If you love rich, hearty soups that warm you to your toes, this Kielbasa Potato Soup is going to become your new favorite comfort food. It’s creamy, smoky, and full of flavor — the kind of recipe that fills the kitchen with the smell of slow-simmered goodness. The first time I made it, it was one of those chilly Midwest evenings when everyone wanted something filling and cozy. I found some kielbasa in the fridge, a few potatoes on the counter, and decided to make soup. By the time it was ready, the whole house smelled incredible, and everyone was ladling seconds.
Now, this soup has earned its place right next to my Shepherd’s Pie Soup and Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder as a go-to family favorite. It’s rich but not heavy, simple but deeply satisfying — exactly the kind of one-pot dinner busy nights call for.
Kielbasa Potato Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced kielbasa and cook until browned. Remove and set aside, reserving a bit of fat in the pot.
- Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes in the pot. Stir in milk, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese until smooth.
- Return the kielbasa to the pot. Add smoked paprika, pepper, and salt. Simmer for 5 more minutes to blend flavors.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with green onions, extra cheese, or crispy bacon if desired. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Kielbasa Potato Soup
This Kielbasa Potato Soup brings together smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and a creamy broth that tastes like it simmered all day (even though it’s ready in under 40 minutes). The flavors come together beautifully — hearty, savory, and perfectly seasoned.
If you’re a fan of rustic comfort dishes like my Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup or Ham and Potato Chowder, you’ll love this twist — it has all that cozy potato goodness with an extra hit of smoky kielbasa flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups diced potatoes (Yukon gold or russet)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Extra cheese or crispy bacon bits
If you enjoy recipes that start simple and end up tasting like you spent hours in the kitchen, this one belongs next to my Pioneer Woman Loaded Potato Soup and Cajun Potato Soup.
How to Make Kielbasa Potato Soup
Step 1: Cook the Kielbasa
Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside, leaving a bit of the rendered fat in the pot for flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Add diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Cheese
Use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes right in the pot — this thickens the soup naturally. Stir in the milk, heavy cream, and shredded cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Add Kielbasa Back
Return the cooked kielbasa to the pot and let it simmer for 5 more minutes to combine the flavors. Season with smoked paprika, pepper, and salt to taste.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls, top with green onions and extra cheese, and serve with a side of Christmas Bread Recipe or Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls.
This soup pairs beautifully with a light salad or even my Beef Lombardi Casserole for the ultimate comfort meal.
Tips for Perfect Kielbasa Potato Soup
- Brown the sausage: It adds that signature smoky flavor that deepens the soup’s taste.
- Mash some potatoes: It gives the soup body without needing extra flour.
- Add cheese off the heat: It melts smoothly and keeps the texture creamy.
- Try smoked paprika: It enhances the kielbasa’s flavor and gives warmth.
These same tips make my Chicken Mushroom Soup turn out creamy and flavorful every time.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze before adding the cheese and cream. Add those when reheating for best texture.
Reheating: Warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk if it thickens.
If you love soups that taste even better the next day, this one fits the bill perfectly — much like my Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup).
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Kielbasa Soup: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Veggie Packed: Add diced carrots, celery, or corn for color and texture.
- Cheesy Loaded Version: Top with extra cheese, bacon bits, and sour cream.
- Lighter Version: Use milk instead of cream and skip the cheese.
Like my Snow Day Soup, this one is endlessly customizable — hearty, flexible, and always delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use smoked sausage instead of kielbasa?
Yes! Any smoked sausage works well and adds great flavor.
2. Can I make Kielbasa Potato Soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Add all ingredients except the cheese and cream to the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours. Stir in cheese and cream before serving.
3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — use coconut milk or a non-dairy alternative. It’s still rich and satisfying.
4. What can I serve with this soup?
It’s perfect with crusty bread, rolls, or even a simple salad.
The Final Bite
This Kielbasa Potato Soup is the definition of cozy — creamy, smoky, and full of rich, comforting flavor. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or lazy weekends.
Pair it with No-Knead Dutch Oven Bread or Christmas Bread Recipe, and you’ve got a one-pot dinner that’s simple, hearty, and guaranteed to impress.