This German Potato Soup is a rich and comforting meal that’s perfect for cold days or when you crave something warm and hearty. Combining smoky bacon, savory German sausage, tender Yukon Gold potatoes, and fragrant herbs, this soup brings the best of traditional German flavors to your table. Whether you’re looking to make a satisfying lunch or dinner, this soup is sure to hit the spot. Let’s dive into how to prepare this delicious, filling soup that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces bacon (preferably double-smoked), trimmed of large fat pieces and cut into ½” pieces
- 8 ounces fully cooked German sausage, cut into ¼”-thick slices
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 large stalks celery, chopped
- 1 cup of chopped leek (using the white and light green parts)
- 3 large cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped into ½” pieces
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons dried marjoram
- ½ teaspoon Morton kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup half & half
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked bacon with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
- Brown the Sausage: In the same pot, add the German sausage slices. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside with the bacon.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the unsalted butter to the pot. Once melted, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and leek. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring often to avoid burning.
- Add the Potatoes and Broth: Stir in the chicken broth, Yukon Gold potatoes, bay leaves, marjoram, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Mash Some Potatoes: Once the potatoes are tender, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot. This will help thicken the soup slightly while leaving plenty of chunky texture.
- Add Bacon, Sausage, and Cream: Return the cooked bacon and sausage to the pot. Stir in the half & half and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Finish with Fresh Parsley: Remove the bay leaves from the soup. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the hot German potato soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread or a hearty salad on the side. Garnish with extra parsley or crispy bacon bits if desired.
Conclusion:
This German Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, filled with smoky bacon, flavorful sausage, and tender vegetables all simmered together in a rich, creamy broth. The Yukon Gold potatoes add a buttery texture, while the fresh herbs and leeks bring depth to every bite. This one-pot meal is easy to prepare and perfect for cozy nights at home. It’s a warm and hearty dish that celebrates classic German flavors while being ideal for modern home cooking. Enjoy this delicious soup with family or guests for a satisfying meal!