Hearty German Potato Soup with Smoky Sausage

German potato soup, known as Kartoffelsuppe, is a hearty and comforting dish that brings warmth to any meal. This delicious recipe highlights the simplicity of potatoes and smoky flavor of your favorite sausage. You have the option of making this soup light and brothy or slightly thicker and creamier in texture with a richer flavor.

German Potato SoupPhoto byThyme of Season

This German potato soup is perfect for cold days, and you can adapt it so that it can be enjoyed by everyone.

Key Ingredients

Potatoes, cut into large cubes. We recommend Yukon Gold potatoes since they are super moist and creamy, making them ideal for this soup. You can also use red potatoes, or really any potatoes you have on hand.

The next key ingredient you definitely need is a solid pack of kielbasa sausage. Honestly, you can go with pretty much any smoked sausage you like (or even bratwurst if you like it). You can even swap in traditional pork sausage, or go for chicken, turkey, or even a vegan option. It's your preference!

Ingredients Needed for this German Potato Soup

To prepare this delicious and easy German potato and sausage soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 8 ounces fully cooked German sausage, cut into quarter inch slices
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 cup chopped leek
• 3 large cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 4 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cup into half inch pieces
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons dried marjoram or oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ half & half or sour cream, optional if you prefer a creamy soup

Steps to Prepare Kartoffelsuppe

Follow these simple steps to make a mouthwatering potato soup:

1. Set a large soup pot over medium to medium-low heat. Heat the unsalted butter and cook the sausage until slightly browned.
2. Add in the yellow onion and chopped leaks and cook until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add in the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add all remaining ingredients except for the half & half or sour cream. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer 30-40 minutes.
4. If making creamy soup add in the half and half or sour cream towards the last 5 minutes of the simmering process.
5. Remove the soup pot and taste. Adjust with more salt and pepper if necessary.
6. Serve soup hot!

• Note: This soup is excellent for preparing in advance, as the flavors enhance even more by the next day!

This German Potato Soup (Kartoffelsuppe) is not just easy and delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite herbs or additional vegetables such as carrots and/or celery. Save this recipe and enjoy making this classic German soup on a chili winter day!