Hearty Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe

Hearty Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Cold nights call for a hearty potato kielbasa soup that warms you from the inside out.

Comfort comes in a bowl of creamy goodness packed with savory sausage and tender vegetables.

Chunks of golden potatoes mingle with smoky kielbasa, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Polish-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly in this rustic recipe that speaks to soul-satisfying meals.

Rich broth embraces each ingredient, promising a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Seasonal vegetables add depth and nutrition to this simple yet magnificent dish.

Grab a spoon and let deliciousness guide you through every comforting bite.

Storing Potato Kielbasa Soup Properly

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping it sealed tightly to preserve flavor and texture.
  • When reheating, use the stovetop method for best results, which helps maintain the soup's creamy consistency.
  • Transfer soup to a pot, warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and ensure even heating.
  • If the soup appears too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore its original creamy texture.
  • Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause uneven heating and potentially separate the cream base.
  • Never reheat the soup more than once, as this can compromise food safety and quality.

FAQs

  • What type of kielbasa works best for this soup?

Polish kielbasa is ideal, offering rich, smoky flavor that complements the potatoes perfectly. Avoid low-fat versions as they won’t provide the same depth of taste.

  • Can I make this soup healthier?

Yes, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use low-sodium chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or celery to increase nutritional value.

  • Is this soup freezer-friendly?

The soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Just avoid adding cream before freezing – add fresh cream when reheating to maintain the best texture and prevent separation.

Potato Kielbasa Soup Flavor Profile

  • Savor Hearty Comfort: This soup delivers rich, satisfying flavors that warm you from the inside out, perfect for chilly days or when craving a soul-nourishing meal.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe a breeze for home cooks of all skill levels, getting delicious results in under 30 minutes.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Packed with savory kielbasa and creamy potatoes, this soup appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family dinner option that everyone will enjoy.
  • Adaptable One-Pot Wonder: Easily customizable with extra vegetables or herbs, this single-pot recipe means less cleanup and more time enjoying a delightful meal together.

Ingredients Needed for Potato Kielbasa Soup

Main Ingredients:
  • Kielbasa Sausage: A flavorful Polish sausage that adds rich, smoky depth to the soup.
  • Potatoes: Hearty and starchy vegetables that create a thick, comforting base for the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: A savory liquid that provides the foundational flavor for the soup.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onions, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a robust flavor foundation for the soup.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.
Creamy Finish:
  • Heavy Cream: A luxurious ingredient that adds richness and smooth texture to the soup.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that provides a pop of color and light herbaceous flavor to the finished soup.

Step-By-Step Guide to Potato Kielbasa Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Grab a large pot and let butter melt smoothly over medium heat. Watch the butter transform into a golden puddle, then toss in chopped onions and minced garlic.

Stir and dance these ingredients around until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Sizzle the Sausage

Drop sliced kielbasa into the pot and let it brown beautifully.

The edges will crisp up and develop deep, rich flavors that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 3: Create the Soup Base

Add these ingredients to the pot:
  • Diced potatoes
  • Chicken broth

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat.

Let everything simmer gently, allowing potatoes to become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors. This will take around 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Creamy Transformation

Pour in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together, letting the soup become luxuriously smooth and creamy.

Heat until the soup is warmed through and ready to serve.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

If you want, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top.

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and enjoy the hearty, comforting meal you’ve created.

Tips to Nail Potato Kielbasa Soup

  • Opt for waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for a creamier, smoother soup texture that holds its shape well during cooking.
  • Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, perfect for reducing calories without sacrificing flavor.
  • Enhance soup's depth by adding smoked paprika or a dash of dried thyme when sautéing onions for extra complexity.
  • Boost nutrition by tossing in chopped kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes of simmering for added greens and vitamins.
  • Make it gluten-free by ensuring your chicken broth is certified gluten-free and using a gluten-free kielbasa variety.

Creative Spins on Potato Kielbasa Soup

  • Vegetarian Veggie Swap: Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or smoked tofu, and use vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
  • Spicy Southwestern Style: Add diced green chiles, swap chicken broth for spicy vegetable broth, and top with jalapeños for extra heat.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free kielbasa and ensure chicken broth is certified gluten-free. Verify all ingredients meet gluten-free standards.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy soup texture.

Serving Suggestions for Potato Kielbasa Soup

  • Cozy Comfort Meal: Serve this hearty soup in deep rustic bowls alongside crusty bread for dipping, creating a perfect winter dinner experience.
  • Rustic Lunch Companion: Pair the soup with a crisp green salad and sharp cheddar cheese slices to balance the rich, creamy flavors of the kielbasa and potatoes.
  • Garnish Glow-Up: Top each serving with crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or extra fresh parsley to add texture and brighten the soup's appearance and taste.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days, knowing the flavors will develop and become even more delicious when reheated gently on the stovetop.
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Hearty Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe

Hearty Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe


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4.9 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty potato kielbasa soup blends Polish comfort with rustic ingredients. Simple preparation and rich flavors make this soup a satisfying meal you’ll crave during cold evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (453 grams) kielbasa, sliced

Vegetables:

  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Seasoning:

  • 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm butter in a spacious cooking vessel over medium heat, gently sautéing chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
  2. Introduce sliced kielbasa to the pot, allowing the sausage to develop a rich, golden-brown exterior through careful browning.
  3. Incorporate diced potatoes and chicken broth, elevating the temperature until the liquid reaches a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer for 15-20 minutes, ensuring potatoes become fork-tender.
  4. Pour in heavy cream, creating a luxurious and velvety texture, then season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
  5. Carefully transfer the hot soup to serving bowls, optionally garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch of color and added freshness.

Notes

  • Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for a creamier, more even texture that holds up better during cooking.
  • Dice kielbasa into uniform small pieces to ensure even browning and consistent flavor distribution throughout the soup.
  • Consider swapping heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, or use dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk for a vegan adaptation.
  • Customize heat levels by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne for those who enjoy a spicier soup, allowing personalization without compromising the original recipe’s integrity.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 412 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 920 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 17 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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