German Potato Soup Recipe

There’s something truly special about tasting a dish that captures the essence of a place 🇩🇪. I first tried German Potato Soup Recipe, or Kartoffelsuppe, during a chilly autumn visit to Bavaria, where cozy taverns served steaming bowls of this rustic delight. 

The mix of tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and fresh herbs perfectly reflects Germany’s countryside cooking, hearty, comforting, and made with love. Each spoonful feels like a warm hug from rural Germany, where food is about both flavor and tradition.

Ingredients

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to a truly authentic and flavorful soup. Here’s what you will need.

• 8 ounces bacon, diced – This provides a savory, smoky foundation. Frying it first renders the fat, which is then used to cook the vegetables for maximum flavor.
• 1 large onion, chopped – A classic soup starter that adds a layer of sweet, aromatic depth.
• 1 clove garlic, minced – Use fresh garlic for a pungent kick that complements the bacon and onions.
• 2 pounds waxy potatoes, chopped – Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold are essential here. They hold their shape during cooking and have a buttery texture, unlike starchy potatoes which can fall apart.
• 1 large leek, sliced – Leeks offer a milder, sweeter flavor than onions and are a key component of traditional German soups. Be sure to wash them thoroughly to remove any grit.
• 3 carrots, diced – These add a touch of sweetness, vibrant color, and essential nutrients.
• 1 1/2 cups diced celeriac (celery root) – This is a game-changer for authentic German flavor. It has a unique, earthy taste somewhere between celery and parsley.
• 2 tomatoes, diced – Fresh tomatoes add a slight acidity and brightness that cuts through the richness of the soup.
• 6 cups quality chicken broth – A good broth is the soul of the soup. Homemade is always best, but a high-quality store-bought version works well.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds an earthy, slightly minty note that pairs well with the other herbs.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary – This brings a pine-like, aromatic quality to the soup.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram – A staple in German cooking, marjoram provides a sweet, floral flavor.
• 3/4 teaspoon sea salt – Start with this amount and adjust at the end, as bacon and broth can be salty.
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Freshly ground pepper provides a much better flavor than pre-ground.
• 1 bay leaf – Infuses the broth with a subtle, savory depth. Just remember to remove it before serving.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – Stirred in at the end, fresh parsley adds a final burst of freshness and color.

Note: This recipe makes several servings, making it perfect for family dinner or meal prepping.

Variations

This classic soup is wonderful as is, but it’s also easy to adapt to your preferences.

• Vegetarian/Vegan: To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. Sauté the onions in a tablespoon of olive oil instead. For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika.
• Creamy Version: If you prefer a creamy potato soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup after it has finished simmering. For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
• Add Sausage: If you love the heartiness of a Spicy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe, toss in sliced bratwurst or kielbasa during the last 10 minutes of simmering for a flavorful upgrade.
• Different Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other herbs. A little fresh dill added at the end can provide a lovely, fresh flavor that complements the potatoes.

Cooking Time

This comforting soup comes together in under an hour, making it a great choice for a satisfying meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Equipment You Need

You won’t need any special gadgets for this recipe, just some basic kitchen tools.

• Large pot or Dutch oven: A heavy-bottomed pot is ideal for frying the bacon and simmering the soup evenly.
• Cutting board and sharp knife: Necessary for chopping all the fresh vegetables and bacon.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring the ingredients and scraping up flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot.
• Ladle: For serving the finished soup into bowls.

How to Make German Potato Soup Recipe?

This recipe is a straightforward, one-pot meal that builds flavor with each step. From frying the bacon to simmering the vegetables, the process is simple and rewarding. 

Fry the Bacon and Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, fry the diced bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once cooked, add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon and its rendered fat. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the onion is soft and golden. This step builds a wonderfully savory base. Finally, add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until you can smell its aroma.

Combine and Simmer

Next, add the chopped potatoes, leek, carrots, celeriac, and tomatoes to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme, rosemary, marjoram, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf. Stir everything together to combine. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes and vegetables are tender.

Finish and Serve

Once the vegetables are cooked through, add the fresh chopped parsley and simmer for one final minute. This brightens up the soup with a burst of fresh flavor. Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Be sure to remove the bay leaf. Now your delicious German potato soup is ready to be enjoyed.

🇩🇪 Discovering German Potato Soup in Bavaria

During my travels through southern Germany, particularly in Bavaria, I discovered the heartwarming charm of German Potato Soup (Kartoffelsuppe). 

This dish is more than a simple soup it’s a reflection of Germany’s countryside traditions, where hearty, farm-fresh ingredients are used to create meals that comfort the soul. 

It reminded me of the same comfort I get from dishes like Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole meals built around warmth, family, and simplicity.

In regions like Munich and the Bavarian Alps, this soup is often enjoyed during chilly seasons, symbolizing warmth, family gatherings, and the essence of German rural hospitality.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Having made this soup countless times, I’ve found a few small things that make a big difference.

• I always take the time to cut the potatoes and vegetables into small, uniform pieces (about 1/4 inch). This ensures they all cook evenly and that you get a perfect mix of ingredients in every single spoonful.
• Don’t skip the celeriac! I know it might be an unfamiliar vegetable, but it is absolutely essential for that authentic German soup flavor. Its earthy taste is what sets this recipe apart from other vegetable soups.
• I find the flavor is significantly better the next day. If I have the time, I make it a day ahead. The ingredients get a chance to meld, and the broth becomes even more savory and delicious.
• When sautéing the onions, I let them get really soft and golden. This caramelization process adds a deep, sweet flavor that you just can’t get by cooking them for only a minute or two.

How to Serve German Potato Soup?

German potato soup holds a cherished spot in German culinary culture, especially in regions like Bavaria and the Rhineland, where hearty soups are a staple of family meals. 

It’s often served during cold months, local festivals, or Christmas markets paired with crusty bread or sausages. 

In Germany, this soup isn’t just food; it’s a symbol of Gemütlichkeit, that untranslatable word for warmth, coziness, and togetherness. 

Whether in a rustic inn or a home kitchen, it’s pure German comfort in a bowl. It pairs beautifully with other hearty dishes think of serving it alongside Cajun Corn Chowder Recipe at a fall gathering for a mix of European and Southern comfort flavors.

Nutritional Information

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown for a single serving of this soup.

• Calories: 327 kcal
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fat: 15g

Make Ahead and Storage

This soup is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as its flavors deepen over time.

Storing: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing: This soup also freezes beautifully. Once cooled, pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. Avoid boiling, which can cause the potatoes to become too soft.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are a few reasons why this German potato soup will quickly become a favorite in your home.

• Packed with Flavor: The combination of smoky bacon, earthy celeriac, sweet leeks, and savory herbs creates a broth that is incredibly rich and satisfying. It’s a complex flavor that is deeply comforting.
• Hearty and Wholesome: Loaded with potatoes and a variety of healthy vegetables, this soup is a complete and filling meal that will nourish both body and soul.
• Even Better the Next Day: This is the perfect make-ahead meal. The flavors continue to develop overnight, making the leftovers taste even more delicious than the first day.
• One-Pot Wonder: The entire recipe comes together in a single pot, which means easier preparation and, more importantly, less cleanup after dinner.