On a chilly night, nothing warms the soul like a hearty bowl of creamy potato soup. This German-inspired version takes comfort food to the next level, blending tender potatoes, smoky Andouille sausage, and sharp Cheddar cheese into a rich, slow-cooked masterpiece.
Bursting with flavor and packed with nutrients, this one-pot wonder offers a modern twist on a beloved classic—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
A Modern Twist on Tradition
While traditional German potato soup (Kartoffelsuppe) has been a staple in German households for centuries, this contemporary adaptation brings together the best of both worlds.
The classic combination of potatoes and sausages pays homage to its German roots, while the addition of Cheddar cheese and the use of a slow cooker makes it perfectly suited for today’s busy home cook.
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The Magic of Slow Cooking
Slow cooking isn’t just about convenience – it’s about developing deep, rich flavors that can’t be rushed.
As the ingredients simmer together over six hours, the potatoes slowly break down to create a naturally creamy base, while the sausages infuse the broth with their smoky essence. This hands-off approach allows you to go about your day while dinner practically makes itself.
Health Benefits & Nutrition
This hearty soup isn’t just comforting – it’s nutritionally dense too. Potatoes, the star ingredient, are packed with essential nutrients including vitamin C, B6, and potassium.
The potatoes contain resistant starch, which acts as a prebiotic and aids digestive health. (ref) They’re also rich in antioxidants that help prevent disease, especially when the skin is left on.
The combination of potatoes and vegetables provides important minerals like iron, phosphorous, calcium, and magnesium, which support bone health and blood pressure regulation. The potatoes’ potassium content helps with vasodilation, contributing to better heart health.
Serving Suggestions
This German-inspired soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or traditional German rye bread. For an authentic touch, serve with a side of sauerkraut to balance the richness.
The soup can be garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and visual appeal. For a lighter meal, consider serving it with a crisp green salad to complement the soup’s creamy texture.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, use medium-low heat on the stovetop and stir frequently to prevent splitting.
The soup will naturally thicken during storage as the potatoes absorb liquid—simply add extra stock or milk when reheating to achieve the desired consistency.
For freezing, let the soup cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to two months.
For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If your recipe includes dairy, consider freezing the base soup without cream or milk, adding these ingredients fresh when reheating.
Slow Cooker German Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 3 Russet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 large carrot peeled and sliced
- 4 cups sliced Andouille sausages sauteed until lightly browned
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup yellow onion diced
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 celery stalk chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese grated
Instructions
- Begin by combining your vegetables, pre-browned sausages, broth, and all seasonings in your slow cooker. Mix thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout.
- Set your slow cooker to low and let everything simmer together for 6 hours, allowing the vegetables to become perfectly tender.
- When you’re approaching the final 30 minutes, combine your milk and cornstarch in a separate bowl until smooth, then stir this mixture into the soup to create that perfect, creamy consistency.
- For the finishing touch, turn off the heat and stir in your grated Cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and incorporated.
- Serve your creation piping hot, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for both flavor and presentation.
Nutrition
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.