German Potato Soup Recipe

Cozy German Potato Soup Recipe: Hearty Comfort in a Bowl

Hearty german potato soup brings comfort to chilly afternoons with its rich, creamy goodness.

Potatoes mingle perfectly with savory bacon and herbs in this traditional alpine-inspired dish.

Warm kitchens buzz with excitement as aromatic ingredients blend together.

Fragrant onions and smooth cream create a delightful base that hugs your soul.

Generations of cooks have perfected this simple yet satisfying meal passed down through decades.

Cold weather suddenly feels welcoming when this delectable soup simmers on the stove.

Ingredients Needed for German Potato Soup

Base Vegetables:
  • Onion: A foundational aromatic that provides a deep, sweet flavor to the soup.
  • Garlic: Adds a robust and pungent taste that enhances the overall soup profile.
  • Celery or Celery Root: Brings a subtle, fresh vegetable note and adds texture to the soup.
  • Carrots: Contributes a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
Core Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: The main star of the soup, providing creamy texture and hearty substance.
Seasonings and Herbs:
  • Marjoram, Nutmeg, Salt, Pepper: Classic spices that add warmth and depth to the soup's flavor.
  • Bay Leaves: Provides a subtle, aromatic background note.
Liquid Components:
  • Broth or Water: Creates the base liquid for the soup and helps cook the vegetables.
  • Dairy-Free Cream: Adds a creamy, smooth texture without using traditional dairy.
Optional Protein:
  • Vegan Sausage: Offers an additional protein source and meaty texture to the soup.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Brings a bright, fresh finish and adds a pop of green color to the dish.

How to Make Authentic German Potato Soup

How to Make Authentic German Potato Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat, creating a sizzling base for your delicious soup.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

  • Onions
  • Garlic

Gently cook these flavor-packed ingredients until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet, mellow essence.

Step 3: Add Hearty Vegetable Companions

  • Celery
  • Carrots

Toss in these crisp vegetables and let them dance in the pot, softening slightly and building depth of flavor.

Step 4: Build the Soup Foundation

  • Potatoes
  • Marjoram
  • Nutmeg
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Broth
  • Bay leaves (optional)

Combine all these ingredients, creating a rich and aromatic base that will transform into a comforting soup.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it gently simmer.

Allow the potatoes to become tender and the flavors to meld together, typically taking 20-25 minutes.

Step 6: Finish with Creamy Goodness

  • Dairy-free cream
  • Vegan sausage (optional)

Stir in the cream to create a silky texture, and add vegan sausage if desired.

Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove bay leaves, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and ladle into bowls.

Enjoy the warm, comforting embrace of this German-inspired potato soup.

Pro Tips for German Potato Soup

  • Add a splash of white wine while sautéing vegetables to enhance the soup's complexity and richness.
  • Mash some potatoes against the pot's side to create a creamier, thicker consistency without using extra cream.
  • Swap celery root with regular celery or substitute carrots with parsnips for a different nutritional profile and taste variation.
  • Incorporate plant-based sausage or smoked tofu for added protein and a hearty, satisfying meal that keeps vegetarians and vegans happy.
  • Toast marjoram and nutmeg briefly in the pot before adding liquid to intensify their aromatic qualities and release deeper flavor notes.

Variations to Try with German Potato Soup

  • Hearty Meat Lover's Soup: Replace vegan sausage with diced bacon or ham for a protein-packed version. Crisp bacon pieces add rich, smoky flavor to the traditional potato soup.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates. Use chicken broth for extra depth and add chopped leeks for complexity.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Style: Incorporate smoked paprika, roasted red peppers, and add chorizo for a Spanish-inspired variation. Sprinkle with fresh oregano instead of parsley for an authentic touch.
  • Creamy Vegetable Blend: Mix in additional root vegetables like parsnips or turnips. Use coconut cream for dairy-free richness and add turmeric for a golden color and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Serving Ideas for German Potato Soup

  • Cozy Comfort Combo: Pair this hearty German potato soup with crusty whole grain bread for dipping and soaking up every delicious drop of broth.
  • Protein Boost Plate: Add a side of vegan sausage or plant-based protein like tempeh to transform the soup into a more substantial meal with extra nutrition.
  • Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle additional chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving to enhance the flavor and add a vibrant green garnish that makes the dish look beautiful and taste even more delicious.
  • Seasonal Side Salad: Complement the soup with a light green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy texture and provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, rich soup.

How to Store German Potato Soup

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing soup with dairy-free cream for best texture.
  • Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth if the soup seems too thick.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients in this German potato soup?

The key ingredients are potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, marjoram, nutmeg, broth, and dairy-free cream, creating a hearty and flavorful traditional German soup.

  • Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the recipe is vegetarian and can be made vegan by using dairy-free cream and optional vegan sausage, making it a versatile and plant-based dish.

  • Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have exactly what the recipe calls for?

You can replace celery with celery root, use water instead of broth, and substitute dairy cream with dairy-free alternatives based on availability and dietary preferences.

Why German Potato Soup Is a Classic Favorite

  • Customize with Ease: Incredibly versatile recipe allowing simple swaps like vegan cream or sausage, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Requires minimal chopping and just one pot, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort and cleanup.
  • Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Packed with vegetables and protein, this soup provides a balanced meal that nourishes and satisfies without complicated preparation.
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German Potato Soup Recipe

German Potato Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty German potato soup delivers comfort straight from Bavaria’s culinary heart. Creamy, robust flavors meld perfectly with smoky bacon and tender potatoes, promising a delicious meal that warms souls and satisfies hunger.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, chopped
  • 4 cups (1000 ml) vegetable broth or water
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery (or 12 small celery root), diced

Aromatics and Spices:

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 whole bay leaves (optional)

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1/3 cup (80 g) dairy-free cream
  • Fresh parsley to garnish
  • Vegan sausage, sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a substantial cooking vessel over moderate temperature, gently sautéing chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
  2. Incorporate diced celery and carrots into the pot, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence for approximately 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add cubed potatoes, sprinkle in marjoram, nutmeg, salt, and freshly ground pepper, then pour in vegetable broth or water. Drop in bay leaves if desired for additional depth of flavor.
  4. Elevate heat to create a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and let the mixture cook for 20-25 minutes, ensuring potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork.
  5. Gently fold in dairy-free cream, stirring carefully to integrate the liquid and create a smooth, creamy consistency. Taste and recalibrate seasonings as needed. If using vegan sausage, introduce it now and allow to warm through completely.
  6. Extract bay leaves from the soup, delicately garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve piping hot in warm bowls, capturing the soup’s robust and comforting character.

Notes

  • Swap celery root with regular celery for easier accessibility and similar flavor profile.
  • Use plant-based cream alternatives like coconut or oat milk for a dairy-free version that maintains creamy texture.
  • Boost protein content by adding cubed tofu or vegan sausage during final simmering stage for more substantial meal.
  • Consider roasting vegetables briefly before adding to pot to enhance depth of flavor and develop richer caramelized notes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: German

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 137 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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