Kielbasa Potato Soup: The Cozy Soup That Feeds Your Soul
When you need a comforting, stick-to-your-ribs kind of dinner, this Kielbasa Potato Soup hits every note. It’s packed with savory turkey kielbasa, tender potatoes, creamy cheddar cheese, and just enough garlic and onion to round it all out.
It’s hearty enough to serve as a full meal, made with just a handful of ingredients, and perfect for weeknights when you want something warm and satisfying — fast. Plus, the combo of smoky kielbasa and melty cheese? Total flavor gold.
Why I Love This Recipe
This soup brings me back to cozy kitchens, crusty bread, and bowls big enough to hold with both hands. It’s simple, nostalgic, and endlessly customizable. The turkey kielbasa adds smoky depth without the heaviness, and the potatoes give it that stick-to-your-ribs texture we all crave in a cold-weather soup.
Bonus: It’s a one-pot wonder with easy cleanup and even better leftovers.
Ingredients
- 1 pound turkey kielbasa, sliced
- 5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Kielbasa Potato Soup
1. Cook the Kielbasa
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced kielbasa and cook until browned and caramelized, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, melt butter and add onions and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Add the Potatoes and Broth
Stir in the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
4. Make the Cream Base
In a separate bowl, whisk flour into milk until smooth. Slowly pour the milk mixture into the pot, stirring constantly. Cook for another 5–7 minutes, until the soup thickens.
5. Add Cheese and Kielbasa
Return the kielbasa to the pot. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
6. Serve and Garnish
Ladle into bowls and top with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with your favorite crusty bread.
Tips and Variations
- Use turkey kielbasa for a lighter option, or try spicy sausage for extra kick.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Substitute part of the milk with heavy cream for an even richer version.
- Want it thicker? Mash a few potatoes in the pot before serving.
- Make it veggie-packed by adding carrots, corn, or chopped spinach during the simmer step.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- A crusty baguette or garlic bread
- Side salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Crackers or biscuits for dipping
- These easy turkey wings for a soul food combo
- A side of Cajun gumbo for a Southern-inspired feast
More Recipes You Will Love
- These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- How I Turned a Classic Sandwich Into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip
Final Thoughts
This Kielbasa Potato Soup is comfort food at its best — creamy, hearty, and packed with rich flavor that warms you from the inside out. It’s an easy win on weeknights and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser on cozy weekends.
Make a double batch, freeze the leftovers, and enjoy that warm hug in a bowl all week long.
Let me know if you gave it a spicy twist or added extra veggies! And don’t forget to follow along for more one-pot wonders and cold-weather favorites.
— Jason Griffith, ChefManiac.com
