Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Kielbasa Potato Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines smoky kielbasa sausage with tender potatoes, creamy broth, and aromatic vegetables. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a satisfying one-pot meal, this soup delivers rich flavor and filling warmth with every spoonful. It’s easy to prepare and loved by the whole family.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

kielbasapotatoes (russet or Yukon gold)onioncarrotscelerygarlicchicken brothheavy cream or half-and-halfolive oil or butterflour (for thickening)salt and pepperdried thyme or Italian seasoningbay leaf (optional)parsley or chives (for garnish)

directions

Slice the kielbasa into half-moons and sauté in a large pot with a bit of olive oil or butter until browned. Remove and set aside.

In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste.

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps.

Add peeled and diced potatoes, thyme, bay leaf (if using), salt, and pepper.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.

Return the kielbasa to the pot and stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half.

Simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.

Remove bay leaf, if used, and adjust seasoning to taste.

Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or chives.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 30 minutesTotal time: 45 minutes

Variations

Use smoked turkey sausage for a lighter version.

Add a handful of shredded cheese for extra richness.

Swap heavy cream for milk or a dairy-free alternative.

Add corn or peas for extra texture and sweetness.

Make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if the soup thickens too much upon standing.The soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use another type of sausage?

Yes, any smoked sausage works well, including andouille or chorizo for a spicier flavor.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the cream with coconut milk or any unsweetened plant-based milk.

What potatoes work best?

Yukon gold or russet potatoes are ideal due to their texture and starch content.

Can I add greens?

Yes, stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour or skip the flour and thicken with cornstarch if needed.

How can I make it thicker?

Mash a few potatoes in the pot or use a blender to puree a small portion of the soup.

Do I have to brown the kielbasa?

Browning adds flavor but isn’t strictly necessary—you can add it directly to the soup if pressed for time.

What’s the best broth to use?

Low-sodium chicken broth lets you better control the salt level of the final dish.

Can I prepare this in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the sausage and vegetables first, then cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Conclusion

Kielbasa Potato Soup is a cozy, flavor-packed bowl of goodness that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. With its creamy base, smoky sausage, and tender vegetables, it hits all the right notes for comfort food lovers. Try it once, and you’ll likely come back to this recipe all winter long.