The Ultimate Polish Potato and Sausage Soup (Creamy & Hearty!)
Imagine a soup so hearty, so creamy, and so deeply comforting that it tastes like a cozy Sunday dinner, but it’s easy enough for a busy Tuesday night. Picture a rich, velvety broth packed with tender chunks of potato, sweet caramelized onions, and smoky, savory slices of Polish sausage, all held together by a glorious blanket of melted cheddar cheese. This, my friends, is not just a soup; it’s a one-pot masterpiece.
Here’s my thing: I’m a firm believer that the most memorable meals are often the simplest. This recipe is a tribute to that philosophy. It was my answer to a chilly evening when I needed something fast, filling, and made with ingredients I already had. The secret isn’t complicated; it’s a simple, old-fashioned technique of creating a roux right in the pot, which makes the soup unbelievably thick and luscious without any long simmering.
I promise you, this is the easiest and most satisfying potato soup you will ever make. It comes together in under an hour and fills your home with the most incredible, mouth-watering aroma. It’s a guaranteed, crowd-pleasing hit that will have your whole family scraping the bottom of their bowls.
Get ready to master a true comfort food classic that will become an instant legend in your dinner rotation.
Why This Is the Best Potato Soup You’ll Ever Make!
You are going to fall completely in love with this simple, hearty recipe. It’s a forever favorite for so many good reasons! Here’s why:
- Unbelievably Creamy & Rich: The simple butter and flour roux creates a thick, velvety soup base that feels incredibly luxurious, without needing any heavy cream.
- A True One-Pot Wonder: From sautéing the onions to simmering the soup, everything happens in one single pot, which means incredible flavor and minimal cleanup.
- Ready in Under an Hour: This is the ultimate quick and comforting meal, perfect for a busy weeknight when you’re craving something substantial.
- Packed with Hearty, Comforting Flavors: The combination of smoky Polish sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and tender potatoes is the absolute definition of comfort food.
- Makes the BEST Leftovers: This soup is arguably even better the next day as the flavors meld and the soup thickens even more.
Recipe Snapshot
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Servings | 6 servings |
| Calories | 560 kcal per serving |
| Course | Main Course, Soup |
| Cuisine | American / Polish-Inspired |
| Difficulty/Method | Easy / One-Pot |
Your Shopping List for This Cozy Soup
This recipe uses classic, hearty ingredients to create its incredible depth of flavor. Here’s your list:
→ For the Creamy Potato Base
- 2 tablespoons butter → We’re using Land O Lakes® for that classic, rich flavor.
- 2 large onions, chopped → The sweet, aromatic foundation of our soup.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour → Our secret weapon for a perfectly thick soup.
- 4 cups milk → Whole milk will give you the richest, creamiest result.
- 3 medium potatoes, cubed → Yukon Gold or red potatoes are best here, as they hold their shape beautifully!
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper → For a little bit of warmth.
→ For the Hearty Add-Ins
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese → A good, sharp cheddar will give you the best, tangiest flavor.
- 8 ounces cooked Polish sausage (kielbasa) → The smoky, savory star of the show!
- Salt, if desired → To taste at the very end.
Let’s Get Cooking! Your Easy One-Pot Guide
Ready to make the coziest soup ever? This process is so simple, you’ll have it memorized after the first time.
Part 1: The Creamy Potato Base
- Sauté the Onions: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s sizzling. Add the chopped onions and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and fragrant.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and stir it in. Continue cooking and stirring for one full minute. This is our simple roux, and it’s the secret to a thick, luscious soup that’s free of lumps!
- Build the Soup: Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the cubed potatoes and the pepper. Continue cooking and stirring constantly for 3-5 minutes, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
Part 2: The Final Cheesy Finish
- Simmer to Perfection: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the soup simmer for 22-28 minutes, or until the potatoes are perfectly tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- The Cheesy, Savory Finale: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and the sliced Polish sausage. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring gently, for just 3-4 more minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and the sausage is heated through.
- Season and Serve: Give the soup a final taste and add a pinch of salt if you think it needs it. Ladle the hot, hearty soup into big bowls and enjoy!
WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for Perfect Potato Soup
This is a super forgiving recipe, but these simple secrets will make your version absolutely spectacular.
