When the weather starts to cool, there’s nothing quite like a hearty soup to warm you up from the inside out. This Kielbasa Potato Soup is one of those meals that feels like a big, comforting hug in a bowl. Packed with tender potatoes, smoky kielbasa, and a creamy, cheesy broth, it’s both rustic and indulgent in the best way. If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate how the flavors develop into something magical as they simmer together—simple ingredients turning into something far more special than you’d expect.

I first stumbled across this recipe when I was looking for something cozy but quick to make for dinner one chilly weeknight. With kielbasa sitting in my fridge and a pile of potatoes that needed to be used, I threw them together and hoped for the best. Let me tell you, the result was a soup so good that it immediately became a household favorite. The chewy, savory sausage pairs perfectly with the creamy, hearty potatoes, and the little kick from the red chili flakes adds just enough heat to keep things interesting.

A little family connection 🌲

This soup reminds me of the hearty stews my grandmother used to make when I was growing up. She would often cook big pots of soup on Sundays, and we’d ladle it into bowls and eat it with thick slices of bread while watching the snow fall outside. Although she never made this particular recipe, the way the house fills with the smell of onions, garlic, and simmering stock as the soup cooks brings back those memories of warmth and comfort. It’s one of those recipes that just makes you feel at home, even if it’s your first time making it.

Where does kielbasa come from?

Kielbasa is a beloved smoked sausage from Poland, traditionally made with pork or a mixture of pork and beef. It has a slightly garlicky, smoky flavor and a satisfying bite, which makes it perfect for adding depth to all kinds of dishes. Over time, kielbasa has become popular beyond Polish cuisine, often making its way into American comfort food recipes, like casseroles, pasta, and of course, hearty soups like this one. The sausage’s unique flavor really shines in dishes like this, balancing out the creamy broth with its rich, smoky taste.

Key ingredients: keeping it simple but flavorful

Let’s take a closer look at the main ingredients that make this kielbasa potato soup a standout.

Kielbasa sausage: The star of the show! Its smoky, garlicky flavor is what makes this soup so hearty and flavorful. If you don’t have kielbasa, smoked sausage or even chorizo would work well. I’ve also tried it with turkey kielbasa for a lighter version, and it’s just as delicious.
Potatoes: These are the foundation of this soup, providing that creamy, comforting texture. I typically use Yukon Gold potatoes because they hold their shape and become wonderfully tender. Russet potatoes work too but might break down more, giving you a thicker broth.
Onion, carrot, and celery: The classic trio that forms the base of so many good soups. They add sweetness and depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Cheddar cheese: This melts into the broth, giving the soup a velvety richness. Sharp cheddar adds a nice contrast to the smoky sausage, but if you’re out, Gouda or even Monterey Jack can be good alternatives. You can also skip the cheese entirely for a lighter broth, but who can resist cheesy goodness?
Fresh parsley: Adding parsley at the end brightens up the dish. If you’re not a fan, you can swap it for fresh dill or leave it out completely.

Kitchen gear: what you’ll need

A large pot or Dutch oven: You’ll need something big enough to hold all your ingredients while allowing room to stir. I love using my Dutch oven because it holds heat well and cooks everything evenly.
A slotted spoon: This is handy for removing the kielbasa after browning, so it doesn’t overcook while the veggies soften. But if you don’t have one, tongs work just fine.
Measuring jug: You’ll need this to temper the milk with a ladle of hot soup, preventing it from curdling when added to the pot. If you don’t have one, a simple bowl will do.

Step-by-step: how to make kielbasa potato soup

1. Start with the kielbasa

Heat your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced kielbasa and let it sizzle away for about 4-5 minutes. You want it to get a little crispy around the edges, which will bring out its flavor even more. Be careful not to crowd the pot, or the sausage will steam rather than brown. Once done, remove it with a slotted spoon and set it aside. (Pro tip: I always snack on a couple of pieces at this stage—so good!)

2. Soften the veggies

In the same pot, with all those lovely sausage drippings, add your diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften. The goal here is to sweat them, not brown them. Then, add the garlic and red chili flakes, cooking for another minute. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen starts to smell like heaven.

3. Simmer with stock and potatoes

Now it’s time to add the cubed potatoes and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover with a lid and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. I usually check a few pieces to make sure they’re just right—tender, but not falling apart.

4. Add milk and sausage

Temper the milk by mixing it with a ladleful of hot soup in a separate jug or bowl (this prevents curdling). Once combined, pour it back into the pot. Add your cooked kielbasa at this point as well.

5. Stir in the cheese

Next, stir in the grated cheddar cheese, letting it melt fully into the soup. This is when the magic happens—the broth will become thick and creamy, with a rich, cheesy flavor. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

6. Finish with parsley

For a final burst of freshness, stir in the chopped parsley. It adds a little color and brightness, balancing out the richness of the soup.

Variations to try

Vegetarian option: Skip the kielbasa and use a vegetarian sausage or smoked tofu. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms for extra texture and umami.
Gluten-free: This soup is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check that your kielbasa and chicken stock are as well.
Dairy-free: Swap the milk for a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk, and use a vegan cheese or leave it out altogether.
Spicy twist: If you like more heat, double the red chili flakes or add a diced jalapeño along with the garlic.

Serving suggestions

I love serving this kielbasa potato soup with a warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread to soak up every last drop. You can also garnish with extra shredded cheese, a sprinkle of parsley, and even a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.

Drink pairings

For drinks, I recommend a crisp, cold beer like a lager or pilsner, which pairs beautifully with the smokiness of the sausage. If you’re more into wine, a lightly oaked Chardonnay or a dry Riesling would complement the creamy broth without overpowering it.

Storing and reheating tips

This soup stores wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep it in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to reheat, do it slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the cheese doesn’t separate. You can also freeze this soup for up to 3 months, though the texture of the potatoes may change slightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Scaling the recipe

This recipe is perfect for doubling if you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers for the week. Just be sure to use a bigger pot! If you’re halving it, no need to adjust the cooking times, but keep an eye on the potatoes—they may cook a bit faster.

Troubleshooting tips

Soup too thick? Just add a bit more chicken stock or milk to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Curdled milk? If you add cold milk directly to the hot soup, it might curdle. Always temper the milk with hot soup before adding it back to the pot.
Sausage not crispy enough? Make sure the pot is hot and don’t overcrowd it when browning the kielbasa.

Ready to dive in?

I hope you give this kielbasa potato soup a try! It’s rich, hearty, and absolutely packed with flavor—perfect for when you’re craving something cozy and satisfying. Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your taste, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite in your household, too.