There’s a special kind of magic in a pot of kielbasa potato soup simmering away on the stove. The smoky, savory kielbasa, tender potatoes, and rich, cheesy broth come together to create a dish that’s as comforting as a warm blanket on a chilly night. This recipe has its roots in hearty Eastern European cooking, but it’s become a beloved part of American comfort food culture, perfect for feeding hungry families or impressing guests.
Today, I’m excited to share this incredibly easy and soul-warming kielbasa potato soup recipe. It’s packed with flavor, comes together in one pot, and makes a satisfying meal that’s ready in under an hour.
Why You’ll Love Kielbasa Potato Soup
- Smoky & savory: Thanks to the kielbasa, every bite is loaded with flavor.
- One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum comfort.
- Velvety texture: Creamy broth with chunks of tender potatoes.
- Crowd-pleaser: Serves about 6, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
- Cozy winter meal: Ideal for cold nights when you crave something hearty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
- ½ cup carrots, peeled and finely diced (about 2 large carrots)
- ½ cup celery, thinly sliced (2-3 stalks)
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1½ pounds potatoes, cubed
- 2 cups heavy cream or whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa
- Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the kielbasa and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and caramelized.
- Remove the kielbasa with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, sauté the garlic, onions, carrots, and celery for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
- Pour in the chicken stock and add the cubed potatoes.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
- Return the cooked kielbasa to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream or whole milk, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Cook over low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese has fully melted and the soup is thick and creamy.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving.
- Ladle into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or a light salad.
Tips & Variations
- Make it lighter: Use whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- Add greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale at the end.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a little heat.
- Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free—just check your kielbasa label!
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in portions without the dairy; add the cream and cheese when reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed.
Perfect Pairings
- Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls
- Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Classic Caesar Salad
- Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks
Final Thoughts
This kielbasa potato soup is the ultimate winter comfort meal. With smoky sausage, velvety potatoes, and a cheesy, indulgent broth, it’s guaranteed to become a go-to in your cold-weather recipe rotation. Best of all, it’s simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and will have your family coming back for seconds!
Kielbasa Potato Soup
Cozy kielbasa potato soup with smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese broth. A one-pot winter favorite!
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound kielbasa sliced into ½-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup yellow onion finely diced
- ½ cup carrots peeled and finely diced (about 2 large carrots)
- ½ cup celery thinly sliced (2-3 stalks)
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1½ pounds potatoes cubed
- 2 cups heavy cream or whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa
- Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the kielbasa and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and caramelized.
- Remove the kielbasa with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, sauté the garlic, onions, carrots, and celery for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
- Pour in the chicken stock and add the cubed potatoes.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
- Return the cooked kielbasa to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream or whole milk, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Cook over low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese has fully melted and the soup is thick and creamy.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving.
- Ladle into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or a light salad.
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