Classic German Potato Soup Recipe – Hearty Sausage Dinner
Classic German potato soup with sausage is a warm and comforting dish made with tender potatoes, savory sausage, carrots, celery, and herbs simmered in a flavorful broth. This traditional recipe is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for cold evenings, family dinners, or anyone craving authentic German comfort food.
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Ladle
- Potato masher (optional for thicker texture)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs starchy potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and cubed
- 1 lb German sausages (bratwurst or knackwurst), sliced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 leeks, cleaned and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or cream (optional for extra richness)
- 2 tbsp butter or oil
- 1 tsp sugar (balances savory flavors)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables: Peel and cube potatoes, dice carrots, slice leeks, chop celery and onio
- Brown sausage: Heat butter or oil in a large pot. Add sliced sausage and cook until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Build the base: Add onion, carrots, celery, and leeks to the pot. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Add potatoes and broth: Stir in potatoes, broth, bay leaf, thyme, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Simmer: Cook for 30–35 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Mash for texture: Use a potato masher to mash part of the potatoes in the pot, thickening the soup while leaving chunks for texture.
- Finish with sausage: Return browned sausage to the pot. Stir in milk or cream if desired for extra richness. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Season and serve: Adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
- Potatoes: Starchy varieties create creaminess; waxy hold shape better.
- Sausage: Bratwurst adds mild smokiness; knackwurst offers stronger flavor.
- Sugar’s role: Balances savory broth and enhances vegetable sweetness.
- Texture tip: Mash part of the potatoes for thickness without heavy cream.
- Make-ahead: Soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
- Variations: Add bacon for extra smokiness or swap cream for a lighter broth-based version.