This Kielbasa Potato Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food. It’s hearty, rich in smoky flavor, and packed with tender potatoes and savory slices of kielbasa—all swimming in a creamy, flavorful broth that comes together surprisingly fast. This is the kind of soul-warming soup that tastes like it simmered all day, but can be on the table in under an hour. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need something warm and satisfying in a hurry.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Comfort: This soup delivers big, slow-cooked flavor in a fraction of the time. You’ll have dinner ready in 45 minutes or less.
One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, making clean-up a breeze. Ideal for busy weeknights when you just want something easy and delicious.
Satisfying and Hearty: Between the creamy broth, tender chunks of potato, and rich kielbasa, this soup is a full meal in a bowl.
Family Friendly: Kids love the mild smokiness of the kielbasa and creamy potatoes, and adults appreciate the depth of flavor. Total crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this soup so irresistible—and easy:

Kielbasa: The star of the show! Sliced into coins, it brings a smoky, savory depth that flavors the whole pot.
Potatoes: Choose a starchy variety like russet for a thick, hearty texture. They absorb the flavors beautifully and help naturally thicken the soup.
Onion: Adds a savory base and sweetness as it cooks down—don’t skip it!
Garlic: Essential for aroma and flavor. Mince it finely for even distribution throughout the broth.
Carrots: A pop of color and a touch of sweetness to balance the smoky sausage.
Celery: Adds subtle flavor and a pleasant bite. It’s all about layering those textures.
Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the soup. Use a good-quality broth for the best flavor.
Heavy Cream: For richness and that velvety finish. You can use half-and-half for a lighter version.
Butter and Olive Oil: To sauté the vegetables and enhance the depth of flavor.
Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and a pinch of thyme round out the flavor profile. A bay leaf is optional but adds a nice touch.

Variations

Want to mix things up? This soup is super versatile:

Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy kielbasa to kick things up a notch.
Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in some shredded sharp cheddar or smoked gouda at the end for a gooey, cheesy finish.
Add Greens: Toss in a handful of chopped kale or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for a bit of color and nutrition.
Cream-Free Option: Skip the cream entirely and blend a portion of the soup for a thick, dairy-free version.

How to Make Kielbasa Potato Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Kielbasa

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned and slightly crisped around the edges. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

In the same pot, add butter, chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté until soft and fragrant—about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth

Add the chopped potatoes to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and add the thyme, bay leaf (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender—usually 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Blend (Optional)

For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup directly in the pot. Leave plenty of chunks for that rustic feel.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Kielbasa

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream along with the cooked kielbasa. Let everything heat through for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Ladle into bowls and serve with your favorite crusty bread or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Brown the Kielbasa: Don’t skip this step—it unlocks deep, smoky flavor that infuses the whole soup.
Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for a thick, creamy texture. Waxy potatoes like red or Yukon Gold will hold their shape more but won’t thicken the broth.
Thicken Naturally: For a thicker soup without flour, mash a few potatoes directly in the pot before adding cream.
Don’t Overcook the Cream: Add it at the end and heat gently to avoid curdling.

How to Serve

This soup is a meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even better:

Bread Pairings:

Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic toast for dunking. Cornbread is another excellent side option.

Salad:

Pair it with a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Toppings:

Top with chopped parsley, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for extra indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen beautifully overnight.

Freezing

This soup freezes well! Skip the cream if you plan to freeze, then add it fresh when reheating. Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the consistency if it’s too thick.

FAQs

Can I use a different sausage instead of kielbasa?
Absolutely! Smoked sausage, andouille, or even chorizo can work well. Just be aware that different sausages may bring more spice or different textures.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the kielbasa first, then add everything (except the cream) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Stir in the cream just before serving.

What’s the best way to make this soup gluten-free?
Good news—this soup is naturally gluten-free if your kielbasa and broth don’t contain any added gluten. Always check labels just to be sure.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the soup won’t be as rich. Whole milk works better than skim, and adding a little butter can help mimic the richness of cream.

Final Thoughts

This Kielbasa Potato Soup is everything you want in a comforting dinner—simple, hearty, and full of rich, satisfying flavors. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or just looking to warm up after a long day, this soup checks all the boxes. Give it a try and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular part of your rotation!

Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe