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German Potato Soup With Bacon (Kartoffelsuppe)

Need an easy potato soup recipe? Here's my German version of this traditional comfort food. Add some fresh bread and you've a meal that will WOW your guests!

Ingredients:

• 3 - 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 - 8 potatoes, large dice 
• 1 - 2 stalks celery, large dice
• 2 - 3 carrots, large dice
• 1 pound (454 g) meat, (wiener, kielbasa, ham, smoked sausage, etc.)
• 3 - 4 cups (720–960 ml) water or broth
• salt, pepper, fresh parsley 
• Maggi (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, fry bacon for a few minutes to render the fat.  Add onion and fry for several minutes until translucent, adding a bit of butter or olive oil if necessary. Add potatoes, celery, carrots, and meat. Add sufficient water or broth to cover.
2. Bring to boil. Cover and simmer for at least 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally. 
3. Season to taste with salt, pepper, parsley and Maggi.

Notes/Hints:

• If soup is too thick, add extra water. If it's too think, thicken with instant mashed potato flakes.
• Don't have any bacon? Just omit that step and use butter to saute the onions.
• Adjust the amount of potatoes as needed. 
• If you like, add some chopped garlic or garlic powder. 
• Fried onions make a nice, tasty garnish.
• Instead of broth, add some bouillon cubes. Use Vegeta powder to taste, before seasoning with salt.
• Use fresh ground pepper if possible. Also, fresh parsley is great.

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Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | www.quick-german-recipes.com

Recipe updated on October 26, 2025