Name: German Potato Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: Half a pound of double-smoked bacon, trimmed and sliced into small chunks.; 8 ounces of German sausage, cut into thin rounds.; 2 spoonfuls of unsalted butter.; 1 medium onion, diced yellow.; 3 big carrots, chopped after peeling.; A couple of celery sticks, diced.; 1 cup of leek, roughly chopped.; 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped.; 4 cups of chicken broth (low-sodium preferred).; 2 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed.; Two bay leaves.; 2 teaspoons of dried marjoram.; Half a teaspoon of salt (kosher).; Half a teaspoon of black pepper.; 1/4 cup of half-and-half cream.; A handful of fresh parsley, chopped up.

A comforting soup bowl filled with sausage, potatoes, carrots, and bacon, topped with parsley. | tastycoock.com

This old-fashioned German potato soup, called oldenburger kartoffelsuppe, tops my list of feel-good dishes that's been handed down in my family for years. What makes it special is the slow cooking of soft potatoes and crisp veggies in a deep, flavorful broth until everything blends into sheer comfort. When I cook this German potato soup, my home gets filled with smells that take me back to warm Sunday meals at my grandmother's place.

What Makes This Dish Special

I whip up this soup a couple times monthly because it's so easy and flexible. I'll keep it veggie-heavy some days, while other times I'll throw in crunchy bacon for extra taste. My kids adore how the potatoes turn soft but don't fall apart. And the best part? It's all done in one pot so there's barely any cleanup.

What You'll Need

Potatoes: Yukons or Russets work wonders getting soft and creamy
Veggies: Celery, carrots and onions build that tasty foundation
Leeks: They bring a gentle flavor that's worth including
Garlic: Go with freshly chopped for top taste
Bacon: You can skip it, but it adds wonderful richness - German speck works great
Broth: Homemade is fantastic but boxed works fine too
Herbs: I can't go without thyme and bay leaf

Let's Cook It

First, get all your veggies ready - I find chopping and peeling super calming while my coffee brews. Using bacon? Cook it till it's crispy first since those drippings will make everything taste amazing. Then toss in your veggies until they're soft and smelling good. Don't rush this part, it's where all the goodness starts.

Ready to Eat

I always serve this steaming hot with fresh herbs scattered on top and maybe some extra black pepper. Grab some crusty bread for mopping up the last bits. Sometimes I'll plop some sour cream on top or drizzle nice olive oil over it for the ultimate comfort in each bite.

A bowl of hearty soup with sausage, potatoes, carrots, and bacon, garnished with herbs. | tastycoock.com

Helpful Tricks

Go for starchy potatoes to get that lovely creamy texture we want. Don't hurry the cooking process as slow simmering brings out all the great flavors. Keep tasting and tweaking the seasonings until your family thinks it's perfect.

Put Your Spin On It

Go ahead and change things up to match what you like. Leave out the bacon for a veggie version that's still yummy. I sometimes add other root veggies like turnips or parsnips. When I want something richer, I'll mix in a bit of cream at the end.

Keeping It Fresh

This soup actually gets tastier overnight. You can keep it in the fridge up to three days and the flavors just get better. When warming it up, add a splash of broth if it's gotten too thick. I always enjoy having extras for quick midweek lunches.

Worth Noting

Every big bowl gives you lots of good stuff - protein from bacon, nutrients from veggies, and satisfying carbs from potatoes. It's filling enough for dinner, especially with some nice bread alongside it.

Common Questions

You can definitely make this ahead as it's great for meal prep. It freezes really well just don't add dairy until reheating. Throw in whatever veggies you fancy and control thickness by blending more or less soup.

A hearty bowl of soup featuring potatoes, carrots, sausage, and bacon, garnished with parsley. | tastycoock.com

Closing Thoughts

This warming soup always brings joy to my dinner table. It's become one of those dishes my family asks for time and again. Simple items, careful cooking, and plenty of care turn this into something way beyond just soup.

Ideal Winter Comfort

Nothing beats walking in from the cold to find this bubbling on the stove. The warm spices, soft veggies, and rich broth just feel right when it's chilly outside. It's basically a hug in bowl form.

Change It Around

I'll sometimes add zip with a bit of paprika or caraway seeds. Other times I stick to the basics. That's what's great about old recipes - they let you add your own flair while keeping their comforting heart.

Great Pairings

A fresh green salad works perfectly to cut through the richness. Fresh sourdough or warm pretzels are fantastic for dipping. When we're starving, I might add some grilled sausages on the side for a true German meal.

A bowl of hearty sausage and vegetable soup featuring potatoes, carrots, and herbs, served with a gold spoon. | tastycoock.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which German sausage works best?: Bratwurst, bockwurst, or knackwurst are great picks. Go with the one that suits your taste for the best results!
→ Is it okay to prepare in advance?: Absolutely! This dish develops even more flavor by the next day. Store in the fridge for up to three days and reheat slowly on the stovetop.
→ Why choose Yukon Gold potatoes?: They've got a natural buttery taste and hold their shape well, staying creamy without breaking apart like other potatoes.
→ What if I don't have marjoram?: No worries! You can swap it with oregano since they taste similar. Use the same amount as the recipe calls for.
→ Can this soup be frozen?: It’s an option, but expect slightly different potato texture. Skip the half & half before freezing and add it when reheating later.

German Potato Soup