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If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s hearty, creamy, and packed with smoky kielbasa, tender potatoes, and just the right touch of cheese to make every spoonful irresistible. This soup combines simple, wholesome ingredients in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh, making it a favorite to share with family and friends anytime you want a meal that warms the soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding flavor, texture, or a pop of color to the pot.
- Olive oil: For that perfect golden sauté and subtle fruity undertone.
- Kielbasa sausage: The smoky star of the soup, bringing bold, savory goodness.
- Onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth without overpowering.
- Carrots (diced): Brighten the soup with a hint of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery (diced): Offers a subtle crunch and fresh, aromatic flavor.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the broth with mouthwatering warmth and complexity.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup into a luscious, creamy consistency.
- Chicken broth: Creates a rich, savory base that ties all the ingredients together.
- Yellow potatoes (peeled and diced): The hearty bite that makes this soup so satisfying.
- Corn (drained): Adds pops of sweetness and textural contrast.
- 2% milk: Smooths out the soup with creamy richness without being too heavy.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts in to add a delightful sharpness and velvety finish.
How to Make Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by peeling and dicing your potatoes, carrots, and celery. Then slice the kielbasa in half lengthwise and cut it into half-inch pieces. Getting everything ready upfront makes the cooking process sweep along smoothly.
Step 2: Brown the Kielbasa
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until they get beautifully browned on all sides. If they start sticking, a little extra olive oil will do the trick. Once done, remove and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Throw in the diced carrots and celery along with the onion powder. Let them sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds to a minute. The aroma at this stage will start to fill your kitchen with deliciousness.
Step 4: Create the Thickening Base
Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir to coat everything evenly. Keep cooking for one minute, allowing the flour to toast slightly without turning brown. This step is key for that rich, silky texture that makes the soup so inviting.
Step 5: Add Broth and Scrap the Pan
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up all those tasty browned bits at the bottom—this is pure gold for flavor! Whisking ensures the soup smooths out without lumps, setting the stage for a luscious broth.
Step 6: Combine and Simmer
Return the browned sausage to the pot along with potatoes, corn, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well. Bring the soup to a boil then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover loosely and cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until potatoes are tender and everything melds together beautifully.
Step 7: Cheese It Up!
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely and blends into the soup, creating an irresistible creamy finish. The cheese adds a layer of indulgence that makes this Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 8: Final Touches
Give your soup one last stir, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Now it’s ready to be ladled into bowls and enjoyed!
How to Serve Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bowl, sprinkle on some minced fresh parsley for a pop of green and freshness. Add a little extra shredded cheddar for cheesy decadence and finish with a grind of fresh black pepper to brighten the flavors.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up all that creamy goodness. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also balances the richness perfectly, making your meal complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls—they’re perfect for dipping and seriously impressive for guests. You can also top the soup with crispy fried onions or a dollop of sour cream to add exciting textures and layers of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually meld and develop more depth overnight, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze the Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe for up to 2 months. Just cool it completely before transferring into freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind that the texture of potatoes can change slightly after freezing, but the soup will remain delicious.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat the soup over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of milk or broth can help restore its creamy texture. Avoid overheating to keep the cheese from separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage instead of kielbasa?
Absolutely! While kielbasa provides a wonderful smoky flavor that defines this soup, smoked Polish sausage or even Andouille can be delicious substitutes. Just choose a sausage with good seasoning and flavor to keep the soup hearty.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
You can make a tasty vegetarian version by swapping the kielbasa for smoked tempeh or a plant-based sausage, and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The texture and flavors will differ slightly but still be satisfying.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Cheddar is classic here for its sharpness and meltability, but feel free to experiment with gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of Parmesan for a twist. Just pick cheeses that melt smoothly into the soup.
How thick should the soup be?
The perfect Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe is creamy but still spoonable with a pleasant body. It shouldn’t be too runny or overly thick. The flour and cheese help achieve a lovely balance that coats your spoon without feeling gluey.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Frozen peas, green beans, or chopped spinach can be great additions that boost nutrition and flavor. Just add them in the final few minutes of cooking so they stay vibrant and tender.
Final Thoughts
This Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe is one of those comforting meals that feels like home with every bite. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but special enough to impress anyone lucky enough to have a bowl. I can’t wait for you to try it out and discover how this cozy soup can become a staple in your kitchen, bringing warmth and joy any day of the year.
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Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Kielbasa Potato Soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. It features savory browned kielbasa sausage, tender yellow potatoes, sweet corn, and a creamy broth made with chicken stock and 2% milk. Finished with sharp cheddar cheese and a touch of seasoning, this soup offers rich flavors and satisfying textures with every spoonful.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Kielbasa Sausage
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder
- 1 cup carrots (diced)
- 1 cup celery (diced)
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 3 cups yellow potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 can corn (drained)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Liquids
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups 2% milk
Thickener and Cheese
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Peel and dice the carrots, celery, and yellow potatoes to ready them for cooking.
- Slice Sausage: Slice the kielbasa sausage in half lengthwise then cut into ½ inch pieces to ensure even cooking and bite-sized pieces.
- Heat Oil: Warm the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large stock pot over medium-high heat until hot.
- Brown Sausage: Add the sausage pieces to the hot oil and stir to coat. Brown them thoroughly, adding extra olive oil if needed to prevent sticking.
- Set Sausage Aside: Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot and set aside, leaving the oil and drippings in the pan for added flavor.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion powder to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to one minute until fragrant.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for one minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Incorporate Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps and to scrape up any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the sausage to the pot and add the diced potatoes, drained corn, milk, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover with a lid left slightly vented. Cook for 10-12 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Add Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully combined.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with minced parsley, extra shredded cheese, and fresh ground black pepper as desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use smoked kielbasa if available.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce broth by one cup or add an extra tablespoon of flour during the sauté step.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat well on the stovetop.
- To make this soup gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can enhance the flavor with a subtle spicy kick.
