When the weather gets chilly and you crave something comforting, this Kielbasa Soup is the perfect solution. It’s packed with smoky kielbasa, crispy bacon, and hearty vegetables, creating a deliciously warm and filling meal. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cozy bowl by the fire or serving it to your family, this soup will hit the spot every time.
Why Make This Recipe?
This Kielbasa Soup is easy to make and combines the perfect balance of flavors. The smoky kielbasa and bacon pair wonderfully with the rich chicken broth and hearty vegetables. Plus, the addition of cream makes the soup velvety smooth and comforting, especially on cold days. It’s a simple, one-pot meal that’s packed with warmth and flavor. A great way to feed a crowd or enjoy leftovers throughout the week!
How to Make Kielbasa Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 14 oz kielbasa, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for a creamier soup)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook the Bacon:
Start by heating a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced bacon into the pot and cook it until it becomes crispy. Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. Once the bacon is crispy and golden brown, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pot and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. Be sure to keep the bacon drippings in the pot as they’ll add great flavor to the soup. - Brown the Kielbasa:
Now, add the sliced kielbasa to the pot with the bacon drippings. You should hear a nice sizzle as it hits the hot pot. Stir the kielbasa around occasionally and cook it for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to brown evenly on both sides. This step helps to bring out the rich, smoky flavor of the kielbasa. Once it’s golden and crispy, remove it from the pot and set it aside with the bacon. - Sauté the Veggies:
In the same pot, drizzle in the olive oil. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften up and the onions become translucent. This helps to release the flavors from the veggies and create a flavorful base for your soup. After that, add the minced garlic and smoked paprika to the pot, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the paprika releases its smoky aroma. Stir constantly to avoid burning the garlic. - Add Potatoes and Broth:
Now, it’s time to add the potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything together to combine. Raise the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low or medium-low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook through and become tender enough to pierce easily with a fork. You’ll also notice the broth developing a nice flavor as the vegetables cook. - Make It Creamy (Optional):
If you prefer a creamier texture, now’s the time to stir in the heavy cream. This will create a rich, velvety base for your soup. Give everything a good stir to combine, and let the soup simmer for a few more minutes. The cream will thicken the broth slightly, making it even more comforting. - Add Kielbasa and Bacon:
Once the potatoes are tender and the soup is at your desired consistency, add the cooked kielbasa and half of the crispy bacon back into the pot. Stir to incorporate the meat and bacon into the soup. Let it cook together for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. - Serve and Garnish:
When everything is ready, ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to distribute the kielbasa, vegetables, and broth evenly. Top each bowl with the remaining crispy bacon and a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve the soup hot, and pair it with a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping into the savory broth.
How to Serve Kielbasa Soup
Serve this soup hot in a bowl, garnished with extra crispy bacon and fresh parsley. It’s perfect on its own or paired with some warm, crusty bread to soak up all the flavorful broth. If you’d like, you can serve it with a side salad for an added crunch and freshness.
How to Store Kielbasa Soup
If you have a lot of leftover soup or want to prepare it in advance for future meals, Kielbasa Soup can be stored in the freezer. To freeze:
- Cool the Soup: Allow the soup to cool completely at room temperature. This helps prevent condensation, which could make the soup watery when reheated.
- Portion the Soup: Once cooled, transfer the soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Divide it into smaller portions if you want to thaw only a portion at a time. Leave about 1-2 inches of space at the top of the container to allow for expansion when the soup freezes.
- Label and Date: Be sure to label the containers with the date, so you know how long the soup has been stored. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheat from Frozen: To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Heat the soup over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If it seems too thick after freezing, add a bit of chicken broth or water to adjust the consistency.
By storing and freezing your Kielbasa Soup, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of this dish for weeks to come without needing to cook it every time!
Tips to Make Kielbasa Soup
- Use the Best Kielbasa: The quality of kielbasa is crucial to the flavor of the soup. Look for a good quality smoked kielbasa, as it will add the most depth of flavor. If you prefer, you can also try other types of sausage like turkey kielbasa or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
- Bacon Tips: Make sure to crisp the bacon well before removing it from the pot. This adds crunch to the soup and enhances the flavor. If you prefer, you can also use pancetta for a similar flavor with a slightly different texture.
- Adjust the Thickness: If you like a thinner soup, simply add more broth or water. For a thicker, more chowder-like consistency, you can blend part of the soup (especially the potatoes) or add more heavy cream.
- Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the veggies. It will add a nice kick to balance the richness of the kielbasa and bacon.
- Play with Vegetables: While potatoes, carrots, and celery are classic ingredients, feel free to experiment with others. Leeks, parsnips, or even sweet potatoes would work well in this soup for a different flavor profile.
- Herb Variations: You can change up the flavor by adding fresh thyme, rosemary, or even bay leaves while the soup simmers. Just remember to remove the bay leaves before serving.
- Soup Consistency: If you like a creamy soup, definitely stir in the heavy cream. If you prefer a broth-based soup, you can leave it out or use a lower-fat milk option.
- Garnishes: While crispy bacon and fresh parsley are delicious, you could also garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, or even a sprinkle of paprika for an extra pop of flavor and color.
- Meal Prep Tip: This soup is perfect for meal prep. It holds up well in the fridge for a few days and makes for easy lunches throughout the week.
- Make It a One-Pot Wonder: To keep cleanup easy, stick with one pot for cooking the whole soup. This saves time and effort while ensuring all the ingredients are well-integrated.
Variations
- Add Corn: For a sweet and savory twist, try adding corn kernels to the soup. It complements the kielbasa and vegetables, adding a burst of sweetness.
- Sweet Potato Kielbasa Soup: For a slightly sweeter version, swap out regular potatoes for sweet potatoes. This adds a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the smoky kielbasa.
- Add Beans for Protein: White beans or cannellini beans would be an excellent addition to this soup, providing extra protein and fiber for a heartier meal.
- Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Soup: For a tangy twist, add some sauerkraut into the soup. This gives the soup a wonderful balance between savory and tart flavors.
- Dairy-Free Version: To make this soup dairy-free, skip the heavy cream and use coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy texture without the dairy.
- Kielbasa and Spinach Soup: Adding a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking gives the soup an extra dose of vitamins and a pop of color.
- Roasted Garlic Kielbasa Soup: If you love garlic, roast a head of garlic in the oven and add it to the soup. The roasted garlic brings a rich, mellow flavor that perfectly complements the kielbasa.
- Spicy Kielbasa Soup: Add some diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick that adds heat and depth of flavor.
- Creamy Potato Kielbasa Soup: For a more indulgent, creamy version, you can add extra heavy cream or even a bit of cream cheese to the soup. This makes the broth rich and velvety.
- Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup: For a twist, add shredded cabbage to the soup. It will cook down and add a hearty, slightly sweet flavor that complements the smoky sausage.
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FAQs
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day! You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze Kielbasa Soup? Yes, you can freeze it! Just leave out the cream and add it when reheating to prevent the soup from separating.
- What other meats can I use instead of kielbasa? You can use smoked sausage, chorizo, or even ham in place of kielbasa.
- Can I make this soup without bacon? Yes, if you don’t want to use bacon, you can sauté the kielbasa in olive oil instead of bacon drippings.
- Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen carrots, celery, and potatoes. Just add them directly to the pot.
- Can I add beans to the soup? Absolutely! White beans or kidney beans would be a great addition for extra texture and protein.
- How can I make this soup spicier? Add some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the soup for some heat.
- Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth? Yes, vegetable broth works just as well if you want to make this recipe vegetarian.
- Can I leave out the cream? Yes, leaving out the cream will make the soup lighter, but it will still be delicious.
- How can I make the soup thicker? Mash a few potatoes in the soup or add a little flour mixed with water to thicken it.
- Is this soup good for meal prep? Yes, this soup holds up well in the fridge and makes great leftovers for the next few days.
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes would add a nice sweetness to the soup.
- Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes, you can sauté the bacon, kielbasa, and veggies first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the broth and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- What can I serve with Kielbasa Soup? Serve with crusty bread, cornbread, or a fresh green salad.
- How long will the soup last in the fridge? It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream? Yes, half-and-half can be used for a lighter version of the soup.
- Can I skip the garlic? If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can leave it out or substitute with garlic powder.
- What type of kielbasa should I use? You can use any type of kielbasa, but a smoked variety works best for the rich, hearty flavor.
- Can I add cheese to the soup? Yes, shredded cheddar or parmesan would be a great addition for extra creaminess.
- Can I make this soup in advance for a party? Yes, this soup is great for serving at gatherings. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve!