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german potato soup
Sofia

german potato soup

A warm, rustic soup made with tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and classic German herbs. Hearty, flavorful, and perfect for chilly evenings—served with crusty bread or pretzels.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: German, European
Calories: 390
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 slices bacon chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter optional, for richness
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 ½ lbs potatoes peeled and diced (Yukon gold or russet)
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
  • Optional: chopped parsley or chives for garnish
  • Optional: German sausages like bratwurst, sliced and browned

Method
 

  1. Cook the Bacon:
  2. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside on paper towels, reserving 1–2 tablespoons of the fat in the pot. Add butter if needed.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables:
  4. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  5. Add Potatoes and Simmer:
  6. Stir in the diced potatoes, broth, marjoram, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
  7. Blend (Optional):
  8. For a creamy texture, blend part of the soup using an immersion blender or by mashing some of the potatoes with a spoon. Leave some chunks for texture.
  9. Finish with Cream:
  10. Stir in milk or cream and heat through gently. Do not boil after adding dairy.
  11. Serve:
  12. Ladle into bowls and top with crispy bacon, chopped herbs, and optional cooked sausage. Serve hot with rustic bread.

Notes

  • More authentic: Add a dash of white vinegar or mustard for brightness.
  • Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth; add extra herbs for flavor.
  • Chunky vs smooth: Customize the consistency by blending to your preference.
  • Storage: Keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days. Freezes best before adding cream.