Creamy Sausage Potato Sauerkraut Soup

Creamy Sausage Potato Sauerkraut Soup

Elina chef

A hearty and comforting soup that combines smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and tangy sauerkraut in a luxuriously creamy broth. This one-pot wonder is the ultimate comfort food for a chilly day.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American, French, International

Servings 6 serving

Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

1 lb smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds1 tbsp olive oil1 large yellow onion, diced2 cloves garlic, minced6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes1 cup sauerkraut, rinsed and drained1 cup heavy cream½ tsp black pepper, or to taste2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

Brown the Sausage: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned on both sides. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot with the sausage drippings, add the diced onion. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the diced potatoes, rinsed sauerkraut, and the browned sausage back into the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.Add Cream: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and heat the soup through, ensuring it does not come to a boil. Season with black pepper to taste (salt may not be needed due to the broth and sausage).Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped dill. Serve immediately.

Notes

• For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, but avoid boiling.
• Rinsing the sauerkraut is key to achieving a balanced, tangy flavor without it being overly sour.
• This soup thickens as it sits. If reheating, add a splash of broth or water to thin it to your desired consistency.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 14gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg

Keyword Best potatoes for creamy soup, Comfort Food Soup Recipes, Creamy Sausage Potato Sauerkraut Soup, Creamy Sausage Soup, Easy creamy soup recipe, German-inspired creamy soup, Hearty winter soup with sausage, One-Pot Sausage Soup

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There’s something truly magical about a soup that can warm you from the inside out on a crisp day. For me, that magic is perfectly captured in a steaming bowl of our Chef Elina’s Creamy Sausage Potato Sauerkraut Soup. This dish is a beautiful paradox—it’s both hearty and comforting, yet the tangy sauerkraut gives it a surprisingly bright and intriguing flavor that keeps you coming back for another spoonful. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug, combining smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and creamy broth in a way that is far greater than the sum of its parts. This particular Creamy Sausage Potato Sauerkraut Soup recipe, crafted by Chef Elina, is one I treasure for its simplicity and depth of flavor, making it a perfect centerpiece for a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend meal.

The Heartwarming Story Behind the Soup

I first fell in love with this type of soup while exploring the culinary traditions of my own German heritage. The combination of sausage and sauerkraut is a classic for a reason, but transforming it into a luxurious, creamy soup felt like a revelation. It’s a dish that speaks to the soul, offering the same kind of comfort as a beloved family stew but with a unique, tangy twist that makes it unforgettable. This Creamy Sausage Potato Sauerkraut Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a bowlful of comfort that brings people together.

Discovering Comfort in a Family Tradition

Many of us have fond memories of family gatherings where food was the main event. In many German and Eastern European households, the savory smell of sausage and sauerkraut simmering on the stove is a familiar and welcome scent. This soup is a direct descendant of those traditions, taking the core elements of a classic peasant dish and elevating them into something new and exciting. It’s a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can be transformed into a truly special Creamy Sausage Potato Sauerkraut Soup that honors the past while being perfectly suited for a modern kitchen.

Why This Soup is a Cold-Weather Champion

When the temperature drops, our bodies naturally crave hearty, satisfying meals. The potatoes and sausage in this soup provide a solid, comforting base, while the rich, creamy broth soothes and satisfies. What sets this soup apart is the brilliant use of sauerkraut. Its tangy flavor cuts through the richness of the soup, adding a layer of complexity that prevents the dish from feeling too heavy. This balance makes every spoonful interesting and ensures that your Creamy Sausage Potato Sauerkraut Soup is a well-rounded meal that is as flavorful as it is comforting.

Selecting Your Ingredients for the Perfect Balance

The beauty of this Creamy Sausage Potato Sauerkraut Soup lies in its humble ingredients. Each component plays a specific role in creating the final, harmonious flavor. Understanding your choices allows you to customize the soup to your personal taste, ensuring a perfect result every time you make it.

Choosing the Right Sausage and Potatoes

The sausage is the primary flavor agent, so choosing well is key.

• Sausage Selection: A pre-cooked smoked sausage is the most common and convenient choice. Kielbasa is a classic and reliable option, while Bratwurst offers a milder flavor. For a spicier kick, Andouille sausage works wonderfully. For a lighter version, chicken sausage can also be used.
• Potato Power: The best potatoes for soup are waxy varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Their lower starch content means they hold their shape beautifully after cooking, providing a pleasant texture in every bite. Starchy potatoes like Russets are better for thickening the soup itself if you blend a portion.

The Secret Role of Sauerkraut and Cream

These two ingredients are the soul of the soup, providing its signature tang and creaminess.

• Sauerkraut Secrets: You can use your favorite brand of sauerkraut, whether it’s canned, jarred, or bagged. For a less intense tang, you can rinse and drain the sauerkraut before adding it to the pot. If you love the flavor, feel free to add the juice from the jar for an extra punch.
• Creamy Components: The luxurious texture comes from a dairy addition. Some recipes use a roux-based sauce with milk and cheese, while others opt for sour cream or even a splash of heavy cream stirred in at the end. Sour cream provides a tangy richness that complements the sauerkraut perfectly.

