This Creamy Sausage, Potato and Sauerkraut Soup is a bowl of pure comfort that blends hearty ingredients with classic German inspired flavor. Tender kielbasa, creamy potatoes, tangy sauerkraut, and melty cheddar cheese come together in a velvety broth for a soul-warming experience that satisfies with every spoonful.
Whether you’re celebrating Oktoberfest, craving something hearty on a chilly evening, or just want to switch up your weeknight dinner rotation, this soup is a standout. Quick to make in under 30 minutes and deeply flavorful, it’s the perfect way to enjoy old-world flavor with modern-day ease. Serve with crusty bread or rye croutons for an extra treat!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 tablespoons butter
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1 medium onion, finely diced
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 cups chicken broth
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2 1/2 cups milk
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1 (14-ounce) Polska Kielbasa sausage, halved and sliced
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1 1/2 cups cooked diced potatoes
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1 cup sauerkraut, with juice
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1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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Black pepper, to taste
Directions:
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In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
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Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
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Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk. Turn heat to medium-high and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to thicken.
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Reduce heat to medium and add sliced kielbasa, cooked potatoes, sauerkraut (with juice), and parsley. Simmer for 5 minutes.
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Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and fully combined.
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Season with black pepper to taste and serve warm.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 420 kcal | Servings: 6
A Bowl of Comfort: Exploring Creamy Sausage, Potato and Sauerkraut Soup
Few dishes embody warmth and comfort quite like a well-made bowl of soup. When that soup combines the hearty richness of kielbasa sausage, the earthy goodness of potatoes, and the tangy brightness of sauerkraut all wrapped in a creamy, cheesy broth you get a dish that’s not just filling, but deeply satisfying on a soul level. Enter the Creamy Sausage, Potato and Sauerkraut Soup, a modern comfort food classic with deep cultural roots and a flavor profile that surprises and delights.
This soup isn’t just a recipe it’s a celebration of tradition, ingenuity, and seasonal cooking. It brings together humble, widely available ingredients and transforms them into something special, making it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re of German descent, a Midwestern comfort food fan, or someone simply looking to warm up a chilly evening, this soup delivers with every spoonful.
The Cultural Roots: A Nod to German Heritage
At the heart of this dish lies a significant cultural influence German cuisine, particularly as it evolved in the American Midwest. Sauerkraut and sausage are cornerstones of traditional German cooking. Sauerkraut, which means “sour cabbage” in German, dates back centuries and is beloved for its tangy flavor and gut-friendly probiotics. Sausage, especially varieties like Polska kielbasa, bratwurst, and knockwurst, often make their way into German and Eastern European dishes due to their bold flavor and preservation-friendly nature.
Many German immigrants who settled in the American Midwest brought these culinary traditions with them. Over time, these hearty staples were adapted into the regional foodways of places like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa regions where winters are harsh and comfort food reigns supreme. Creamy Sausage, Potato and Sauerkraut Soup can easily be imagined simmering on a stovetop in a Minnesotan kitchen, warming a family after a cold day.
The inclusion of cheddar cheese and a cream-based broth is a distinctly American touch, adding a layer of richness not usually found in more austere Old World soups. The fusion of old and new world ingredients makes this dish a symbol of culinary adaptation and heritage preservation.
A Flavor Profile Worth Craving
This soup has a flavor profile that’s both complex and comforting. The creamy base provides a velvety backdrop, while the sharpness of cheddar cheese adds a pop of umami and indulgence. The kielbasa brings a smoky, meaty depth to each bite, and the potatoes offer substance and texture.
But perhaps the most unique component is the sauerkraut. Its briny, fermented tang is what sets this soup apart from other creamy soups. Sauerkraut balances the richness of the broth and meat with its acidity, creating a delightful harmony on the palate. For those who are wary of sauerkraut, rest assured the cabbage melds into the broth in a way that enhances rather than dominates, adding intrigue without overwhelming the dish.
Black pepper, parsley, and optional add-ins like garlic or Dijon mustard contribute subtle layers of spice and herbal freshness that round out the experience. The result is a soup that doesn’t just fill you up it keeps you coming back for more.
Perfect for the Seasons
Although this soup can be enjoyed year-round, it really shines in the colder months. Fall and winter are ideal seasons to whip up a pot of this comforting classic. It’s a perfect choice for everything from casual family dinners to festive holiday gatherings. Its resemblance to Oktoberfest-style fare also makes it a great feature during late September and October celebrations, especially when paired with soft pretzels, rye bread, or a frothy beer.
During holiday time, this soup can also be a fantastic post-feast leftover makeover especially if you have extra potatoes or sausage on hand. It requires minimal prep time and comes together in about 30 minutes, making it practical for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays alike.
Creative Variations and Dietary Tweaks
One of the most wonderful things about this soup is how adaptable it is. While the classic version calls for kielbasa sausage, you can easily substitute other proteins such as:
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Spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat
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Ham or bacon for a saltier, smokier version
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Vegetarian sausage for a meatless take
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Ground pork or beef if you want a more stew-like texture
Likewise, while cheddar cheese is a staple in the American version, Swiss or smoked gouda can be used to elevate the soup with a more European flair.
The soup also works with different types of potatoes Yukon gold, red potatoes, or even frozen hash browns for extra convenience. If you’re trying to cut back on carbs, cauliflower florets are a solid alternative.
The sauerkraut can be replaced or supplemented with chopped pickles for a different kind of tang, or with fried cabbage if you’re looking for a milder flavor. Crushed red pepper, caraway seeds, and even a splash of white wine can be added to tweak the seasoning to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it can be complemented beautifully with a few choice sides. Serve it with:
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Crusty sourdough or rye bread for dipping
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German pretzels for a soft, chewy side
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A crisp green salad to lighten the richness
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Pickled vegetables to amplify the tangy notes
For drinks, a light lager, amber ale, or even a crisp apple cider will pair wonderfully, cutting through the creaminess and elevating the dish further.
And don’t forget garnishes fresh parsley, caraway seeds, shredded cheese, or even rye croutons make for beautiful and flavorful finishing touches.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This soup is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Due to the dairy content, freezing is not recommended, as the texture can become grainy when thawed. When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stove to avoid curdling or separation of the cream and cheese.
Conclusion:
Creamy Sausage, Potato and Sauerkraut Soup is more than just a satisfying dish it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. Rich with cultural history, packed with flavor, and endlessly adaptable, it’s a meal that brings both nostalgia and novelty to the table. Its balance of creamy, savory, and tangy notes creates an experience that’s both unique and deeply comforting.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner, a holiday gathering, or simply to reconnect with your culinary roots, this soup has a way of making people feel at home. It’s a perfect reminder that the best meals often come from the heart and from a humble pot of soup simmering on the stove.