Easy Authentic German Potato Soup for Cozy Nights is the kind of recipe that brings warmth and comfort from the very first spoonful. This classic Kartoffelsuppe is thick, creamy, and deeply satisfying, made with humble ingredients like potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions simmered gently in broth and finished with cream and butter. It is a traditional German favorite that feels both rustic and cozy, perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or anytime you crave a nourishing homemade soup.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Authentic German Potato Soup
This soup has stood the test of time for good reason. It is simple, affordable, and incredibly comforting. Here are a few reasons it deserves a place in your regular meal rotation.
First, it is easy to make with everyday ingredients. You do not need anything fancy or hard to find. Potatoes, vegetables, broth, and a splash of cream come together into something truly special.
Second, the texture is exactly what you want from a cozy soup. Part of the soup is blended until smooth, while the rest remains chunky. This balance gives you a creamy base with tender bites of potato and vegetables in every spoonful.
Third, it is very flexible. You can keep it vegetarian, add protein if you like, or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. It also reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.
Finally, it tastes like comfort. Mildly savory, gently creamy, and warming without being heavy, this German potato soup is perfect for quiet nights at home.
Ingredients for Easy Authentic German Potato Soup
This recipe relies on simple ingredients that work together to create a rich, comforting flavor. Below you will find the main components, followed by helpful notes and substitutions.
Soup Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
Creamy Finish
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin, optional
- Zest of 1 small lemon
- 2 to 3 tablespoons sliced green onions
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Potatoes are the star of this soup. Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they become creamy when cooked, but russet potatoes also work well and give a slightly thicker texture.
For the broth, vegetable broth keeps the soup vegetarian and clean tasting. Chicken broth adds a bit more depth if you prefer. Choose low sodium broth so you can control the seasoning.
Heavy cream gives the soup its classic richness. If you want a lighter version, you can use half and half or even whole milk. The soup will be slightly less creamy but still delicious.
Nutmeg and cumin are traditional touches in many German kitchens, but they are optional. Use them lightly so they enhance rather than overpower the soup.
If you want this soup dairy free, replace the butter with olive oil and use unsweetened oat milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this easy authentic German potato soup is straightforward and relaxing. Follow these steps and you will have a cozy pot of soup ready in under an hour.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Stir in the diced carrot and celery. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly. This step builds the flavor base of the soup.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Add the diced potatoes to the pot, then pour in the broth. Drop in the bay leaf and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender and easy to pierce with a fork.
Step 4: Blend for Creaminess
Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Using an immersion blender, blend about half of the soup directly in the pot. If you do not have an immersion blender, carefully transfer about half of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, then return it to the pot. This creates the classic creamy yet chunky texture.
Step 5: Add Cream and Butter
Stir in the heavy cream and butter. Let the soup warm gently for a few minutes, stirring until the butter is fully melted and incorporated.
Step 6: Season and Finish
Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and optional nutmeg and cumin. Stir in the lemon zest and most of the green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve hot, topped with the remaining green onions.
Pro Tips for Success
Use small potato cubes so they cook evenly and quickly. This also helps the soup thicken naturally.
Blend only part of the soup. This keeps the texture interesting and more traditional.
Add the cream after blending. This prevents curdling and keeps the soup smooth.
Season gradually. Potatoes absorb salt, so taste and adjust at the end.
Let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving. The flavors settle and improve as it sits.
Serve with crusty bread. A slice of rye or sourdough is perfect for dipping.
Flavor Variations
This classic soup is wonderful as written, but here are a few easy ways to change it up.
Add smoked turkey or chicken sausage slices for a heartier version. Cook them separately and stir them in at the end.
Stir in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, vegetarian twist that feels very German.
Add a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before serving for extra freshness.
For a slightly tangy version, stir in a teaspoon of mild vinegar or lemon juice along with the zest.
Add a pinch of paprika for subtle warmth and color.
Serving Suggestions
This easy authentic German potato soup is filling enough to be a main dish, especially when served with bread. Pair it with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette for balance.
It also works beautifully as a starter for a German inspired meal. Serve it before roasted chicken, sausages with potatoes, or a vegetable casserole.
For a cozy presentation, serve the soup in wide bowls and garnish with extra green onions or a small swirl of cream.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often.
If the soup thickens too much after chilling, add a splash of broth or milk while reheating.
This soup can be frozen, although the texture may change slightly because of the cream. For best results, freeze before adding the cream, then add it fresh when reheating. Frozen soup keeps well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
Values are approximate and will vary based on ingredients used.
FAQ About Easy Authentic German Potato Soup
What makes German potato soup different from other potato soups?
German potato soup is usually less heavy than some creamy American versions and often includes vegetables like carrots and celery. It is typically partially blended, not fully pureed, giving it a rustic texture.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, this soup is very easy to make vegetarian. Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The flavor will still be rich and comforting.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. This soup tastes even better the next day. Make it ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat gently before serving.
Is this soup gluten free?
Yes, this German potato soup is naturally gluten free as long as your broth is certified gluten free. There are no flour based thickeners in the recipe.
What potatoes work best for this recipe?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they become creamy when cooked. Russet potatoes also work well and give the soup a thicker consistency.
Can I skip the cream?
You can skip the cream if you prefer a lighter soup. The blended potatoes still provide a creamy texture, though the soup will be less rich.
Easy Authentic German Potato Soup (Kartoffelsuppe)
Equipment
- large pot
- cutting board
- chef’s knife
- immersion blender or blender
- wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin (optional)
- 1 small lemon, zested
- 2–3 tbsp sliced green onions
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the diced carrot and celery. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until slightly softened.
- Add the potatoes, broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes until the potatoes are very tender.
- Remove and discard the bay leaf. Blend about half of the soup using an immersion blender, or carefully transfer half to a blender and return it to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream and butter. Warm gently, stirring, until the butter is fully melted.
- Season with salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and cumin if using. Stir in lemon zest and most of the green onions, then adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with the remaining green onions.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
Easy Authentic German Potato Soup for Cozy Nights is proof that simple ingredients can create deeply comforting food. With its creamy texture, gentle seasoning, and rustic charm, this soup is perfect for quiet evenings, family meals, or anytime you need something warm and satisfying. Once you try it, you will understand why Kartoffelsuppe has remained a beloved classic for generations.
