Best Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Best Kielbasa Potato Soup is a deliciously hearty and comforting meal perfect for chilly days. Combining smoky kielbasa with tender potatoes and a creamy broth, it’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 300 g (about 10.5 oz) kielbasa sausage, sliced into small pieces
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium carrot, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 750 g (approximately 1.5 lb) potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1.25 liters (5 cups) chicken broth
• 300 ml (around 1 1/4 cups) whole milk
• 100 g (roughly 3.5 oz) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 30 g (about 1/2 cup) fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
• Salt and pepper, as desired

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and fry for 4-5 minutes until slightly crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage and set it aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the leftover oil. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and cover with a lid. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
4. Step 4: Ladle some hot soup into a measuring jug or bowl and mix it with the whole milk to temper it, which prevents curdling. Pour this mixture back into the pot along with the cooked kielbasa.
5. Step 5: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese constantly until melted. Let the soup simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes to thicken. Add the chopped parsley, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Serve the soup hot in bowls. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional grated cheddar cheese on top before serving if desired. Enjoy your comforting kielbasa potato soup!

Tips & Variations

• For a creamier soup, substitute half of the whole milk with heavy cream.
• Use smoked paprika instead of crushed red pepper flakes for a milder, smoky flavor.
• Feel free to add chopped kale or spinach toward the end of cooking for some added greens.
• Try swapping cheddar for a sharp white cheese like Monterey Jack for a different taste.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Avoid boiling the soup after adding milk and cheese to keep the texture smooth.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of sausage instead of kielbasa?

Yes, smoked sausages like Andouille or even a spicy Italian sausage work well. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

You can substitute the kielbasa with smoked tofu or vegetarian sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make a tasty vegetarian version.

Best Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 75 reviews

A hearty and comforting Kielbasa Potato Soup featuring crispy kielbasa sausage, tender potatoes, vibrant vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese, simmered together in a flavorful chicken broth and finished with fresh parsley.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Polish-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sausage and Oil

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 300 g (about 10.5 oz) kielbasa sausage, sliced into small pieces

Vegetables

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium carrot, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Soup Base

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 750 g (approximately 1.5 lb) potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1.25 liters (5 cups) chicken broth
• 300 ml (around 1 1/4 cups) whole milk

Finishing Touches

• 100 g (roughly 3.5 oz) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 30 g (about 1/2 cup) fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
• Salt and pepper, as desired

Instructions

1. Cook the Kielbasa: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and fry for 4-5 minutes until slightly crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot with leftover oil, add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until aromatic.
3. Cook the Potatoes: Add diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Temper the Soup and Add Kielbasa: Ladle some hot soup into a bowl and mix with milk to temper it, preventing curdling. Pour this milk mixture back into the pot, then return the cooked kielbasa to the soup.
5. Incorporate Cheese and Season: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted. Simmer gently for 2-3 more minutes to thicken. Add chopped fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the Soup: Ladle into bowls and serve hot. Optionally, sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top for more flavor. Enjoy your hearty kielbasa potato soup!

Notes

• You can substitute whole milk with half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer soup.
• For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Use smoked kielbasa for more smoky depth in flavor.
• For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and milk alternatives.
• The soup can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: kielbasa potato soup, sausage soup, hearty soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cheddar cheese soup