Name: Creamy Kielbasa Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Polish-American
Ingredients: 1 pound of sliced turkey kielbasa.; 5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced.; 1 medium-sized onion, chopped up.; 2 garlic cloves, minced.; 4 cups of chicken broth.; 2 cups of milk.; 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.; 1 cup of heavy cream.; 2 tablespoons of olive oil.; 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.; Salt and pepper to personal taste.; Fresh parsley, finely chopped.

A creamy soup with sausage chunks, potatoes, and fresh herbs. | tasteofsavor.com

This soup's tale began one fall evening when I spotted some nice kielbasa in my fridge from my favorite Polish grocery store. I had a few potatoes waiting to be used, so I whipped up what's now become my family's go-to comfort dish. It's a meal that brings to mind cozy nights by the fireplace.

Heartwarming Pot of Comfort

This soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl. What makes it special is how the soft potatoes mix with smoky kielbasa and slowly melting cheddar. When it's raining outside, nothing beats a big bowl of this creamy soup that makes the whole house smell amazing.

Shopping List

Main attraction: Smoked turkey kielbasa from the Polish butcher down the street
Soup base: Starchy potatoes that'll make everything thick and smooth
Flavor builders: One large onion and two plump garlic cloves from my backyard
Liquid gold: Homemade chicken stock and full-fat milk
Game changer: Aged cheddar that stretches into gooey strings
Final richness: Thick cream for that velvety texture
Hidden gems: Smoked paprika, fresh parsley, and my seasoning blend
Starting point: A splash of my top-shelf olive oil

Cooking Journey

Kielbasa takes center stage: In my cast iron pot, I brown the sausage until it gets a nice color while it flavors the oil.
Aromatic foundation: The onion turns clear, then the garlic joins in with its captivating smell.
Soup foundation: Potatoes simmer slowly in the broth until they're fork-tender.
Creamy transformation: I mash some potato chunks, then comes the fun part where I stir in milk, cheese, and cream.
Bringing it all together: The kielbasa goes back into the pot with my favorite spices.
Last touches: I ladle into my favorite bowls and sprinkle fresh parsley on top.

Une soupe crémeuse aux pommes de terre et saucisses, garnie de persil frais. | tasteofsavor.com

Savoring The Moment

I dish up my soup in large stoneware bowls alongside toasted country bread slices. I love adding one last sprinkle of melting cheddar on top and a spoonful of cream that swirls around. A glass of Chablis or a light blonde beer goes perfectly with this pure bliss moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap the turkey kielbasa?: Sure, you can use traditional pork kielbasa or another type of smoked sausage. The flavor will change but still be delicious.
→ How can I thicken the soup?: Mash more of the potatoes to naturally make it thicker. You can also start with slightly less liquid to control the consistency.
→ Is freezing this soup okay?: Yes, though the texture might shift a little due to the dairy. Reheat it gently while stirring to keep it creamy.
→ What kind of potatoes should I use?: Go for starchy varieties like Russets or Yukon Golds. They break down a bit during cooking and thicken the soup perfectly.
→ How do I reheat it the next day?: Warm it on low heat, stirring occasionally. Add some milk if it feels too thick. Avoid boiling to keep the creamy texture intact.

Creamy Kielbasa Soup

A rich soup blending potatoes, turkey kielbasa, and cheddar. A filling, flavorful dish that warms you up inside.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

40 Minutes

Total Time

55 Minutes

By: Alicia

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Polish-American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 large pot of soup)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 pound of sliced turkey kielbasa.

02 5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced.

03 1 medium-sized onion, chopped up.

04 2 garlic cloves, minced.

05 4 cups of chicken broth.

06 2 cups of milk.

07 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

08 1 cup of heavy cream.

09 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

10 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.

11 Salt and pepper to personal taste.

12 Fresh parsley, finely chopped.

Instructions

Step 01

Warm up the olive oil in a large pot. Toss in the kielbasa and cook until nicely browned, about 5 minutes. Take it out and set it aside.

Step 02

In that same pot, cook the onion until it softens, which should take around 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 03

Put the potatoes in the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Let it come to a boil, then lower the heat. Simmer until your potatoes are tender, about 15–20 minutes.

Step 04

Mash some of the potatoes lightly with a masher to help thicken it up.

Step 05

Pour in the milk, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese. Stir them together, then add the kielbasa back in. Sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for another 5–10 minutes.

Step 06

Serve it up warm and top with some freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

This hearty dish can be a full meal by itself!

It lasts up to 3 days in the fridge.

Tools You'll Need

Large pot.

Potato masher.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

Dairy (milk, cream, cheese).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 28 g
Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
Protein: 18 g