Traditional German Potato Soup

This traditional German potato soup combines potatoes, vegetables, and bacon with fresh herbs for a hearty, comforting meal that improves with time.

Featured in Comforting Bowls.

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Updated on Wed, 01 Jan 2025 17:37:30 GMT
A bowl of hearty soup featuring potatoes, carrots, bacon, and herbs, served on a wooden surface with a patterned red cloth. Pin it
A bowl of hearty soup featuring potatoes, carrots, bacon, and herbs, served on a wooden surface with a patterned red cloth. | quickierecipe.com

Let me share my cherished German Potato Soup recipe that brings back wonderful memories of my grandmother's kitchen! This Kartoffelsuppe is pure comfort in a bowl filled with the most amazing blend of vegetables bacon and traditional German flavors. Every time I make it the aroma takes me right back to those cozy family gatherings in Stuttgart.

Key Ingredients Overview

The magic of this soup lies in those classic Suppengrün vegetables! That combination of celeriac leek and bacon creates such incredible depth of flavor. When you pair them with perfectly tender Yukon Golds and rich chicken broth something truly special happens. I love watching these ingredients transform into pure comfort food.

Regional Variations

This version celebrates the brothy style I grew up with in Stuttgart full of colorful vegetables and so much flavor! While some regions make it creamy I love how the clear broth lets every ingredient shine through. Those vibrant vegetables make such a beautiful presentation in the bowl.

Let's Get Cooking

Start with the Bacon
Get that bacon nice and crispy then let those onions caramelize in all that amazing flavor. When you add the garlic your kitchen will smell incredible!
Layer Those Vegetables
Adding the vegetables to those bacon drippings is where the magic starts happening.
Time to Simmer
This is my favorite part watching all those flavors come together as it gently bubbles away.
The Final Touch
That fresh parsley at the end adds such lovely color and freshness!

Tips for Perfect Flavor

Quality ingredients make all the difference here! Use the freshest vegetables you can find and good chicken broth it really shows in the final taste. And if you can wait let it sit overnight the flavors get even better!

Perfect Pairings

Nothing beats dunking a piece of crusty rye bread into this soup! And if you want the full German experience pair it with a glass of crisp Riesling it's absolutely wonderful together.

Keep It Fresh

The flavors just get better over the next few days! Keep it in the fridge and warm it gently when you're ready for another bowl. Just remember not to freeze it those vegetables are best fresh.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! It's packed with goodness from all those vegetables but still feels completely indulgent. Whether you're feeding a family or just wanting some comfort food this recipe never disappoints.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I add sliced bratwurst for an extra hearty meal or make it vegetarian with veggie stock. A dollop of sour cream on top is delicious too! The beauty of this recipe is how easily it adapts to your tastes.

Good for You Too

This soup is such a wonderful way to enjoy your vegetables! Every spoonful is packed with nutrition but tastes so comforting you'll forget it's good for you. It's the perfect balance of healthy and satisfying.

A bowl of vegetable soup featuring diced potatoes, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and garnished with parsley. Pin it
A bowl of vegetable soup featuring diced potatoes, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and garnished with parsley. | quickierecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead?
Yes, this soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to develop and meld together.
→ What type of potatoes work best?
Waxy potatoes are best for this soup as they hold their shape better during cooking and provide the right texture.
→ What is celeriac?
Celeriac, also called celery root, is a root vegetable with a celery-like flavor. If unavailable, celery stalks can be substituted.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Cool completely before freezing and reheat gently when ready to serve.
→ Can I make this vegetarian?
You can omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add a bit of smoked paprika for depth of flavor.

Conclusion

This traditional German potato soup is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together simple ingredients like potatoes, vegetables, and bacon. Each spoonful offers a taste of classic German home cooking, with fresh herbs adding depth and warmth to the recipe.

German Potato Soup (Kartoffelsuppe)

A traditional German potato soup filled with vegetables, bacon, and fresh herbs. Perfect comfort food that tastes even better the next day.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Meryem

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: German

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 8 ounces bacon, diced.
02 1 large onion, chopped.
03 1 clove garlic, minced.
04 2 pounds waxy potatoes, chopped into 1/4 inch pieces.
05 1 large leek, sliced and thoroughly washed.
06 3 carrots, diced.
07 1 1/2 cups diced celeriac.
08 2 tomatoes, diced.
09 6 cups quality chicken broth.
10 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme.
11 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary.
12 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram.
13 3/4 teaspoon sea salt.
14 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
15 1 bay leaf.
16 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.

Instructions

Step 01

Fry bacon until crispy, then add onion and cook until golden, 6-8 minutes.

Step 02

Add garlic and cook for one more minute.

Step 03

Add all remaining ingredients except parsley. Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 30-40 minutes.

Step 04

Add parsley and simmer one minute more. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

  1. Tastes better the next day.
  2. Great make-ahead soup.
  3. Use waxy potatoes for best texture.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot or Dutch oven.
  • Sharp knife.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • May contain celery (celeriac).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 327
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 37 g
  • Protein: 10 g