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German Potato Soup – Rustic, Hearty & Comforting (Kartoffelsuppe)

This German Potato Soup, known as Kartoffelsuppe, is one of the most comforting and traditional dishes you’ll find across Germany — creamy, hearty, rustic, and deeply flavorful. Every region has its own version, but they all share the same soul-warming essence: tender potatoes simmering in a savory broth with vegetables, herbs, and soft bites of sausage. In this pork-free version, we use chicken sausage or beef sausage instead of the traditional pork sausage, giving you all the classic flavor while keeping the recipe aligned with your rules. The soup becomes velvety as the potatoes break down, the vegetables add body and sweetness, and the warm herbs create that old-world coziness that German cuisine is known for. This is the type of soup that warms your home with its aroma, fills your belly with comfort, and brings you that nostalgic, old-fashioned charm. Perfect for cold nights, meal prep, or family gatherings, this German Potato Soup is nourishing, creamy, simple, and deeply satisfying.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Vegetables
  • 6 medium potatoes peeled & diced
  • 2 large carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 leek sliced (optional but traditional)
Meat (Pork-Free)
  • 1 lb chicken sausage or beef sausage sliced
Broth & Liquids
  • 6 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk or half-and-half
Seasonings & Herbs
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of nutmeg traditional in German cooking
Finishing Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Fresh parsley for serving

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ladle
  • Potato masher (optional)
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Method
 

Step 1 — Brown the sausage
  1. Heat butter in a large soup pot over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced chicken or beef sausage and brown lightly.
  3. Remove and set aside.
Step 2 — Sauté aromatic vegetables
  1. In the same pot, add onion, carrots, celery, and leeks.
  2. Cook 8–10 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
Step 3 — Add potatoes and broth
  1. Stir in the diced potatoes.
  2. Pour in the broth.
  3. Add thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.
Step 4 — Simmer
  1. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
  2. Simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until potatoes are very soft.
Step 5 — Mash for creaminess
  1. Using a potato masher, mash a portion of the potatoes directly in the pot.
  2. This thickens the soup naturally.
Step 6 — Add milk
  1. Pour in the milk or half-and-half.
  2. Warm gently (do NOT boil).
Step 7 — Add sausage
  1. Return the browned sausage to the pot.
  2. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
Step 8 — Final touches
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  2. Remove bay leaf.
  3. Finish with fresh parsley.
Step 9 — Serve warm
  1. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy German comfort at its finest.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Keeps 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Soup thickens over time — add water or broth when reheating.
Freezer
Freeze without dairy for 2 months.
Add milk after reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Warm slowly on stovetop.
Add extra broth if needed.
🥄 Variations
1. Creamier German Potato Soup
Add ¼ cup cream cheese.
2. Veggie-Packed Version
Add peas, spinach, or cabbage.
3. Pureed Style
Blend the entire soup until silky-smooth.
4. Low-Carb Version
Replace potatoes with cauliflower.
5. Smoky Flavor
Use smoked beef sausage or a pinch of smoked paprika.
6. Oktoberfest Style
Add shredded carrots and more herbs.
7. Gluten-Free
Use certified gluten-free sausage.
8. Dairy-Free Version
Use coconut milk for creaminess (flavor changes slightly).
9. High-Protein
Add extra sausage or white beans.
10. Kids-Friendly
Mash most potatoes and keep soup mild.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. What type of potatoes work best?
Starchy potatoes like russet or Yukon Gold give the creamiest texture.
2. Can I skip the sausage?
Yes — you can make it vegetarian.
3. Why mash the potatoes?
It naturally thickens the soup without flour.
4. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes — cook on LOW for 6 hours, add milk at the end.
5. Is nutmeg necessary?
No, but it gives a traditional German touch.
6. Can I add bacon instead of sausage?
Yes — use beef or turkey bacon only.
7. Will this soup thicken overnight?
Yes — add broth when reheating.
8. Can I add noodles?
Yes — add short pasta during the last 10 minutes.
9. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Absolutely — just slice and add at the end.
10. How do I make it richer?
Add extra butter or cream.
🏁 Conclusion
This German Potato Soup (Kartoffelsuppe) is rustic, hearty, and filled with old-world warmth. With tender potatoes, savory chicken or beef sausage, aromatic vegetables, and creamy broth, this comforting soup delivers deep flavor and cozy satisfaction in every spoonful. It’s perfect for chilly nights, family gatherings, or weekend cooking — wholesome, nourishing, and incredibly delicious.
Once you try this version, it will become one of your go-to comfort soups all year long