The Heartwarming German Potato Soup Recipe You’ll Adore

Hearty German potato soup brings comfort on chilly afternoons with its rich, creamy texture and warming spices.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this traditional recipe in kitchens across Bavaria.

Potatoes form the heart of this delightful dish, creating a velvety base that hugs every spoon.

Crisp bacon bits and fresh herbs add layers of flavor that dance across your palate.

Rustic and satisfying, this soup tells a story of simple ingredients transformed into something magical.

You’ll find yourself transported to a cozy German farmhouse with each delectable bite.

Grab a ladle and let the culinary adventure begin!

FAQs

• What makes this soup authentically German?

Traditional German potato soup (kartoffelsuppe) uses local ingredients like leeks, marjoram, and regional sausages, creating a hearty and comforting dish deeply rooted in German culinary traditions.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, replace bacon and sausages with smoked tofu or vegetarian sausage alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of meat-based stock to maintain rich flavor.

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal because they break down slightly and help thicken the soup, creating a creamy texture without adding extra cream.

German Potato Soup: Traditional and Tasty

• Savor Hearty Comfort: A soul-warming soup packed with rich flavors and traditional German ingredients that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Easily assembled with basic kitchen ingredients, making this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Bowl: Flexible recipe allows endless variations by swapping proteins, adding different vegetables, or experimenting with garnishes to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Combines protein, vegetables, and satisfying potatoes in a single pot, delivering a balanced meal that's both filling and nutritionally diverse without creating multiple dirty dishes.

Ingredients for German Potato Soup

• Bacon or Ham: Classic meat that adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture to the soup.
• German Sausages: Traditional German meat that provides additional protein and authentic flavor.

• Potatoes, Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Carrots, Celery: Fresh vegetables that create a hearty and flavorful soup base.

• Bay Leaf, Thyme, Marjoram: Aromatic herbs that enhance the soup's depth and complexity.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste.

• Butter, Flour: Create a smooth roux that thickens the soup.
• Broth: Provides liquid base and additional flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Optional ingredient that adds richness and creamy texture.

• Parsley, Chives, Croutons: Fresh herbs and crunchy toppings that add visual appeal and extra texture.

How to Cook German Potato Soup

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Grab a large pot and cook diced bacon over medium heat until it becomes golden and crispy.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a separate plate, keeping the delicious bacon fat in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Base

Toss butter into the pot with the bacon drippings.

Add chopped onions, minced garlic, sliced leeks, diced carrots, and chopped celery.

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors.

Step 3: Create a Flavor Foundation

Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables and stir to create a roux.

Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes, which helps thicken the soup and develop a rich, nutty flavor.

Step 4: Build the Soup Liquid

Slowly pour in broth while continuously stirring to prevent lumps.

• Diced potatoes
• Bay leaf
• Fresh thyme
• Dried marjoram

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes become tender and soft.

Step 5: Add Traditional German Protein

Introduce sliced German sausages into the soup and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sausages to heat through and infuse their flavor.

Step 6: Enhance Creaminess

Optional step: Pour in heavy cream to create a luxurious, velvety texture that makes the soup even more indulgent.

Step 7: Final Seasoning and Garnish

Remove the bay leaf.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Step 8: Serving the Soup

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

Top with the crispy bacon pieces, sprinkle some chopped chives, or add crunchy croutons for extra texture.

Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting German classic.

Tips for Authentic German Potato Soup

• Render bacon slowly to extract maximum smoky essence and achieve perfectly crispy texture for intense depth.
• Cut potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and maintain ideal texture without breaking down.
• Stir flour continuously while creating roux to prevent burning and develop rich, smooth base for hearty soup.
• Choose authentic German sausages like bratwurst or kielbasa for traditional flavor profile and authentic regional taste.
• Add heavy cream off direct heat to prevent curdling and maintain silky, luxurious soup texture.

Variations on German Potato Soup

• Vegetarian Hearty Delight: Replace bacon and sausages with smoked tofu or plant-based sausage alternatives, using vegetable broth for a completely meat-free version.
• Low-Carb German Soup: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets, maintaining similar texture while reducing carbohydrate content and adding extra nutrients.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Bowl: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and replace butter with olive oil to create a lighter, allergen-friendly soup option.
• Gluten-Free German Classic: Substitute wheat flour with cornstarch or rice flour for thickening, ensuring the soup remains safe for gluten-sensitive individuals while preserving traditional flavors.

Serving Ideas for German Potato Soup

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Nestle the soup in deep, rustic ceramic bowls to capture its hearty German essence and warmth.
• Bread Pairing Paradise: Serve alongside crusty rye bread, sourdough, or traditional German schwarzbrot for dipping and soaking up the rich broth.
• Sausage Lover's Dream: Top with extra sliced German sausage pieces and a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs for added texture and authentic flavor complexity.
• Creamy Crunch Finale: Garnish with crispy bacon bits, finely chopped chives, and a dollop of sour cream to create a delightful contrast of smooth soup and crunchy toppings.

Storage Guidelines for German Potato Soup

• Store soup in an airtight container, cool completely before sealing. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freezes well for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups with cream.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of broth if soup looks too thick. Stir carefully to prevent burning.
• Transfer portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Check temperature and ensure even heating. Add small amount of broth if needed to maintain creamy consistency.

German Potato Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty German potato soup delights with creamy potatoes, smoky bacon, and aromatic herbs from Bavaria. Comforting flavors blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this classic European comfort dish.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables and Herbs:

• 4 large russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 large leek, white and light green parts only, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
• 1/2 teaspoon marjoram (dried)
• 1 bay leaf

Proteins and Meat:

• 4 slices bacon or smoked ham, diced
• 2 to 3 German sausages (Bratwurst, Weiwurst, or knockwurst), sliced

Liquid and Thickening Ingredients:

• 5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Render bacon or ham in a large pot over medium heat until golden and crisp, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon.
2. Utilize the rendered fat to sauté aromatic vegetables including onions, garlic, leeks, carrots, and celery until they become translucent and tender, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Dust flour over the softened vegetables, stirring continuously to create a light roux and cook for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
4. Slowly pour in broth while whisking to prevent lumps, then introduce diced potatoes, bay leaf, thyme, and marjoram. Simmer for 15-20 minutes at medium-low heat until potatoes are fork-tender.
5. Add sliced German sausages and allow them to heat through for an additional 5 minutes, infusing the soup with their robust flavor.
6. For enhanced creaminess, gently stir in heavy cream, creating a luxurious texture and rich mouthfeel.
7. Discard the bay leaf, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to elevate the soup’s taste profile.
8. Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with reserved crispy bacon, chopped chives, or crunchy croutons for textural contrast.

Notes

• Swap bacon for smoked tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, smoky flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free flour like rice or almond flour for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring the roux remains smooth and thick.
• Choose low-sodium broth to control salt intake, allowing individuals to adjust seasoning according to their dietary needs.
• Prep vegetables in advance and store in airtight containers to reduce cooking time and streamline the soup-making process.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg