German Potato Soup Recipe
German Potato Soup (Kartoffelsuppe) is a warm, creamy soup that feels like home. It is easy to make and full of simple flavors. For a quick reminder of this classic, see this German Potato Soup recipe to compare variations and tips.
Why make this recipe
This soup uses few ingredients but gives a lot of comfort. It cooks fast and is great on cold days. If you like a richer, meatier potato soup, try a creamy potato hamburger soup for a different twist.
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Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley or chives) for garnish

Directions
- In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
- Add the diced potatoes and broth, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or leave it chunky if preferred.
- Stir in heavy cream and crumbled bacon, and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.
Serving
Serve the soup hot in bowls with extra bacon and chopped chives on top. For a fuller meal, you can serve it with bread or pair it with a hearty noodle side like this German beef noodle soup.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Cool the soup, put it in an airtight container, and store for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: This soup can be frozen, but cream may change texture. Freeze before adding cream, then thaw and stir in cream when reheating. Use within 2 months.
Tips
- Use a potato that holds shape (like Yukon Gold) if you want chunkier soup.
- Cook the bacon until crispy for more flavor.
- To keep the texture smooth after freezing, add the cream only when you reheat.
- For a simple side, serve with potato pancakes; a good match is the German potato pancakes recipe.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and skip the bacon, or top with crispy fried onions.
- Smoky: Add a little smoked paprika or use smoked bacon for a deeper flavor.
- Chunky style: Reserve some diced potatoes and add them back after blending for a chunky soup.
You can also explore other hearty German soups like this German goulash soup for more ideas.

FAQs
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes, use whole milk for a lighter soup, but it will be less rich.
Q: Can I make the soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Cook onions and garlic first, then add potatoes and broth to the slow cooker and cook until tender before blending.
Q: How do I make the soup gluten-free?
A: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if your broth and bacon have no additives with wheat. Always check labels.
Q: Can I leave out bacon?
A: Yes. You can omit bacon or use smoked tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian smoky flavor.