Slow Cooker German Potato Soup with Sausages

The rich, aromatic broth of Slow Cooker German Potato Soup with Sausages fills your kitchen with the comforting scent of old-world cooking as it simmers throughout the day. This hearty, soul-warming soup combines tender potatoes, savory sausages, and a blend of traditional German spices that transport you straight to a cozy Bavarian tavern. Perfect for chilly evenings or weekend family gatherings, this Slow Cooker German Potato Soup with Sausages delivers authentic flavors with minimal effort. You’ll learn how to layer flavors properly, select the right sausages, and create a silky, flavorful broth that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker German Potato Soup with Sausages stands out as a true crowd-pleaser for several compelling reasons. First, it offers incredible convenience—simply add ingredients to your slow cooker and let the magic happen while you go about your day. The contrast between the velvety potato base and the hearty chunks of smoked sausage creates a textural experience that keeps every spoonful interesting.

The deep flavor development is what truly sets this German potato soup apart. As it simmers slowly, the smokiness from the sausages infuses the creamy potato base, while the herbs and spices bloom fully in the gentle heat. This creates a multi-dimensional taste experience that quick-cook soups simply can’t match.

Additionally, this soup is incredibly versatile—it can serve as a complete meal on its own or pair beautifully with a simple salad and crusty bread. The leftovers actually improve in flavor, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknight dinners. This traditional German potato soup recipe brings gourmet comfort food to your table with minimal hands-on time.

Ingredients

For this authentic Slow Cooker German Potato Soup with Sausages, you’ll need:

• 2 pounds (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
• 1 pound (450g) smoked German sausages (such as bratwurst or kielbasa), sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 1 large yellow onion (about 1 cup), finely diced
• 2 medium carrots (about ¾ cup), diced
• 2 celery stalks (about ½ cup), chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

The Yukon Gold potatoes are essential as they break down partially during cooking, naturally thickening the soup while maintaining some texture. Traditional German sausages provide the authentic smoky flavor that defines this hearty German potato sausage soup, while caraway seeds add the distinctive earthy taste found in classic German cuisine.

Pro Tips

For a truly exceptional Slow Cooker German Potato Soup with Sausages, follow these critical techniques:

First, brown the sausages before adding them to the slow cooker. This quick extra step develops a caramelized exterior on the sausage that adds tremendous depth to the final soup. Just 2-3 minutes per side in a hot skillet is all you need. The fond (browned bits) left in the pan can be deglazed with a splash of broth and added to your slow cooker for even more flavor.

Second, consider the potato cutting technique. Cut about 2/3 of your potatoes into 1-inch chunks for texture, but dice the remaining 1/3 into smaller ¼-inch pieces. These smaller pieces will break down completely, creating a naturally thick, creamy base without needing additional thickeners or excessive cream.

Lastly, don’t add the cream until the final 30 minutes of cooking. Adding dairy products too early in slow cooking can cause them to break and curdle. Stirring in the cream just before serving ensures a silky-smooth texture and rich mouthfeel that perfectly balances the robust flavors of this traditional German soup.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare The Vegetables

Begin by thoroughly washing all vegetables. Peel and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes, remembering to cut about ⅓ of them into smaller pieces as mentioned in the pro tips. Finely dice the onion, carrots, and celery stalks. Mince the garlic cloves and set aside. This preparation ensures even cooking and proper texture development in your Slow Cooker German Potato Soup with Sausages.

Step 2: Brown The Sausages

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausages in a single layer (you may need to work in batches) and brown for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a nice caramelized color. You’re not cooking them through, just developing flavor. Transfer the sausages to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.

Step 3: Assemble In The Slow Cooker

Add the diced potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to your slow cooker. Sprinkle in the caraway seeds, marjoram, salt, and pepper. Place the bay leaves on top. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure all ingredients are submerged. Add the browned sausages and gently stir to combine everything.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The low and slow cooking allows the potatoes to break down partially and the flavors to meld beautifully. Your kitchen will be filled with the amazing aroma of this German potato sausage soup as it simmers throughout the day.

Step 5: Finish The Soup

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream. Remove the bay leaves. Using the back of a wooden spoon, gently mash some of the potatoes against the side of the slow cooker to thicken the soup to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle the hot Slow Cooker German Potato Soup with Sausages into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This final touch adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that beautifully contrasts with the rich, hearty soup.

Variations

Vegetarian German Potato Soup: Transform this traditional soup by omitting the sausages and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms (cremini or shiitake work well) and 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika to maintain that smoky depth of flavor. The smoked paprika particularly helps recreate the flavor profile that the sausages would normally provide in this German potato soup.

Lighter Version: For a less rich but still delicious variation, substitute the heavy cream with evaporated milk or half-and-half. You can also replace half the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lower-carb alternative that still provides a creamy texture when partially mashed.

Spicy German Potato Soup: Add some heat to your Slow Cooker German Potato Soup with Sausages by incorporating 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes along with the other spices. You can also use a spicier sausage variety like andouille or chorizo instead of traditional German sausages for a fusion version that maintains the hearty character of the original.

Storage and Serving

This Slow Cooker German Potato Soup with Sausages stores beautifully and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to adjust consistency.

For a complete meal, serve this hearty soup with a side of warm pretzel rolls or dark German rye bread for authentic appeal. A simple green salad dressed with a vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.

For a traditional German dinner experience, serve small bowls of this potato soup as a starter before a main course of schnitzel or sauerbraten. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped chives for an elegant presentation that honors this soup’s Bavarian roots.

FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes for this soup?
Yes, while Yukon Golds are ideal for their buttery flavor and ability to partially break down, russet potatoes also work well. Red potatoes will hold their shape more, resulting in a chunkier soup with less natural thickening.

My soup isn’t thick enough. How can I fix it?
Mash more of the potatoes already in the soup using the back of a spoon against the side of the slow cooker. Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir this slurry into the simmering soup.

What’s the best sausage to use for authentic German potato soup?
Traditional German sausages like bratwurst, knackwurst, or bockwurst provide the most authentic flavor. Smoked kielbasa is an excellent and widely available alternative.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer. The soup will have a slightly different flavor profile but will still be delicious.

Is it possible to make this in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the sausages using the sauté function, then add remaining ingredients except cream. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with a 10-minute natural release, then stir in the cream after releasing pressure.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker German Potato Soup with Sausages is comfort food at its finest — a velvety, aromatic blend of tender potatoes and savory sausages that warm you from the inside out. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion, bringing family around the table with its irresistible aroma and heartwarming flavor. Whether you’re seeking a convenient make-ahead meal or looking to connect with traditional German cooking, this slow cooker adaptation delivers authentic taste with modern convenience, proving that sometimes the most comforting foods are also the simplest to prepare.

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