This hearty German Potato Soup is warm and comforting, packed with creamy potatoes, veggies, and a touch of spice. Perfect for a chilly day!
Every spoonful feels like a hug! I love topping mine with crispy bacon bits and fresh herbs. You can’t go wrong with a soup that tastes this good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture. If you need a substitution, red potatoes also work, though they’ll be a bit firmer.
Smoked Sausage: Kielbasa lends a nice smoky flavor. For a lighter option, chicken sausage or even a vegetarian sausage could be useful. You can also skip it for a fully plant-based soup.
Broth: Choose vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or chicken broth for extra flavor. Low-sodium options are great if you’re watching your salt intake.
Cream: I love adding heavy cream for richness, but you can replace it with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even a non-dairy cream alternative.
How Do I Get The Perfect Texture for My Soup?
The texture is key in this soup. Start by sautéing the aromatics like onion and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant. This builds a flavorful base. Cook the potatoes in the broth until they are tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to partially puree the soup after the potatoes soften. Just blend a little bit to keep some chunks.
- For a thicker soup, mix flour with cold water and stir into the pot. It will help give the soup a creamy consistency.
- Adding cream right before serving will elevate the texture. Just heat it through without boiling, so it stays smooth and luscious.
German Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 6 large potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup smoked sausage (such as kielbasa), sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thicker soup)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or sour cream (optional, for creaminess)
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
- Bread rolls, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This German Potato Soup will take about 10 minutes for prep and around 30 minutes for cooking, making the total time about 40 minutes. In less than an hour, you’ll have a warm, hearty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Base:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies together until they’ve softened up, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. This will build a lovely flavor base for your soup!
2. Add Garlic for Flavor:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Bring in the Main Ingredients:
Now, stir in the diced potatoes, broth, dried marjoram, and dried parsley. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. You want them to be soft but not mushy!
4. Brown the Sausage:
While your potatoes are cooking, slice the smoked sausage and place it in a separate pan over medium heat. Lightly brown the sausage for a few minutes. Once it’s cooked through, add it to the soup.
5. Optional Thicker Soup:
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mix the tablespoon of flour with a few tablespoons of cold water until it’s smooth. Stir this mixture into the soup and let it cook for another 5 minutes to thicken up.
6. Add Creaminess (Optional):
If you love a creamy soup, now’s the time to stir in the heavy cream or sour cream. Just heat it through without boiling—this adds a rich texture to the soup!
7. Season It Up:
Finally, season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing generously with fresh parsley. Serve warm with delicious crusty bread rolls on the side. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this traditional German dish!
This classic German Potato Soup is perfect for cozy evenings, bringing together the heartiness of potatoes and the smoky flavor of sausage for a delightful meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, you can also use red potatoes. Keep in mind that red potatoes will be slightly firmer in texture.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the smoked sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra veggies or beans for protein if you’d like!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of water or broth if it gets too thick.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for about 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.