Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This kielbasa potato soup is a complete meal in a bowl. The crispy kielbasa adds a satisfying texture, while the creamy base makes each spoonful indulgent. The combination of cheddar and parmesan cheese makes the soup irresistibly cheesy, and the mix of vegetables adds freshness and balance. Whether you’re cooking for a large family or meal prepping for the week, this soup is both easy to make and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s perfect for colder months, bringing comfort and warmth to your table.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound kielbasa, cut into ½ inch pieces

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced

• ½ cup carrots, peeled and finely diced (about 2 large carrots)

• ½ cup celery, finely sliced (about 2-3 stalks)

• 4 cups chicken stock

• 1 ½ pounds potatoes, cut into cubes

• 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 chopped parsley

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

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

2. Add the kielbasa and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently until it becomes crispy and browned. Remove the sausage from the pot using a slotted spoon and set it aside.

3. In the same pot, add the minced garlic, diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 2 minutes, or until the vegetables soften.

4. Pour in the chicken stock and add the cubed potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

5. Return the cooked kielbasa to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream (or milk), cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, kosher salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook on low heat for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and the soup is creamy.

6. Stir in the chopped parsley just before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian version: For a vegetarian-friendly version, omit the kielbasa and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. You can add extra veggies like mushrooms or use a plant-based sausage as a substitute for kielbasa.

• Spicy kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the soup for a bit of heat.

• Different cheese: Swap out cheddar and parmesan with other varieties like mozzarella, gouda, or a mix of your favorites for a unique twist.

• Low-fat: If you’re looking to cut back on fat, use skim milk instead of heavy cream and opt for reduced-fat cheese.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. However, the cheese may slightly change in texture after freezing, so it’s best to freeze it without the cheese and add it when reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a bit of milk or cream if the soup has thickened too much.

FAQs

1. Can I make this kielbasa potato soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for later.

2. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, feel free to swap out kielbasa for any type of sausage you prefer, such as Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or turkey sausage.

3. Is there a way to make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to check the ingredients of any pre-packaged items (like the sausage) to ensure they don’t contain gluten.

4. Can I use non-dairy milk?

Absolutely! You can use almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk as a non-dairy alternative to heavy cream or whole milk. Keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different.

5. How can I thicken the soup?

If you’d like a thicker soup, you can mash a portion of the potatoes in the soup with a potato masher or use an immersion blender to blend a little of the soup until it reaches your desired consistency.

6. Can I use frozen potatoes in this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh potatoes for the best texture, but frozen potatoes will work if you don’t mind a slightly different texture.

7. Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?

Yes, you can use whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of this soup.

8. Is this soup spicy?

No, this kielbasa potato soup is not inherently spicy. However, you can add red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce if you prefer a spicy version.

9. What kind of potatoes should I use?

Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for this soup because they hold their shape well and have a creamy texture when cooked.

10. Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! You can add other vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach to make the soup more hearty.

Conclusion

Kielbasa potato soup is a hearty, comforting dish that combines all the best flavors in one bowl. With crispy sausage, creamy potatoes, and rich cheese, it’s a family-friendly recipe that’s perfect for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking it for a cozy dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of warmth and flavor!

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