Creamy Potato Kielbasa Soup made with smoky sausage, tender potatoes, cheddar cheese, and hearty veggies. The perfect comfort food for any day!
Let me set the stage: it was one of those freezing winter evenings where all you want is something warm, hearty, and comforting. The kind of day where even the thought of stepping outside sends shivers down your spine. I had been staring at my fridge, hoping it would magically inspire me, when I spotted a package of kielbasa. My grandma used to make a soup with sausage and potatoes that filled the whole house with this irresistible, savory smell. I thought, Why not try my own version?
So, I started chopping up what I had on hand—potatoes, carrots, celery—and threw it all in a pot with some broth, cheese, and milk. The result? A soup that was creamy, smoky, and so comforting, it felt like a hug in a bowl. My kids went back for seconds, my husband scraped the pot clean, and I thought, Okay, this one’s a keeper.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty and Delicious Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe?
This isn’t just soup—it’s a full-on mood lifter. Here’s why it’ll be a hit in your house:
- It’s Pure Comfort: Smoky kielbasa, tender potatoes, and cheesy goodness come together for the coziest meal ever.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters won’t be able to resist.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, but tastes like it simmered all day.
- Customizable: You can tweak it based on what’s in your fridge.
Ingredient Notes:
Every ingredient in this soup has a role to play. Let’s talk about why they’re so important:
- Kielbasa: The smoky star of the show. Its flavor infuses the broth and gives the soup that comforting, hearty taste.
- Potatoes: The backbone of the soup. I love using Yukon Gold for their buttery texture, but russet potatoes work too.
- Chicken Stock: Forms the base of the soup. Use a good-quality stock for the best flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the broth, making it creamy and rich.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty kick that complements the cheddar perfectly.
- Carrots and Celery: They add a subtle sweetness and a nice texture contrast.
- Milk: Makes the soup creamy without being too heavy.
- Parsley: Adds a pop of freshness that balances the richness.
Pro Tip: Browning the kielbasa first is non-negotiable. It adds depth and gives the soup a smoky base that ties everything together.
How To Make Hearty and Delicious Potato Kielbasa Soup?
This soup might taste fancy, but trust me, it’s easy enough for a weeknight. Here’s how it comes together:
Step 1. Sizzle the Kielbasa
Heat a splash of olive oil in a big soup pot over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until it’s golden and slightly crispy—about 5-6 minutes. Scoop it out with a slotted spoon, but don’t clean the pot! Those little browned bits left behind are flavor gold.
Step 2. Sauté the Veggies
Toss the garlic, onion, carrots, and celery into the pot. Stir them around for a couple of minutes until they start to soften and your kitchen smells amazing.
Step 3. Simmer the Potatoes
Add the cubed potatoes and chicken stock. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Cover the pot and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender—about 15 minutes.
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Step 4. Stir in the Cheesy Goodness
Return the cooked kielbasa to the pot, then add the milk, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir gently over low heat until the cheese melts into the broth and everything is creamy and delicious. (This is the moment where you’ll want to sneak a taste. Go ahead—I won’t tell.)
Step 5. Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, stir in the chopped parsley. It brightens up the flavors and makes the soup look as good as it tastes. Serve it piping hot with some crusty bread on the side for dunking.
Storage Options:
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerator: Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freezer: Transfer the cooled soup to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly to maintain its creamy texture.
Variations and Substitutions:
This soup is super versatile, so feel free to make it your own:
- Switch the Protein: Try smoked sausage, ham, or even crumbled bacon.
- Extra Veggies: Add corn, peas, or spinach for a boost of color and nutrients.
- Cheese Choices: Gruyère, mozzarella, or pepper jack are great substitutes for cheddar.
- Spice It Up: Toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk or coconut milk and a dairy-free cheese substitute.
What to Serve with Hearty and Delicious Potato Kielbasa Soup?
This hearty soup is a meal on its own, but pairing it with a side can make it even better:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up every drop of that creamy broth.
- Garlic Bread: Because who can resist garlic bread?
- Side Salad: A light, crisp salad balances out the richness.
- Pickles: The tangy crunch cuts through the creaminess and adds a fun twist.
If you’re in the mood for more comforting, hearty soups, a classic fish chowder is another fantastic choice. The rich, creamy base and tender chunks of fish make it just as satisfying, and it pairs wonderfully with the same sides.
If you’re looking for another hearty, comforting dish that’s a little different, try a butternut squash curry. It’s just as creamy and satisfying, with a lovely sweetness from the squash and a bit of spice to keep things interesting.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use another type of sausage?
Of course! Smoked sausage, chorizo, or even turkey sausage would work beautifully.
How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
Mash some of the potatoes with a fork or blend a small portion of the soup, then stir it back in.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors get even better the next day. Just reheat gently so the cheese doesn’t separate.
So, are you ready to give this Potato Kielbasa Soup a try? It’s cozy, comforting, and ridiculously easy to make. Let me know how yours turns out—don’t forget to share any fun twists you come up with!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Hearty and Delicious Potato Kielbasa Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb kielbasa cut into ½ inch pieces
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ c. finely diced yellow onion
- 4 c. chicken stock
- ½ c. peeled and finely diced 2 large carrots
- ½ c. finely sliced celery 2-3 stalks
- 2 c. milk
- 2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ c. shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 lbs potato cut into cubes
- ¼ c. chopped parsley
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Olive oil should be heated over medium heat in a Dutch oven or soup pot. Cook the sausage for 5-6 minutes, stirring constantly. Using a slotted spoon, take out the sausage.
- During the next 2 minutes, throw in some chopped garlic, onions, carrots, and celery.
- Put the potatoes and chicken stock in a saucepan. Crank up the heat until the mixture boils, and then turn it down. Cook the potatoes, covered, for about 15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
- Put in the cooked sausage, milk, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. To melt the cheese, stir and continue cooking over low heat for another 5-10 minutes.
- Before serving, mix with some chopped parsley.
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I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
