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This hearty slow cooker kielbasa potato soup brings together tender potatoes, smoky kielbasa and fresh veggies in a creamy, cheesy broth. The slow cooker does the work, letting all those flavors blend together beautifully while you go about your day. A bit of cream and shredded cheddar stirred in at the end gives this soup a silky finish and plenty of cheesy goodness. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.
This slow cooker kielbasa potato soup blends smoky sausage, creamy potatoes and fresh vegetables into a hearty cheesy soup that’s easy to make and so comforting.
You might also like kielbasa, cabbage and potatoes, escarole and bean soup, cowboy stew and ham and bean soup.
Why You’ll Love It
Simple prep: Toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
Comforting flavor: Smoky sausage, creamy broth and cheddar make a perfect mix.
Family favorite: Kids and adults both love the hearty cheesy flavor.
Easy to customize: Add more veggies, spice or toppings to suit your taste.
Slow Cooker Potato Kielbasa Soup Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Kielbasa: Kielbasa is a Polish sausage, with the name in Poland simply meaning “sausage.” In the US, it usually refers to a smoky, U-shaped pork sausage seasoned with garlic and spices. It’s a staple in Polish cooking, often added to soups, stews or served with sauerkraut. Sliced kielbasa gives a smoky savory flavor base to the soup. You can use regular or turkey kielbasa.
Russet potatoes: These turn soft and creamy in the slow cooker. You can use red or gold potatoes.
Carrots and celery: They add texture and a touch of sweetness.
Yellow onion: For a subtle savory depth.
Chicken broth: The base for a flavorful hearty soup. Chicken soup is always a joy!
Thyme and garlic powder: Warm spices for aroma and taste.
Heavy whipping cream: Adds creaminess at the end.
Flour: Thickens the soup to a velvety texture.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts in for cheesy flavor and richness.
Fresh parsley: Optional garnish for color and freshness.
How to Make Kielbasa Potato Soup
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Add ingredients: Put the kielbasa sausage, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, chicken broth, thyme, garlic powder, salt and pepper in the slow cooker.
Cook: Cover and let it cook on low or high until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have blended.
Thicken: Whisk the heavy cream with the flour, then stir into the slow cooker and continue cooking until the soup thickens.
Finish: Stir in the cheese and then serve warm, garnished with parsley if liked.
Substitutions and Variations
Gluten-free option: Use a cornstarch slurry with 2 tablespoons cornstarch and ¼ cup cold water instead of flour.
Dairy-free version: Use dairy-free cream and cheese substitutes for a similar texture and flavor.
Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Garlic powder: Use minced garlic cloves instead.
Extra creamy: If you want cheddar cheese soup like creaminess, stir in sour cream along with the cheddar cheese, or increase the amount of cheese.
More veggies: Toss mushrooms, white beans or spinach into your creamy soup.
Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth and replace the kielbasa with mushrooms or beans.
Make it loaded: Top with crumbled bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, and diced green onions for a loaded-style soup.
Serving Suggestions
With bread: Pair your slow cooker kielbasa potato soup with French bread rolls, cheddar chive dinner rolls or warm crusty bread, such as homemade sourdough or soda bread.
With a salad: Enjoy it with an autumn chicken salad.
How to Store Sausage and Potato Soup
Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: This isn’t suitable for freezing because of the dairy component.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave in short intervals until hot.
Top Tips
Brown the kielbasa: This adds a richer deeper flavor before slow cooking.
Shred your own cheese: It melts smoother than pre-shredded.
Cut potatoes evenly: This ensures they cook at the same rate.
Adjust thickness: Use more or less flour or cream to suit your preference.
Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Potato Soup FAQs
Yes, smoked sausage or andouille sausage work well too.
Yes, simmer until the vegetables are tender then add cream and cheese as directed.
Crockpot Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe
Slow Cooker Kielbasa Potato Soup
Equipment
- Slow Cooker 6-Quart or Larger
Ingredients
- 12 Ounces kielbasa, sliced
- 4 russet potatoes, small, peeled and diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 Stalks celery, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 Cups chicken broth
- 2 Teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 Teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 Teaspoon salt
- 1 Teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ Cup all-purpose flour
- 8 Ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
Optional Garnish
- fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Add kielbasa, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, chicken broth, thyme, garlic powder, salt and pepper to a 6 or 7-quart slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
- When cooking is done, whisk together heavy cream and flour until combined. Pour into the slow cooker and stir. Cook for 30 minutes on high.
- Stir in cheese just before serving.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Shred your own cheese: It melts smoother than pre-shredded.
Cut potatoes evenly: This ensures they cook at the same rate.
Adjust thickness: Use more or less flour or cream to suit your preference.
Nutrition
Warm creamy and full of flavor, this slow cooker kielbasa potato soup is perfect for chilly nights or busy weekdays. The smoky sausage pairs perfectly with tender potatoes, fresh vegetables and melted cheddar in every spoonful. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s easy to make and easy to love, offering the kind of comfort food you’ll want to make again soon.
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Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
