This German potato soup recipe is loaded with healthy veggies, savory bacon, and is absolutely JAM-PACKED with FLAVOR! And that flavor is ever better the next day so be sure to double recipe for leftovers!
One of my all-time favorite brothy soups is a classic German potato soup. Ā I grew up in Stuttgart, Germany cooking with my Bavarian mother on a regular basis. Ā She would give me age-appropriate tasks from the time I was three or four years old and once I was a teenager I started exploring recipes on my own and preparing meals without supervision. Ā I remember two of the very first dishes I made by myself was a Winter vegetable cobbler and a brothy German potato soup.
I can still remember the aroma that filled our family kitchen from the bacon, caramelized onions and leek as the soup simmered, announcing the promise of a delicious meal ahead. Ā I received glowing reviews from my Oma and Opa when my mom suggested I make that same soup for them at our next visit. Ā They loved it and my confidence was bolstered. From there I continued falling deeper and deeper in love with cooking.
Key Ingredients for German Potato Soup
This soup features several key ingredients that combine to make a characteristic German-flavored soup.
Celeriac (aka, celery root) is an essential component of many German soups. Ā It’s part of the standard medley of soup vegetables known as “SuppengrĆ¼n” (translated as “soup greens”) that consists of carrots, celeriac, leek and parsley, the ingredients that, along with bacon, really give soups that “German” flavor.
You’ll find SuppengrĆ¼n called for in many German soup recipes and to omit any of them does the flavor of the soup a major injustice. Ā If you haven’t cooked much with leek or celeriac, once you taste them in this soup you’ll understand – they’re delicious!
Aside from the SuppengrĆ¼n, bacon plays a major role. Ā Enjoying a bowl of this classic German potato soup without bacon is almost unthinkable!Ā (We love our bacon.)Ā In combination with the vegetables it is the perfect marriage of flavors.
Lastly, quality chicken broth is a must. Ā Ever since I first tasted Aneto’s 100% all-natural chicken broth a few years ago, it has remained my favorite and top recommended brand of broth. Ā Why? Ā Because Aneto is the ONLY broth manufacturer that makes broth the way we do at home: Ā The freshest ingredients slow-simmered for hours in a large pot (only theirs is gigantic). Ā No fillers, no artificial or “natural” flavors, no “condensed” this or that, no powders – just pure, whole vegetables and real chicken made into a wonderful broth you can feel good about eating.
After tasting it I was already sold, but after the opportunity my husband and I had of touring Aneto’s factory in Barcelona, Spain, I was convinced beyond doubt.
READ ABOUT OUR EXPERIENCE AT ANETO’S FACTORY IN SPAIN.Ā YOU HAVE TO SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT!
Click HERE for a list of U.S. store locations carrying Aneto broths.
Now on to making that delicious German soup!
There are many regional versions of potato soup in Germany, each region adding their own unique touch.Ā But the two general types of potato soup are either brothy or creamy.Ā This version is a classic brothy potato soup and I’m confident you’re going to LOVE it!
German Potato Soup Recipe
Let’s get started!
Fry the bacon, then add the onions and cook until golden, 6-8 minutes.Ā Add the garlic and cook for another minute.Ā Add the vegetables.
Add the chicken broth and the herbs.
Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer 30-40 minutes.
Add the parsley and simmer for another minute.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and enjoy!
This is a great make-ahead soup as the flavor is even better the next day!
For more delicious German soups be sure to try our:
German Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 8 ounces bacon ,diced
- 1 large onion ,chopped
- 1 clove garlic ,minced
- 2 pounds waxy potatoes ,chopped into 1/4 inch pieces
- 1 large leek ,sliced and thoroughly washed
- 3 carrots ,diced
- 1 1/2 cups diced celeriac (aka, celery root)
- 2 tomatoes ,diced
- 6 cups quality chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Fry the bacon then add the onion and cook until golden, 6-8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add all remaining ingredients except for the parsley. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer 30-40 minutes.
- Add the parsley and simmer for another minute. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Note: This is a great make-ahead soup as the flavor is even better the next day!
Nutrition
Originally published on The Daring Gourmet October 12, 2017
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Paula - bell'alimento says
I would be all about a giant bowl of this for lunch!
Erin @ The Speckled Palate says
WOW! This soup looks so comforting and delicious and PERFECT for a chilly day! I cannot wait to try it!
Krista says
This is warming me up just looking at it!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
How nice for you to do and learn alongside your mom! This soup looks wonderful, and I’m sure brings you great memories!
carrie @ frugal foodie mama says
What a hearty & comforting soup perfect for fall & winter! :)
Natalie Loftus says
I made this last night and it is WONDERFUL. I found celeriac at the grocery store, my first time using it, and was sure to include all the other ingredients, and am very glad I did because the flavor of this soup was so good. I ordered the Aneto chicken broth from Amazon and look forward to trying it when it arrives. But I just wanted to say THANK YOU for such a wonderful recipe.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Fantastic, Natalie, thank you!
Kristen Chidsey says
My mom’s neighbor always makes German Potato Soup and shares with my parents. The last time I had a bowl, I begged her for the recipe–which she did not give me–so excited to try your recipe.
Catalina says
This soup is perfect for these cold days!
Sheila says
Excellent soup!! I made it as is and there isn’t anything I would change! I had an accident and ended up in the hospital for 2 weeks! All I have been thinking about is getting out and making more soup!!! Thank you for sharing!!
Ashlyn @ Belle of the Kitchen says
This soup looks so comforting and delicious! I will definitely be on the lookout for those broths.
Sabrina says
This looks like a perfect warming soup – perfect since the weather’s about to get colder!
Delaney | Melanie Makes says
I love how colorful this soup is!
Dorothy says
Is there anything better than a great big bowl of delicious soup? This looks like a winner!
Amanda says
That soup looks so hearty and comforting!
Alyssa | EverydayMaven says
I love soups like this and that broth is so good and rich!
Cori Landon says
That looks and sounds phenomenal, I can almost smell it through the screen!