kielbasa potato soup just kinda swoops in whenever I’m craving something that sticks to your ribs, you know what I mean? There’s always those nights when fast food sounds like the easiest thing ever, but all you want is a big bowl of something comforting. If you’ve got leftover kielbasa (leftover anything, in my fridge? Absolute miracle) and a few potatoes rolling around, this one’s for you. Bonus points if it’s chilly and rainy—total soup weather.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN KIELBASA POTATO SOUP
Alright, let’s get straight to it. The magic of kielbasa potato soup is how unfussy it is. The stars of the show are kielbasa sausage, obviously, and potatoes. I swear, half the battle is just slicing them up. You need onions and garlic for flavor—don’t skip those, even if you’re tempted! A bit of celery and carrots help round things out.
Now, one thing I do, which some folks skip, is toss in a little smoked paprika. Adds a cozy warmth without much effort. Toss in some broth—chicken’s my go-to, but veggie works too. Cream? Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll splash in a bit at the end, but you do you. Finish with a handful of fresh herbs, or dried if that’s all you’ve got. See? Nothing wild. Just the good stuff.
“I made this last week during our first snow. Even my picky nephew went back for seconds. That never happens!” — Sharon K.
HOW TO MAKE KIELBASA POTATO SOUP
Let’s not make it complicated, alright? Start by chopping up everything: kielbasa, potatoes (I leave the skins on for texture, but that’s just me), carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Grab a big pot and cook the kielbasa slices for a couple minutes—get them a little brown and toasty. Scoop them out, then use that delicious oil to sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Smells pretty out of this world.
Next, drop in the potatoes and smoked paprika, stir it all together. Add in your broth. Don’t forget to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom, that’s where the flavor’s hiding. Simmer it till the potatoes get soft—maybe 20 minutes, tops. Pop the kielbasa back in. Sometimes I mash a few potatoes right inside the pot to thicken it up; call me old-fashioned.
For the last step, a splash of cream if you like creamy soups, and a little salt and pepper to taste. You’re done! Not fussy, not precious. Just hearty, actual food.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR KIELBASA POTATO SOUP
Look, this stuff is pretty filling on its own. But if you want to take it up a notch:
- Grab a crusty sourdough loaf for dunking. Always a win.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top for gooey richness.
- A handful of chopped green onions or chives give a little freshness.
- Serve with a side salad if you’re feeling virtuous, or just more soup if you’re not.
Try adding a little hot sauce if you like a kick. For real, it’s a game-changer on a cold day.
HOW TO STORE KIELBASA POTATO SOUP
Let’s be real—kielbasa potato soup is somehow even better the next day. Pour cooled soup into containers (I just use whatever Tupperware I grab first), and throw it in the fridge. Lasts about three days for me, but sometimes it disappears earlier, no lie.
When you reheat, do it slow on the stove so the potatoes don’t get weird and gluey. I’ve frozen leftovers plenty of times, but the potatoes do change texture a bit—they get a little grainy. Still tastes good, but you’ve been warned.
Now, don’t forget to give everything a good stir. Sometimes the broth and chunkier stuff like to split up in the fridge. That’s totally normal.
Common Questions
Can I use smoked sausage instead of kielbasa?
You bet. Any sausage with a similar flavor will work, but kielbasa potato soup needs the smokiness to shine.
What’s the best potato for this soup?
I like Yukon Golds because they don’t fall apart. But I’ve thrown in russets or reds, whatever’s handy, and it always turns out.
Do I need heavy cream?
Not at all, though it makes things richer. A splash of milk is fine, or skip it if you’d rather.
How do I make this soup vegetarian?
Swap the kielbasa for plant-based sausage, use veggie broth, and you’re gold.
Can I add cheese directly to the soup?
Definitely, especially sharp cheddar. It’ll melt in and make everything extra comforting.
Soup Like Grandma Would Make
So that’s my two cents. kielbasa potato soup is one of those go-to recipes that’ll stick with you forever, especially when you want to surprise someone with a homemade meal that tastes like five-star restaurant comfort. Trust me, don’t overthink it—just get cooking, and let the aroma fill your whole house. If you want even more hearty recipes, check out this cozy winter dinner collection. Seriously, you can’t mess this up. Grab a pot, and let’s get bubbling.
Kielbasa Potato Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add kielbasa slices and sauté until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté diced onion until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add diced potatoes and thyme. Reduce heat and simmer 12–15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and cooked kielbasa. Simmer another 5 minutes to heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley or green onions if desired.