Hearty German Potato Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Hearty German potato soup warms chilly evenings with its rich, comforting flavors.

Creamy textures blend perfectly in this classic dish that brings memories of cozy kitchens.

Potatoes play a starring role, offering substantial nourishment and depth to every spoonful.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this simple yet satisfying recipe passed through family traditions.

Robust ingredients like smoky bacon and tender leeks create a symphony of taste that feels like a culinary embrace.

Herbs and subtle seasonings dance across your palate, promising a meal that nourishes both body and soul.

You’ll want to savor each delicious bite of this authentic German comfort food.

Let’s uncover the magic behind this beloved soup that turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Store German Potato Soup The Smart Way

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely sealed to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion, and store for 2-3 months. Remove bay leaf before freezing to prevent bitter taste.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of extra broth if the soup seems too thick after freezing.
• Divide soup into individual serving-sized containers for easy grab-and-go meals, making reheating and storage more convenient for quick lunches or dinners.

FAQs

• Are the potatoes in German potato soup special?

German recipes typically use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes that hold their shape during cooking and provide a creamy, smooth texture.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply skip the bacon or sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. You can add extra herbs or nutritional yeast for more depth of flavor.

• What herbs are traditional in German potato soup?

Classic German potato soup uses thyme, marjoram, and sometimes caraway seeds. These herbs provide an authentic, hearty European flavor profile that makes the soup distinctive.

• Is this soup filling enough for a main course?

Absolutely! The combination of potatoes, vegetables, and optional meat makes this soup substantial and nutritious. Adding cream increases its heartiness and makes it more satisfying as a complete meal.

German Potato Soup: Heartwarming And Filling

• Create Comfort Quickly: Dive into a one-dish wonder that combines tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and rich cheese sauce without complicated cooking steps.
• Perfect Family Feast: Packed with protein and hearty ingredients, this casserole satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its classic, crowd-pleasing flavors.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Layer ingredients directly in the baking dish, reducing kitchen cleanup and allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal together.
• Adaptable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily customize with extra herbs, swap cheese types, or add vegetables to match your family's taste preferences and nutritional needs.

Everything Needed For German Potato Soup Magic

• Potatoes: Starchy root vegetables that provide the hearty base and creamy texture of the soup.
• Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Celery, Carrots: Aromatic vegetables that build a rich flavor foundation for the soup.

• Bay Leaf, Thyme, Marjoram: Herbs that add depth and traditional German flavor to the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.

• Butter or Oil: Provides fat for sautéing vegetables and creating a smooth cooking base.
• Broth: Liquid that creates the soup's consistency and adds additional flavor.
• Bacon or Smoked Sausage: Optional protein that adds smoky richness to the soup.
• Heavy Cream or Sour Cream: Ingredient that creates a creamy, luxurious texture.
• Fresh Parsley or Chives: Garnish that adds a fresh, bright finish to the soup.

How To Prepare German Potato Soup Simply

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

• Onions
• Garlic
• Leeks
• Celery
• Carrots

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Build Hearty Soup Base

• Diced potatoes
• Broth
• Bay leaf
• Thyme
• Marjoram

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer. Let the vegetables become tender and flavors meld together, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Enhance with Smoky Protein

If desired, crisp up bacon or smoked sausage in a separate pan. Once golden and crispy, add the meat to the soup, introducing a delightful smoky dimension to the dish.

Step 4: Create Creamy Comfort

Stir in heavy cream or sour cream to transform the soup into a luxurious, velvety texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the bay leaf. Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and enjoy the warm, comforting meal.

Pro Tips For German Potato Soup Lovers

• Use starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet for the creamiest texture and best flavor absorption.
• Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent soup texture.
• For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with milk or vegetable broth to reduce calories.
• Enhance flavor by using homemade chicken or vegetable stock instead of store-bought versions.
• Add crispy bacon bits or smoked sausage just before serving for extra protein and crunch.

Twists For German Potato Soup Variety

• Vegetarian Hearty Delight: Replace bacon or sausage with diced mushrooms or plant-based protein like tempeh, adding rich umami flavor and extra nutrients.
• Spicy Mountain Style: Incorporate Hungarian paprika, red pepper flakes, and add chorizo sausage for a bold, warming kick that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Cheese Lover's Edition: Blend in sharp cheddar or smoked gouda during the final cooking stage, creating a luxurious and creamy potato soup with deep cheese undertones.
• Alpine Inspired Version: Mix in sauerkraut, sprinkle caraway seeds, and use German beer instead of broth for an authentic Central European flavor profile.

Best Sides For German Potato Soup Meals

• Rustic Family Dinner Centerpiece: Ladle the steaming soup into deep ceramic bowls, surrounded by crusty German bread and a side of tangy pickles for a complete hearty meal.
• Cozy Winter Comfort Platter: Top the soup with crispy bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, and sprinkle fresh chives. Pair with a rustic wooden cutting board and warm sourdough slices for a comforting winter experience.
• Gourmet Soup Appetizer: Serve in small elegant glasses or mini copper pots as a sophisticated starter. Garnish with delicate herb sprigs and a light drizzle of truffle oil for an elevated dining presentation.

German Potato Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty German potato soup delights with creamy richness and comforting flavors from traditional German culinary traditions. Potato lovers will savor each spoonful of this classic winter meal that warms hearts and satisfies hunger.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4–5 potatoes, medium (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and diced
• 5 cups broth (low-sodium vegetable or chicken)
• 1 onion, large, finely diced
• 2 carrots, large, peeled and diced
• 2 tbsps butter or oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 leek, medium, sliced (white and light green parts only)
• 4 bacon slices, diced or 200 g (7 oz) smoked sausage, sliced (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp thyme, dried (or fresh thyme sprigs)
• 0.5 tsp marjoram, dried (optional)
• 0.5 cup cream, heavy or sour cream (optional)
• 1 turnip or parsnip, diced (optional)
• 0.5 cup cabbage, shredded (optional)
• Caraway seeds, pinch (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Parsley or chives, fresh, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat butter or oil in a large pot over medium heat, sautéing onions, garlic, leeks, celery, and carrots until they become translucent and tender, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Add diced potatoes, broth, bay leaf, thyme, and marjoram to the pot, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are soft and potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
3. While soup simmers, crisp bacon or brown smoked sausage in a separate skillet until golden and fragrant, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
4. Gently fold crispy bacon or sausage into the soup, distributing evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream or sour cream, creating a rich and smooth texture.
6. Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting flavors as needed.
7. Remove bay leaf before serving to prevent any bitter undertones.
8. Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Swap butter with olive oil for a lighter, heart-healthy version that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• Toast herbs briefly before adding to intensify their aromatic profiles and deepen the soup’s complexity.
• Consider blending half the potatoes to create a thicker, more luxurious texture without adding extra cream.
• Select starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best creamy consistency and authentic German soup experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 165 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg