Kartoffelsuppe mit Würstchen (German Potato Soup with Sausage)

Thick, savoury and distinctly comforting, Kartoffelsuppe mit Würstchen is the kind of German potato soup that turns simple root vegetables into a full meal. Potatoes, leek and celeriac give the soup its earthy base, while partial blending creates a creamy body without losing all of the tender chunks. Frankfurters are warmed gently in the soup rather than cooked separately, adding savoury depth and making each bowl more substantial. A little crème fraîche softens the texture, Dijon mustard brings a subtle sharpness, and fresh chives add a clean finish. It is practical lunch cooking: hearty, unfussy and easy to adjust to the texture you prefer.
Cuisine style German home cooking
Flavor profile Creamy • Savoury • Peppery
Techniques Simmering • Partial blending • Gentle reheating
Key equipment Large pot • Immersion blender
Cooking style One-pot cooking • Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Creamy but not heavy: Partly blending the potatoes and celeriac thickens the soup naturally while leaving enough tender pieces for a satisfying texture.
  • Savoury depth: Leek, celeriac and hot vegetable stock create a rounded base before the frankfurters add smoky, salty richness.
  • Bright finish: Crème fraîche and Dijon mustard cut through the starchiness of the potatoes and keep the soup from tasting flat.

Get the most out of this recipe

Texture tips

  • Keep some texture: Blend briefly rather than until smooth, stopping while small pieces of potato and celeriac are still visible.
  • Add dairy gently: Once the crème fraîche is stirred in, keep the soup over a low heat and avoid boiling so the finish stays smooth.

Ingredient notes

  • Use waxy or all-purpose potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes work well because they soften readily but still leave a pleasant body when only partly blended.
  • Celeriac adds depth: Celeriac brings a subtle celery-like earthiness that makes the soup taste more rounded than potato alone.
  • Choose good frankfurters: The sausages are warmed directly in the soup, so their flavour seasons the finished bowl as well as acting as the main protein.

Make-ahead tips

  • Make it in advance: The soup can be cooked and refrigerated for up to 3 days in a sealed container once cooled.
  • Reheat gently: Warm in a saucepan over a low heat, stirring often, until piping hot throughout; avoid a hard boil after the crème fraîche has been added.
  • Not ideal for freezing: Because the soup contains potatoes and crème fraîche, freezing can make the texture grainy or split once thawed.

Serving ideas

  • Serve with bread: Rye bread, seeded rolls or crusty bread are good alongside the thick soup and help make it a full meal.
  • Finish with freshness: Fresh chives and a little extra black pepper sharpen the rich, creamy base.
  • Add mustard at the table: Offer extra mustard for anyone who likes a more pronounced tang with the frankfurters.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Trim and rinse the leek well, then slice it. Peel the celeriac and potatoes, then cut both into roughly 2 cm chunks.
  2. Melt the butter in a large pot over a medium heat. Add the leek and cook for 5 minutes, stirring, until softened but not browned.
  3. Add the celeriac and potatoes, then pour in the vegetable stock. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 18 to 22 minutes, until the vegetables are very tender.
  4. Take the pot off the heat and blend briefly with an immersion blender, leaving some small chunks for texture. Return to a low heat.
  5. Slice the frankfurters into thick rounds and stir them into the soup. Warm gently for 4 to 6 minutes until the sausage is hot throughout, keeping the soup below a boil.
  6. Stir in the crème fraîche and Dijon mustard, then season with black pepper. Ladle into bowls and finish with finely snipped chives.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For the best texture, blend only part of the soup so you keep a few tender chunks of potato and celeriac.
  • Once the crème fraîche is added, keep the heat low and avoid boiling so the soup stays smooth.
  • If serving anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, make sure the frankfurters are piping hot throughout before serving.

Substitutions

  • Replace the butter with olive oil for a slightly lighter finish.
  • Replace the crème fraîche with sour cream for a tangier soup; add it off the heat to prevent splitting.
  • Replace the Dijon mustard with whole-grain mustard for a milder, more textured mustard note.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Cool quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a saucepan over a low heat until piping hot, stirring often; avoid boiling once reheated to keep the crème fraîche smooth.

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Kartoffelsuppe mit Würstchen (German Potato Soup with Sausage)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 bowls
  • Total time: 50min (20min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: German
  • Allergens:
    Milk Mustard
Beginner friendly One pot Kid friendly

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