharing it because it’s such a crowd-pleaser and so easy to make. If you want to try another great kielbasa recipe, check out this sweet corn, kielbasa, and potato soup!
Your Kielbasa Potato Soup Questions Answered
Alright, let’s get to some frequently asked questions about this Kielbasa Potato Soup. I’ve gathered these from my family, friends, and blog readers over the years. I hope these answers help you feel confident and ready to make this delicious soup!
Q: Can I use a different type of sausage in this Kielbasa Potato Soup?
A: Absolutely! While I prefer kielbasa for its smoky flavor, you can use other types of sausage, like Italian sausage or even chorizo. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings accordingly. You know what I do when my Kielbasa Potato Soup is bland? I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick!
Q: Can I make this Kielbasa Potato Soup vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can! Simply omit the kielbasa and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some extra veggies, like mushrooms or bell peppers, to make it more substantial. I messed up one time and accidentally used vegetable broth, but it was still great!
Q: Can I make this Kielbasa Potato Soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can! Simply combine all the ingredients (except the milk or half-and-half) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the milk or half-and-half during the last 30 minutes of cooking. My family loves how tender the potatoes get in the slow cooker version of this Kielbasa Potato Soup.
Q: How do I thicken my Kielbasa Potato Soup if it’s too thin?
A: If your Kielbasa Potato Soup is too thin, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, until it thickens. Another trick is to mash some of the potatoes with a fork and stir them back into the soup. I’ve done that before and it works like a charm!
Q: Can I freeze this Kielbasa Potato Soup?
A: Yes, you can! Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. You know what I do when my Kielbasa Potato Soup is too hot after microwaving it? I add an ice cube!
Q: How do I store leftover Kielbasa Potato Soup?
A: Store leftover Kielbasa Potato Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Friends have even told me that it’s delicious cold!
Q: Can I add cheese to this Kielbasa Potato Soup?
A: Of course! A lot of people make a delicious potato kielbasa stew with cheese in it! Shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or even a dollop of cream cheese would be delicious in this comfort food Kielbasa Potato Soup. Add the cheese during the last few minutes of cooking, or sprinkle it on top of each bowl before serving. Friends told me they love adding cheese to it.
My Final Thoughts on This Kielbasa Potato Soup
This Kielbasa Potato Soup recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of family, comfort, and warmth. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down and adapted over the years, and it’s one that I know will continue to be a favorite for generations to come.
My Kielbasa Potato Soup Pro Tips:
- Don’t skip the browning of the kielbasa. This step adds so much flavor to the soup.
- Use good quality broth. The better the broth, the better the soup will taste.
- Don’t overcook the potatoes. You want them to be tender, but not mushy.
Here are a few easy Kielbasa Potato Soup variations I’ve tried with my family:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
- Cheesy: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Creamy: Use heavy cream instead of milk for an extra rich and decadent soup.
My husband loves the spicy version, while my kids prefer the cheesy version. I personally love the classic Kielbasa Potato Soup just as it is. No matter how you make it, I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does. I know it will quickly become a staple in your house! If you are interested in a creamy kielbasa soup, this is it!
I encourage you to make this simple Kielbasa Potato Soup your own. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to create a soup that’s perfect for your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun in the kitchen!
I hope you enjoy making this Kielbasa Potato Soup as much as I do. It’s a simple, comforting, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! I’m confident that you’ll love it! Looking for more ideas? Check out Kielbasa Potato Soup – Skinny Spatula and Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe (Cheesy Sausage Soup)!
Kielbasa Potato Soup
This hearty Kielbasa Potato Soup is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for chilly evenings. It combines savory kielbasa sausage with tender potatoes in a creamy, satisfying broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add kielbasa and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove kielbasa and set aside.
- Add onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return kielbasa to the pot and heat through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use smoked kielbasa. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.