Table of Contents

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Potato Kielbasa Soup on a cold evening. The first time I had it was at my grandmother’s house in Minnesota. The snow outside was piling up, and she brought out a huge Dutch oven filled with this creamy, smoky soup. The smell of sizzling kielbasa mixed with tender potatoes and melty cheese was irresistible.

What makes this soup truly special is its balance—smoky sausage, hearty potatoes, fresh veggies, and a rich cheesy broth that hugs every spoonful. The best part? It all comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. This recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals whenever I need something filling, flavorful, and simple.

If you love hearty soups, you’ll also enjoy this Basic Vegetable Soup—another easy classic perfect for cozy nights.

Ingredients for Potato Kielbasa Soup

1 lb kielbasa, sliced
1 ½ lbs potatoes, cubed
½ cup onion, diced
½ cup celery, chopped
½ cup carrots, peeled and diced
2 tsp minced garlic
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
¼ cup parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions for Potato Kielbasa Soup

Cook the Kielbasa: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sliced kielbasa and sauté until browned. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies: In the same pot, add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant.
Add Potatoes & Broth: Pour in chicken broth and add cubed potatoes. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer 15 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
Return the Sausage: Add the kielbasa back to the pot.
Make It Creamy: Stir in milk, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Simmer: Let the soup cook another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season & Serve: Add salt, pepper, and parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Tips & Variations: Potato Kielbasa Soup

Extra Veggies: Add corn, peas, or green beans for more color and nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Use spicy kielbasa or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Cheese Lovers: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or gouda for extra flavor.
Make Ahead: Cook the soup, cool, and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Pairing Idea: Serve with this Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe tossed with pasta for a full cozy dinner.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Time & Yield

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Tools Used

Dutch oven or large pot
Wooden spoon or spatula
Ladle
Sharp knife & cutting board

FAQ

Q1: Can I use another sausage instead of kielbasa?
Yes—smoked sausage, andouille, or even chorizo can work.

Q2: Can I make it lighter?
Use reduced-fat cheese and low-fat milk, or swap half the potatoes with cauliflower.

Q3: How do I make it thicker?
Mash some of the cooked potatoes directly in the pot before adding the cheese.

Final Thoughts: Potato Kielbasa Soup

This Potato Kielbasa Soup is the definition of cozy comfort food. It’s smoky, creamy, and hearty—everything you want on a chilly night. The balance of cheesy broth, tender potatoes, and flavorful sausage makes it a family favorite that disappears fast.

For more soul-warming soups, check out Delish’s soup recipes. You’ll find countless variations to keep your dinner rotation exciting.

TINSUF RECIPES