Name: Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 32 oz chicken broth; 13 oz turkey kielbasa, chopped; 1 medium onion, chopped; 4–5 russet potatoes, medium/small, peeled and cubed (½”–1” pieces); 6 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/3 cup heavy cream; 2 cups chopped kale; 2–3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

If there’s one meal that wraps you up in cozy comfort and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, it’s got to be Kielbasa Potato Soup. This creamy, cheesy, and hearty soup is absolutely packed with savory kielbasa, tender potato chunks, vibrant kale, and just enough spice and tang to keep every spoonful interesting. Whether you’re chasing away a chilly night or looking for a feel-good dish for the whole family, this soup brings together simple ingredients and turns them into something truly special.

Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Kielbasa Potato Soup works double duty: some bring bold flavor, some provide creamy texture, and others lend lovely color or a little zing. This is one of those recipes where the basics shine, especially when you pick up good-quality staples.

Chicken broth: The savory foundation that brings all the flavors together and makes the soup deeply satisfying.
Turkey kielbasa: Adds robust, smoky flavor with leaner richness that doesn’t overpower the bowl.
Onion: Give the soup a sweet aromatic backbone and wonderful depth.
Russet potatoes: The star of the show, creating creaminess and a tender, hearty bite in every spoonful.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into velvety ribbons, bringing that essential, tangy richness.
Heavy cream: Adds a lush, silky finish that’s pure comfort in every mouthful.
Kale: Pops of color and a gentle earthy flavor that balance out the richness.
Olive oil: For caramelizing the onions and kielbasa, helping build amazing flavor layers right from the start.
Lemon juice: A splash of brightness that wakes everything up and keeps the soup from feeling heavy.
Garlic powder: Fragrant warmth, layered subtly without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Onion powder: Deepens the flavor base, complementing the fresh onion.
Dried thyme: Delivers those cozy, woodsy undertones.
Salt: Essential for tying together all the flavors.
Black pepper: A gentle kick for dimension and warmth.
Red pepper flakes: Just enough to liven things up with a gentle heat—adjust as you like!

How to Make Kielbasa Potato Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling your russet potatoes and cutting them into generous half-inch to one-inch cubes. Taking a few extra moments here ensures the potatoes cook evenly and offer that perfect blend of tender and chunky in your finished Kielbasa Potato Soup. Set them aside so they’re ready to go when it’s time to get your soup simmering.

Step 2: Sauté the Base

Heat a generous swirl of olive oil in a big soup pot over medium-high heat. Toss in your chopped onion and the sliced turkey kielbasa. This is where the magic starts! Sauté everything, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn sweet and soft and the kielbasa begins to caramelize. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells amazing.

Step 3: Set Aside Sautéed Ingredients

Once your onions and kielbasa are golden and tempting, carefully scoop them into a bowl and set them aside. Keeping them separate at this point keeps all that caramelized flavor intact until the perfect moment. Don’t worry if there are toasty bits left in your pot—they’ll add tons of flavor to your Kielbasa Potato Soup.

Step 4: Cook the Potatoes

Into your same pot (no need to wash a thing!), add the cubed potatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Pour in the chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice, stir well, and bring everything to a gentle boil. Pop a lid on and let the potatoes simmer for about 10–15 minutes, until perfectly tender but not falling apart.

Step 5: Partial Mashing

Turn the heat down low and grab a potato masher, fork, or immersion blender. Mash about 75% of the potatoes—leave some pieces whole for satisfying texture, while the rest will break down beautifully and thicken your soup naturally. This step is what gives Kielbasa Potato Soup its signature heartiness and rich mouthfeel.

Step 6: Incorporate Cream & Cheese

Stir in the heavy cream, letting the soup become luxuriously silky. Then, a bit at a time, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, letting each handful melt completely before adding the next. The cheese not only adds flavor but also helps the soup thicken into pure comfort.

Step 7: Combine and Finalize

Gently return your sautéed kielbasa and onion mixture to the pot, reserving a few pieces if you want extra on top when serving. Fold in the chopped kale, letting the residual heat gently wilt the leaves and add a vibrant burst of color. Once everything is well combined, take the soup off the heat so the kale stays tender and green.

Step 8: Serve & Garnish

Ladle generous scoops of the soup into cozy bowls. Top with a little more shredded cheese, a sprinkle of fresh kale, and those reserved kielbasa coins or a dash of your favorite spices. Each bowl of Kielbasa Potato Soup will look as inviting as it tastes!

How to Serve Kielbasa Potato Soup

Garnishes

The right garnish can make your Kielbasa Potato Soup shine. Try a sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar, a dash of kale ribbons, and some crisped-up kielbasa pieces on top. A little black pepper or a few red pepper flakes give a touch of heat and color, making each bowl pop.

Side Dishes

Kielbasa Potato Soup is hearty enough to serve as a meal all on its own, but a crusty piece of sourdough, a rustic baguette, or even a buttery biscuit on the side is pure perfection. For a lighter option, a crisp side salad with zesty vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Kielbasa Potato Soup feel special by serving it in bread bowls, mason jars for a fun lunch, or teacups for a cozy starter. You can also serve it family-style in a big pot with all the garnishes on the side, so everyone can build their own perfect bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover soup completely before transferring to airtight containers. Properly stored in the fridge, your Kielbasa Potato Soup will keep beautifully for up to four days. The flavors deepen, so it’s even more delicious the next day!

Freezing

You absolutely can freeze this soup, though the potatoes may become slightly softer after reheating. Let the soup cool entirely, ladle into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to three months. For best results, leave out the kale and add it fresh when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pour your soup into a pot and warm it gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy. If it’s a bit thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk. Avoid boiling, so the cheese stays velvety and the potatoes keep their lovely texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular kielbasa instead of turkey kielbasa?

Absolutely! Traditional pork or beef kielbasa works perfectly in this Kielbasa Potato Soup and will add extra richness. Just keep in mind the soup will be a bit heartier, so you may want to adjust the amount of added salt and fat to your liking.

What kind of potatoes work best in this soup?

Russet potatoes are my favorite for this recipe—they break down nicely and add body to the soup. Yukon Golds are also delicious and will give the finished dish a creamier, slightly buttery texture.

Is there a way to make this soup lighter?

You sure can! Swap in milk or half-and-half for the heavy cream and use a reduced-fat cheese. Light kielbasa or chicken sausage work well too, just be sure to check the seasonings and add extra as needed to keep the flavor bold.

Will the kale get bitter if reheated?

Not at all. Kale holds up very well in soups like Kielbasa Potato Soup. If you want it extra vibrant, add fresh kale each time you reheat your leftovers, letting it wilt just before serving.

Can I make Kielbasa Potato Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the kielbasa with a plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. The soup will still be wonderfully hearty and flavorful, especially with the cheese and spices in the mix.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a big bowl of homemade Kielbasa Potato Soup, and sharing it with family and friends makes it even better. Grab a spoon, pile on those garnishes, and dive into a cozy classic that brings both flavor and warmth to your table. I hope you love every spoonful!