- Use the Right Potatoes! As the tip suggests, waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds or red potatoes are your best friend for this soup. They hold their shape beautifully and have a wonderful, creamy texture. Starchy potatoes like Russets can break down and become mealy.
- Don’t Scorch Your Milk! When you’re bringing the milk and potato mixture to a boil, make sure you are stirring constantly. This prevents the milk solids from sticking to the bottom of the pot and scorching.
- Shred Your Own Cheese. For the absolute creamiest, smoothest melt, shred your own cheese from a block. The pre-shredded stuff in bags has anti-caking agents that can make your soup a little gritty.
- Don’t Boil After Adding the Cheese. Once you stir in the cheese, keep the heat on low. Bringing the soup to a boil after the cheese is added can cause the cheese to break and become oily. Gentle heat is all you need to melt it beautifully.
- Get a Good Sear on Your Sausage. For an extra layer of flavor, you can give your sliced Polish sausage a quick sear in the pan before you even start the soup! Just cook it for a couple of minutes per side, set it aside, and then stir it in at the end as directed.
Creative Twists: Delicious Ways to Customize Your Soup
This classic recipe is a fantastic canvas for your own creativity! Here are some fun ideas:
- Add Some Bacon: Garnish each bowl with a generous sprinkle of crispy, crumbled bacon.
- Sneak in More Veggies: Sauté a cup of chopped celery or leeks along with the onions for an even deeper flavor base.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely diced jalapeño with the onions for a kick of heat.
- Use a Different Cheese: A smoked Gouda, Gruyère, or a sharp white cheddar would be fantastic substitutes for the classic yellow cheddar.
- Add a Splash of Beer: For a delicious “beer cheese soup” vibe, you can replace one cup of the milk with a cup of your favorite lager or ale.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh chives or dill over the top of each bowl adds a wonderful freshness that cuts through the richness.
- Make it “Loaded”: Top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream, more cheese, and chopped green onions, just like a loaded baked potato!
- Add a Little Green: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the very end and let it wilt into the hot soup.
Creamy Polish Potato and Sausage Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Melt butter in a 4-quart saucepan. Add onions and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the flour and continue cooking for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually stir in the milk, whisking until smooth. Stir in the potatoes and pepper. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Cover the pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 22-28 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Stir in the shredded cheese and the sliced sausage. Continue cooking over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is heated through.
- Season with salt to taste and serve warm.
Notes
Keep It Cozy! Storing & Reheating Your Soup
The leftovers are unbelievably good! The soup thickens up beautifully and the flavors get even deeper.
- Refrigerator: Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken significantly as it chills.
- Freezing: While you can freeze this soup, be aware that dairy-based soups can sometimes separate a little upon thawing, and the potatoes can become slightly softer. It will still be delicious! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat is gently in a saucepan over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. You will likely need to add a generous splash of milk or broth to thin the soup back out to your desired consistency.
FAQs: Your Potato Soup Questions, Answered!
Help! My soup seems a little lumpy. What happened?
This is a classic roux issue, and it’s an easy fix to avoid! Lumps usually form if you add the cold milk to the hot flour mixture too quickly. The key is to pour the milk in slowly and gradually, while whisking or stirring constantly, to create a smooth, creamy base before you add the potatoes.
Can I use a different kind of sausage?
Yes, absolutely! A good quality, smoked Polish kielbasa is classic and fantastic here. You could also use a smoked andouille for a spicy kick, or even a good quality chicken sausage.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Easily! The only gluten in this recipe is the all-purpose flour used for the roux. Just substitute it with an equal amount of your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Of course! To make a delicious vegetarian version, simply omit the Polish sausage. You can add a cup of sautéed mushrooms or a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans to make it heartier. For the broth, you can swap the milk for a good quality vegetable broth to make a chowder-style soup.
My Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Hug in a Bowl
This Polish Potato Cheese Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a feeling. It’s the warm, comforting, and deeply satisfying taste of home, made incredibly simple. It’s a humble, hearty dish that proves you don’t need a lot of fuss to create something truly spectacular. I hope this easy, one-pot wonder becomes a beloved staple in your home, just as it is in mine!