Crafting Your Soup: A Simple Step-by-Step Process

Creating this beloved dish is a straightforward journey that fills your home with an incredible, savory aroma. Chef Elina’s method for making the perfect Creamy Sausage Potato Sauerkraut Soup focuses on building flavors in stages. You begin by creating a robust foundation in your pot before gently bringing all the components together. The final step is all about achieving that signature, luxurious texture that makes this Creamy Sausage Potato Sauerkraut Soup so uniquely satisfying and comforting.

Building a Flavorful Foundation

Start by heating a tablespoon of oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your sliced sausage and cook it until it’s nicely browned on both sides. This crucial step isn’t just about cooking the meat; it’s about rendering its flavorful fats and creating a fond—those delicious caramelized bits stuck to the pot’s bottom. Next, add a diced onion to the same pot, cooking it until it turns soft and translucent. Then, stir in minced garlic for just thirty seconds until it becomes fragrant. This sequence—sausage, then onions, then garlic—ensures each element contributes its full flavor to the base of your Creamy Sausage Potato Sauerkraut Soup.

Achieving the Perfect Creamy Finish

Once your aromatics are ready, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Now, add the diced potatoes and your rinsed sauerkraut, returning the browned sausage to the pot as well. Bring everything to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are perfectly tender. For the grand finale, turn the heat down to its lowest setting and stir in the heavy cream or sour cream. Chef Elina insists you must not let the soup boil after this point to prevent curdling. You simply want to heat it through, resulting in a perfectly balanced and velvety Creamy Sausage Potato Sauerkraut Soup.

PART 4: Serving, Storing, and Enjoying Your Creation

Your kitchen now smells incredible, and your pot holds a steaming, creamy masterpiece. The final touches for serving this Creamy Sausage Potato Sauerkraut Soup can elevate it from a simple weeknight dinner to a meal worthy of guests. Think about the textures and colors you can add right at the end. Furthermore, understanding how to properly store and reheat the soup means you can enjoy the fruits of your labor for days to come, making your meal prep both delicious and efficient.

The Best Ways to Serve and Garnish

While this soup is fantastic on its own, a few well-chosen toppings provide delightful contrast and freshness. Chef Elina loves to offer a variety so everyone can customize their bowl. A sprinkle of fresh, chopped dill or parsley adds a vibrant color and a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully. For a bit of textural crunch, try some crispy croutons or a handful of homemade rye croutons. An extra twist of black pepper or a dash of paprika not only adds flavor but also makes the Creamy Sausage Potato Sauerkraut Soup look professionally plated. For another dish that benefits from a customizable finish, explore our Loaded Baked Potato Soup for more topping inspiration.

Smart Storage and Reheating Tips

This Creamy Sausage Potato Sauerkraut Soup stores wonderfully, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream from separating. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, you can thin it out with a small splash of broth or water. We do not recommend freezing this particular Creamy Sausage Potato Sauerkraut Soup as the dairy-based broth can separate and become grainy upon thawing, and the potatoes may become mushy. For a freezer-friendly soup option, our Hearty Lentil Soup is an excellent alternative.

conclusion:

This Creamy Sausage Potato Sauerkraut Soup is a true testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s a dish that offers deep, comforting flavors with a unique and delightful tang. Whether you’re drawing on family traditions or simply looking for a delicious and satisfying meal to warm up a chilly evening, this soup is sure to become a cherished recipe in your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the simple process, and get ready to enjoy one of the coziest soups you’ll ever make, this is our pinthttps://www.pinterest.com/easymeals_/erest account for more ideas.

Creamy Sausage Potato Sauerkraut Soup

A hearty and comforting soup combining smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and tangy sauerkraut in a luxuriously creamy broth, perfect for chilly days.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American, French, International

Servings 6 servings

Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

For the Soup

• 1 lb smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds Use pre-cooked smoked sausage like Kielbasa or Bratwurst.
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes Waxy potatoes work best to maintain texture.
• 1 cup sauerkraut, rinsed and drained Rinsing helps reduce tanginess.
• 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half.
• ½ tsp black pepper, or to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (for garnish) Use for garnish before serving.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned on both sides. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
• In the same pot with the sausage drippings, add the diced onion and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Cooking

• Pour in the chicken broth, then add the diced potatoes, rinsed sauerkraut, and the browned sausage back into the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Heat the soup through without allowing it to boil. Season with black pepper to taste.

Serving

• Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped dill. Serve immediately.

Notes

For storage, allow the soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently, adding broth or water if it thickens. Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 14gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 14gSodium: 1200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g

Keyword Comfort Food Soup Recipes, Creamy Sausage Soup, Hearty winter soup with sausage

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!