Hearty Kielbasa Potato Soup with Homemade Croutons

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade soup to chase away the chill of a cold day. This hearty kielbasa potato soup checks all the boxes – it’s bursting with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and surprisingly easy to whip up. The combination of savory kielbasa, tender potatoes, and a flavorful broth creates a dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓

What sets this kielbasa potato soup apart is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The salty, smoky kielbasa pairs beautifully with the creamy potatoes, while the crisp homemade croutons and fresh parsley add wonderful contrast and complexity. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder that comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups cubed bread for croutons
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

The beauty of this kielbasa potato soup is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of savory kielbasa, earthy potatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a comforting, Polish-inspired flavor profile that has made this type of soup a perennial favorite.

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sliced kielbasa over medium heat until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the kielbasa from the pot and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in the broth and milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
4. Step 4: Add the diced potatoes, cooked kielbasa, dried thyme, and paprika to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Step 5: While the soup is simmering, prepare the croutons. Toss the cubed bread with the olive oil and spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Step 6: Ladle the hot kielbasa potato soup into bowls and top with the homemade croutons and chopped fresh parsley.

Timing Overview

Compared to traditional Polish-style sausage and potato soup which can take up to an hour to prepare, this kielbasa potato soup saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

These hearty kielbasa potato soup servings provide approximately 35% of your daily protein requirements and 15% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.

🍃 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the kielbasa potato soup.

🍴 Perfect Pairings

⚠️ Cooking Pitfalls to Skip

🥡 Storage & Leftovers

These kielbasa potato soup servings retain their quality remarkably well:

❓ FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This kielbasa potato soup actually improves in flavor after a day or two in the refrigerator. You can make the full batch up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve.

Can I substitute the kielbasa sausage?

Yes, you can use other types of smoked sausage or even cooked crumbled bacon in place of the kielbasa. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will vary slightly depending on the substitution. For a vegetarian option, try using smoked tofu or tempeh.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this kielbasa potato soup dairy-free, simply use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk in place of the regular milk. You can also omit the butter and use olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative when making the roux.

What if my soup comes out too thick?

If the soup ends up thicker than you’d like, you can thin it out by adding a bit more broth or milk, stirring to incorporate. Start with 1/4 cup at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! This kielbasa potato soup is very versatile and accepts a variety of vegetable additions. Consider stirring in diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, or even kale or spinach. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed for any extra ingredients.

🏁 Conclusion

These hearty kielbasa potato soup servings represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, they’re sure to impress with their rich, savory taste and satisfying texture. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this kielbasa potato soup demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So gather your family around the table and enjoy this cozy, flavorful soup that’s sure to become a new household favorite.

Hearty Kielbasa Potato Soup with Homemade Croutons

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4.2/5

⏱️ Timing Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

🥘 Ingredients

• 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups cubed bread for croutons
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

📝 Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sliced kielbasa over medium heat until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the kielbasa from the pot and set aside.
2. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in the broth and milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
4. Add the diced potatoes, cooked kielbasa, dried thyme, and paprika to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. While the soup is simmering, prepare the croutons. Toss the cubed bread with the olive oil and spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Ladle the hot kielbasa potato soup into bowls and top with the homemade croutons and chopped fresh parsley.

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories: 400

Protein: 18g

Carbohydrates: 35g

Fat: 21g

Fiber: 3g

Sodium: 950mg

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