Name: Traditional German Potato Soup Recipe (Kartoffelsuppe) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900g) potatoes, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 leek, sliced and rinsed; 1 onion, diced; 5 cups (1.2L) vegetable or chicken broth; 2 tbsp butter; 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream; 8 oz (225g) smoked sausage, sliced; 2 bay leaves; Salt and pepper, to taste; Pinch of nutmeg; Fresh parsley, for garnish

Imagine a cozy kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma wafting from a big simmering pot — that’s the magic of this Traditional German Potato Soup Recipe (Kartoffelsuppe). Hearty potatoes mingle with sweet carrots, flavorful leeks, and the unmistakable smokiness of sausage in every spoonful. This timeless soup is comfort food at its best, delivering creamy richness balanced by tender veggies. Whether you’re chasing away a winter chill or simply longing for a taste of German home cooking, this nourishing classic always delivers big hugs in a bowl.

Traditional German Potato Soup Recipe (Kartoffelsuppe) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The wonderful thing about the Traditional German Potato Soup Recipe (Kartoffelsuppe) is how you can create unforgettable flavors from everyday ingredients. Each component layers in essential taste, texture, and that signature German heartiness we all crave.

Potatoes: The starchy base that gives the soup its creamy, velvety texture; Yukon Gold or Russet work beautifully.
Carrots: Add subtle sweetness and gorgeous color — peel and dice evenly for the best result.
Celery: Lends a gentle savoriness that balances the richness of the broth; don’t skip it!
Leek: This brings a mild, oniony depth; make sure to wash it well to remove any grit.
Onion: An essential aromatic for building flavor; sautéing helps it melt right into the background.
Vegetable or chicken broth: The flavorful foundation that ties all the ingredients together—choose a quality stock for best results.
Butter: Used for sautéing, it enriches the soup and gives the vegetables a luxurious mouthfeel.
Heavy cream: Swirled in at the end, this makes the soup irresistibly silky and indulgent.
Smoked sausage: For that unmistakable German touch—use a high-quality smoked sausage for depth and subtle spice.
Bay leaves: These infuse a gentle, herbal complexity as the soup simmers.
Salt and pepper: Essential to heighten flavors and balance the taste; adjust to your liking.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds subtle warmth and rounds out the creaminess perfectly.
Fresh parsley: The ultimate finishing touch, lending brightness and color to every bowl.

How to Make Traditional German Potato Soup Recipe (Kartoffelsuppe)

Step 1: Chop the Veggies

Begin by prepping your vegetables: peel and dice the potatoes and carrots, dice the celery and onion, and slice the leek thinly before rinsing it thoroughly under cold water to remove any hidden grit. A little attention here ensures every bite of your Traditional German Potato Soup Recipe (Kartoffelsuppe) has perfect texture and balanced flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Base

Melt the butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions, leeks, carrots, and celery. Sauté gently, stirring often, until everything is softened but not browned, about 5–7 minutes. This step builds the aromatic, sweet foundation that makes this soup so memorable.

Step 3: Simmer with Potatoes and Broth

Stir in the diced potatoes, then pour in the broth and toss in the bay leaves. Raise the heat to bring it just to a gentle boil, then lower to a simmer. Cover and let everything cook for 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are meltingly tender but still hold their shape. The soup will start to smell absolutely incredible — that’s when you know you’re on the right track!

Step 4: Blend and Make it Creamy

Remove the bay leaves. Now, using an immersion blender, blend about half of the soup directly in the pot. If you don’t have one, transfer half to a blender, then return it to the pot. This creates a perfect balance of creaminess and tender chunks, just as a Traditional German Potato Soup Recipe (Kartoffelsuppe) should be.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Sausage

Gently stir in the heavy cream and sliced smoked sausage. Add salt, pepper, and a good pinch of nutmeg. Let the soup heat through for another 5–10 minutes so the sausage flavors meld with the creamy soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed – don’t be shy with the pepper. Ladle into bowls, and you’re ready for pure comfort!

How to Serve Traditional German Potato Soup Recipe (Kartoffelsuppe)

Garnishes

Top each bowl with a generous scattering of freshly chopped parsley. For extra flair, add a drizzle of cream, a swirl of olive oil, or crispy fried onions. These final touches brighten the hearty flavors and make your Traditional German Potato Soup Recipe (Kartoffelsuppe) look even more inviting.

Side Dishes

A classic side is a thick slice of rustic rye bread or pretzel rolls — perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop. For a heartier meal, serve with a German salad like Gurkensalat (cucumber salad) or tangy sauerkraut for a refreshing contrast alongside the creamy soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your soup in bread bowls for a special touch, or portion it into petite cups as an appetizer for a festive dinner. Add tiny buttered croutons, or sprinkle with grated Gruyère or Emmental cheese just before serving for a bit of melty goodness. No matter how you serve it, this dish always feels like a celebration of comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, so it’s just as delicious (if not more!) the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze Traditional German Potato Soup Recipe (Kartoffelsuppe) for up to 3 months. Cool it thoroughly and store in freezer-safe containers, leaving an inch of space for expansion. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best results; note the potatoes may break down a bit, but that just adds to the creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much after being chilled or frozen, just add a splash of broth or cream until it reaches your preferred consistency. Warm individual portions in the microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.

FAQs

Can I make the soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken. The soup still has plenty of flavor, and you can even add more veggies like diced parsnip or celeriac to make it extra hearty.

What’s the best type of potato to use?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe, thanks to their starchiness and ability to create a creamy texture. Waxy varieties work too but may not break down and thicken the soup in the same way.

Can I prepare Traditional German Potato Soup Recipe (Kartoffelsuppe) in advance?

Yes! In fact, many believe the flavor improves after a night in the fridge. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of adding cream and sausage, then hold off until you reheat and serve. This way, the sausage stays tender, and the soup is at its best.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened oat or cashew cream — just know the texture will be slightly less luscious but still satisfyingly creamy.

Is this soup gluten-free?

It can be! The base recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your sausage and broth are free from gluten-containing ingredients, as some store-bought varieties can contain hidden gluten.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Traditional German Potato Soup Recipe (Kartoffelsuppe), you’ll understand why it’s a cherished favorite across generations. It’s comfort food at its purest — hearty, creamy, and so easy to love. Grab your biggest pot and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a true taste of Germany tonight!

Traditional German Potato Soup Recipe (Kartoffelsuppe) Recipe