Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Soup


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I’m thrilled to share a recipe that has become a staple in my kitchen: Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Soup. If you’re a fan of hearty soups that warm your soul, this one’s a winner. Tender potatoes, smoky kielbasa, and a rich, creamy broth are all slow-cooked to perfection.

My Slow Cooker Cornbread or Slow Cooker Focaccia Bread are great additions to this delicious recipe.

overhead of slow cooker cheesy kielbasa soup.
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Why You Should Try This Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe

Life can get pretty hectic, and finding time to cook a wholesome meal for your family might seem a little overwhelming. That’s where this Potato Kielbasa Soup swoops in to save the day! It’s a game-changer thanks to the set-it-and-forget-it philosophy, making it ideal for those busy days. This type of soup reminds me of soup served in a brewery, just like my slow cooker beer cheese soup does as well.

If you have picky eaters, you’ll enjoy the versatility of using smoked sausage, Polish kielbasa, or even turkey kielbasa, with an equally fantastic outcome. Plus, feel free to switch up the veggies – kale, corn, or carrots, the choice is yours. This isn’t your normal potato soup, but it’s the perfect weeknight meal your whole family is sure to enjoy. If you have extra kielbasa, try my slow cooker pierogies recipe.

Recipe Ingredients

overhead shot of ingredients for slow cooker cheesy kielbasa soup on a table.
  • Kielbasa: One pack sliced kielbasa (sometimes called polska kieblasa) is the perfect amount for this soup. We also use kielbasa is my slow cooker kielbasa and sauerkraut and candied kielbasa.
  • Russet Potatoes: You’ll only need 2, diced. You can also use red potatoes or gold potatoes.
  • Chicken Broth: This is the base of the soup, chicken broth is a mild broth great for starting almost any soup. You can also use vegetable broth.
  • Beer: Adds an extra hint of flavor.
  • Vegetables: Carrots and onions, both sliced and diced.
  • Seasonings: Salt, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and garlic powder.
  • Wait to Add: Heavy cream, all-purpose flour, and freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese. This will not only thicken the soup, but the cheese adds a great sharp flavor.

Variations

  • Potatoes: Any potato, such as red potatoes, gold potatoes, or sliced fingerling potatoes, will work great in this recipe.
  • Cheeses: Change the flavor of the recipe by using pepper jack cheese or even Swiss cheese!
  • Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno for an entirely different flavor profile!
  • Meats: You can use cooked ground beef or cooked ground sausage instead of kielbasa. Or feel free to use a different kind of kielbasa such as chicken or spicy.

Step-by-Step Directions

six images showing how to make slow cooker cheesy kielbasa soup.

Step One – Add the sliced kielbasa, fresh potatoes, finely diced onions, and all other ingredients (expect the chicken broth, heavy cream, flour, and cheese) to the slow cooker.

Step Two – Pour in the chicken broth. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours.

Step Three – When the cooking time is done, whisk the heavy cream and flour together.

Step Four – Add the slurry mixture to the soup and stir. Cook for 30 more minutes on high.

Step Five – Stir in the cheese.

Step Six – Allow the cheese to melt. Garnish, serve warm, and enjoy.

overhead of cheesy kielbasa soup in a slow cooker.

How to Serve

  • Serve this Potato Kielbasa Soup with a side salad for a balanced meal.
  • Grab your favorite baguette, artisan loaf, or even some homemade garlic bread. A good crusty bread pairs perfectly with creamy soups like this.
  • Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a dash of red pepper flakes, and a handful of chopped green onions for layers of flavor.
  • Make it a family affair by setting up a soup bar with various toppings. Let everyone customize their bowls with extra cheese, herbs, or even a dollop of sour cream. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy this delicious creation. We do a soup bar as well with our slow cooker baked potato soup recipe.
two bowls of slow cooker cheesy kielbasa soup.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this hearty soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup actually gets better with time. Prepare it a day in advance, refrigerate, and reheat when ready to serve.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just be sure to stir well to redistribute the flavors.

Is this soup freezer friendly?

You bet! Freeze individual portions in sealed containers or resealable bags for a quick and convenient meal option. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as usual.

overhead shot of slow cooker cheesy kielbasa soup in a bowl with a spoon.

More Slow Cooker Soup Recipes

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overhead of cheesy kielbasa soup in a slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Soup

5 from 2 votes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Gather your ingredients, set the slow cooker, and get ready for a bowl of pure comfort with this Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Soup recipe.

Ingredients 
 

  • 12 oz. sliced kielbasa
  • 2 small russet potatoes, diced
  • 2 cups chicken broth, (or one 15-oz. can)
  • 1 cup beer
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 small onion , diced
  • ½ tsp. dried thyme
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
  • ½ tsp. garlic powder

Wait to Add:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 Tbsp. all purpose flour
  • 8 oz. block sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions 

  • Add everything to the slow cooker except the heavy cream, flour and cheese.
  • Cook on low for 6 hours.
  • When the cooking time is done, whisk the heavy cream and flour together. Add to the soup and stir.
  • Cook for 30 more minutes on high, then stir in the cheese and serve.

How to Video

Sarah’s Notes

  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just be sure to stir well to redistribute the flavors.
Variations
  • Potatoes: Any potato, such as red potatoes, gold potatoes, or sliced fingerling potatoes, will work great in this recipe.
  • Cheeses: Change the flavor of the recipe by using pepper jack cheese or even Swiss cheese!
  • Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno for an entirely different flavor profile!
  • Meats: You can use cooked ground beef or cooked ground sausage instead of kielbasa. Or feel free to use a different kind of kielbasa such as chicken or spicy.

Nutrition

Calories: 386kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 762mg | Potassium: 429mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 4399IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 319mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

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9 Comments

  1. Cheryl says:

    Should you brown the kielbasa before adding it to the crock pot?

    1. Sarah Olson says:

      You do not have to, but certainly can.

  2. Brenda says:

    Do u need to add the beer? Just wondering

    1. Sarah Olson says:

      No, you can add additional broth if desired.

  3. Brandon Gabbard says:

    5 stars
    Made this for my family over the weekend and served with french baguette. Baguette, known for it’s hard outer crust, made a lot of bread crumbs. Rather than discard the bread crumbs, I raked these onto the top of each prepared bowl of soup. Turned out amazing and eating it with the bread was very similar to fondue but better. Forever has replaced our old potato soup recipe. Others mentioned potatoes not being done, this is most likely the result of various sizes of “diced” potatoes. I would recommend 1/4″ to 1/2″ cubes for 5-6 hour cook time.

  4. Maggi says:

    5 stars
    this was delicious. We cooked everything on slow for 5 hours and the potatoes were tender.

  5. sandie says:

    i dont have any luck with potatos i cook for 6 hrs there still not done

    1. Sarah Olson says:

      Some slow cookers cook differently. Try 8 hours on low and keep the lid on the entire time. You’ll probably have to adjust most recipes the same.

  6. Sammye says:

    Can’t wait to try this! Creamy soups are my favorite.