Classic German Potato

Featured in Warm, Comforting Soups & Stews.

This German potato soup blends creamy potatoes, hearty vegetables, and bacon for a flavorful, comforting dish that gets better over time.
Emily Watson
Updated on Thu, 20 Mar 2025 02:31:05 GMT
A steaming bowl of soup with potatoes, bacon, and vibrant herbs on a rustic wooden table with a patterned red cloth nearby. Pin it
A steaming bowl of soup with potatoes, bacon, and vibrant herbs on a rustic wooden table with a patterned red cloth nearby. | thefamilycooks.com

Here's my treasured German Potato Soup that always takes me back to my grandma's cooking! This Kartoffelsuppe is comfort food at its best, packed with an incredible mix of veggies, bacon and authentic German tastes. Whenever I cook it, the smell instantly reminds me of those warm family get-togethers back in Stuttgart.

Essential Ingredients Breakdown

What makes this soup special is the traditional Suppengrün veggies! The mix of celeriac, leek and bacon builds such amazing flavor depth. Combine them with soft Yukon Golds and full-bodied chicken broth and you've got something truly magical. I always enjoy watching these simple ingredients turn into the ultimate comfort dish.

Different Regional Takes

My version showcases the clear broth style from my Stuttgart upbringing with loads of colorful veggies and tons of taste! While other areas make theirs creamy, I prefer how the thin broth lets each ingredient stand out. The bright veggies create such a pretty picture in your bowl.

Cooking Instructions

Bacon First
Cook the bacon until it's super crisp, then let those onions brown in all that yummy goodness. Once you throw in the garlic, your house will smell fantastic!
Veggie Layering
The real fun starts when you add the veggies to those tasty bacon drippings.
Simmering Stage
I love this part best, seeing everything come together as it slowly bubbles on the stove.
Finishing Up
That sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end really brings nice brightness and color!

Secrets for Amazing Taste

The right ingredients really matter in this dish! Grab the freshest veggies available and decent chicken broth, you'll definitely notice in the final result. And if you're not in a rush, let it sit overnight, it tastes even better the next day!

Great Food Combos

There's nothing better than dipping a chunk of crusty rye bread into this soup! For the complete German experience, try it with a glass of light Riesling, they work amazingly together.

Storage Advice

This soup tastes even better in the following days! Store it in your fridge and heat it up slowly when you want another serving. Just don't try to freeze it, the veggies won't hold up well.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This soup feels like comfort in every spoonful! It's loaded with goodness from all the veggies but still seems totally luxurious. Whether you're cooking for family or just want something cozy, this recipe always hits the spot.

Custom Variations

I sometimes toss in sliced bratwurst for a heartier meal or switch to veggie stock for a meatless option. A spoonful of sour cream on top tastes awesome too! What's great about this soup is how easily you can change it to suit your taste.

Nutritional Benefits

This soup gives you such a tasty way to eat your veggies! Each bite is full of nutrients but tastes so comforting you'll forget it's actually good for you. It strikes that perfect balance between healthy and 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. | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is it better the next day?
Totally! Flavors blend beautifully after sitting overnight, making it even tastier.
→ Which potatoes should I use?
Stick with waxy ones—they keep their shape while cooking and give the texture you want.
→ What’s celeriac, anyway?
It's a root veggie with a flavor like celery. If you can’t find it, chopped celery stalks work too.
→ Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, it freezes great. Just make sure it cools first and gently reheat when you’re ready to eat.
→ How do I make this vegetarian?
Leave out the bacon and swap chicken broth for veggie broth. A dash of smoked paprika adds a similar richness.

Conclusion

Dive into this warm and filling German potato soup made with simple ingredients like potatoes, fresh veggies, and smoky bacon. Fresh herbs give it a bold, comforting taste you’ll love.

Traditional Potato Soup

A hearty German potato soup loaded with fresh vegetables, herbs, and crispy bacon. Even tastier when reheated the next day.

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

Instructions

Step 01

Cook the bacon bits in a pan till they're crisped up, toss in the onion, and sauté until it gets a golden color—about 6 to 8 minutes.

Step 02

Toss the garlic into the pan and stir. Let it cook for just about a minute longer.

Step 03

Dump in everything else except the parsley. Turn up the heat to bring it to a boil, then lower it, cover, and let it bubble for 30-40 minutes.

Step 04

Stir in that parsley and let it simmer for one last minute. Taste and add extra salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

  1. It’s even better after sitting overnight.
  2. Perfect soup to make and store ahead.
  3. Waxy potatoes give the best texture here.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big pot or Dutch oven.
  • A sharp kitchen knife.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Celeriac might be an allergen.

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