Hearty Potato Kielbasa Soup with Cheddar and Parmesan
This comforting soup combines smoky kielbasa with tender potatoes in a rich, creamy base loaded with melted cheddar and Parmesan cheese. The vegetables add texture and flavor while fresh parsley brightens each bowl. Perfect for cold weather dinners or when you need a filling meal that satisfies the whole family. The soup comes together in about 30 minutes and makes excellent use of simple pantry ingredients for maximum flavor impact.
Ingredients
- 1 lb kielbasa, cut into 1/2 inch piecesandouille sausage1:1meat
spicier flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cup chicken stock
- ½ cup carrots, peeled and finely diced (2 large)
- ½ cup celery, finely sliced (2-3 stalks)
- 2 cup milk
- 2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 ½ lbs potato, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat
- 2
Cook kielbasa for 5-6 minutes, stirring constantly
- 3
Remove sausage with slotted spoon
- 4
Add garlic, onions, carrots, and celery and cook for 2 minutes
- 5
Add potatoes and chicken stock
- 6
Bring to boil then reduce heat
- 7
Cover and cook for 15 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender
- 8
Add cooked sausage, milk, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper
- 9
Stir and continue cooking over low heat for 5-10 minutes until cheese melts
- 10
Stir in chopped parsley before serving
Tips
Brown the kielbasa well to develop deeper flavor before removing from pot
Cut potatoes into uniform cubes so they cook evenly
Add cheese gradually while stirring to prevent clumping
Good to Know
Refrigerate for up to 3 days in airtight container
Can be made 1 day ahead, reheat gently and add milk if needed
Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers
Common Mistakes
Add cheese gradually over low heat to avoid curdling
Do not boil after adding dairy to prevent separation
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I freeze this soup?
Freezing is not recommended as the dairy and potatoes may separate and become grainy when thawed and reheated.
What if I don't have kielbasa?
Any smoked sausage works well including andouille, bratwurst, or even bacon cut into pieces for similar smoky flavor.
How can I make this soup thicker?
Mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot or add a slurry of cornstarch and cold milk.