Classic German Potato Soup

Featured in: Soups & Stews

Warm and filling German potato soup with bacon, herbs, and vegetables that tastes even better the next day.
Twistytaste.com
Updated on Mon, 28 Apr 2025 14:04:14 GMT
A hearty potato soup with bacon, herbs, and vegetables in a bowl on a wooden table with a red patterned cloth. Pin it
A hearty potato soup with bacon, herbs, and vegetables in a bowl on a wooden table with a red patterned cloth. | twistytaste.com

I'm excited to share my treasured German Potato Soup that takes me back to my grandma's cooking! This homemade Kartoffelsuppe is comfort food at its finest, combining veggies, bacon and authentic German tastes in one delicious bowl. Whenever I cook it, the smell instantly reminds me of those warm family get-togethers back in Stuttgart.

Essential Components Breakdown

What makes this soup special is the traditional Suppengrün mix! The way celeriac, bacon and leek work together creates an amazing flavor foundation. Mix them with soft Yukon Golds and flavorful chicken broth and you've got something magical. I always enjoy watching these simple items turn into such a heartwarming dish.

Different Local Twists

My version showcases the clear-broth style from my Stuttgart upbringing with loads of bright veggies and intense taste! I prefer this over the creamy versions from other areas because you can really see and taste each ingredient. The colorful veggie mix looks so inviting when served.

Cooking Instructions

Begin with Bacon
Fry the bacon until it's super crisp, then let the onions brown in that tasty fat. Adding garlic will fill your house with an amazing aroma!
Add Your Veggies
Tossing the vegetables into those bacon drippings is when things start getting good.
Let It Cook
I love this part best - watching everything slowly merge as it softly simmers.
Finishing Touches
Sprinkling fresh parsley at the end brings such nice brightness and color!

Secrets for Amazing Taste

The right ingredients really matter in this soup! Try to get the freshest veggies and decent chicken broth - you'll definitely notice it when you eat. And if you can stand the wait, let it sit in the fridge overnight - it tastes even better the next day!

Great Food Matches

There's nothing better than soaking up this soup with some hearty rye bread! For a true German meal, try it with a glass of light Riesling - they're fantastic together.

Storage Advice

This soup actually tastes better as days go by! Store it in your fridge and warm it up slowly when you want another serving. Just don't try freezing it - the veggies won't taste as good afterward.

Why This Dish Wins Hearts

This soup feels like comfort in every spoonful! It's loaded with healthy veggies but still tastes totally satisfying. It's perfect for family dinners or when you just need something warm and comforting.

Customize Your Bowl

I sometimes throw in sliced bratwurst for a heartier meal or switch to veggie stock for a meat-free version. Adding a spoonful of sour cream on top tastes amazing too! You can easily change this recipe to fit what you like.

Nutritious And Delicious

This soup lets you enjoy veggies in the tastiest way! Each spoonful is packed with nutrients but tastes so good you won't even think about it being healthy. It hits that sweet spot between nourishing and completely 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. | twistytaste.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this in advance?
Definitely! The flavors get even better after sitting overnight, making it perfect for meal prep.
→ What kind of potatoes should I use?
Waxy varieties work great since they keep their shape and texture while cooking.
→ What is celery root?
Celeriac is another name for celery root, a veggie with a mild celery flavor. If you don't have it, try celery stalks instead.
→ Does this soup freeze well?
Absolutely. Just make sure it cools before freezing, then thaw and reheat gently when ready.
→ Can it be vegetarian?
Yep! Skip the bacon and go for veggie broth. A sprinkle of smoked paprika can give it extra flavor.

Conclusion

This filling German potato soup blends potatoes, crispy bacon, and a mix of fresh veggies like carrots along with herbs. It's a simple but comforting dish that gives you a warm taste of German homestyle cooking.

German Potato Soup

A cozy bowl of German potato soup made with fresh veggies, bacon, and herbs. Great for dinner and even tastier later.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: German

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 01

Start by frying bacon until it's crispy, then toss in the onion and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring until it's browned.

Step 02

Mix in the garlic and let it cook for about a minute.

Step 03

Pour in everything else except parsley. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat, cover it, and let it bubble gently for 30-40 minutes.

Step 04

Stir in the parsley and let it simmer for one last minute. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

  1. It tastes even better after sitting overnight.
  2. Great option for prepping ahead of time.
  3. Stick to waxy potatoes to keep a good texture.

Tools You'll Need

  • Dutch oven or a big pot.
  • A sharp knife for chopping.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Could include celery from the 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