Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Crockpot Soup

Making this delightful cheesy potato and kielbasa soup in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward, perfect for those mornings when you have just a few minutes to spare. Follow these simple steps for a delicious, hearty meal:

1. Prepare the Kielbasa and Onion: Begin by slicing the kielbasa sausage. First, cut it lengthwise down the middle, then crosswise into half-moon, bite-size pieces. Next, dice your onion. These are the only two ingredients that require any cutting, making this a truly low-prep meal (Step 1 in image).

2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place all the prepared ingredients into your slow cooker. This includes the frozen hash browns (partially thawed is ideal for even mixing, but not strictly necessary), the sliced kielbasa, diced onion, condensed cheddar cheese soup, and the milk. Gently pour the milk over the other ingredients (Step 2 in image).

3. Stir Until Well-Mixed: Using a large spoon or spatula, stir all the ingredients gently but thoroughly until they are well combined. Ensure that the condensed soup is fully integrated with the milk and coats the potatoes and sausage evenly. This helps prevent sticking and ensures a consistent flavor throughout (Step 3 in image).

4. Cover and Cook: Place the lid securely on your slow cooker. Set it to the low setting and cook for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through. If possible, stir the soup every couple of hours, especially during the first few hours, to prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom and to ensure even cooking and creaminess (Step 4 in image).

5. Check for Doneness and Consistency: After the cooking time, check if the potatoes are fork-tender. The soup should be thick and creamy. If it’s too thick, you can add a little extra milk (or broth) until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can try removing the lid for the last hour of cooking or stirring in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) and cooking for another 15-30 minutes until thickened.

Once cooked, give the soup one final gentle stir. Ladle into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions, or any other desired toppings, for a vibrant finish.

Essential Slow Cooker Tips for Success

Achieving the perfect consistency and doneness in any slow cooker recipe, including this Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Soup, often comes down to understanding your specific appliance. Slow cookers are not all created equal, and their performance can vary significantly based on several factors:

• Brand and Model: Different brands and models of slow cookers can have varying internal temperatures and heating patterns. Some run hotter than others, even on the “low” setting.
• Size: A larger slow cooker (e.g., a 6-quart model) will generally cook food faster than a smaller one (like a 3- or 4-quart model) when filled to the same level with the same recipe. This is because the heat distribution and volume of food affect cooking times.
• Fill Level: For best results, your slow cooker should be at least half full but no more than two-thirds full. An underfilled crockpot can cook too quickly, leading to dry or overcooked food, while an overfilled one might take much longer to heat through.

Because of these variables, it’s crucial to adjust the cooking time of this recipe (and any slow cooker recipe) based on your individual appliance. The 6-8 hours on low is a general guideline. You might find your soup is perfectly cooked in 6 hours, while others might need the full 8. The bottom line is that unlike oven cooking, there is no single, universally precise cooking time for slow cookers.

If you’re unsure about your slow cooker’s temperature, you can use this method to test its temperature. This helps you understand its tendencies and adjust recipes accordingly.

I personally use a 6-quart crockpot. This size is ideal for most family recipes and offers the versatility I need without overly complicated programming modes. I particularly appreciate the ability to easily choose my desired cooking duration for both high and low settings. Plus, it automatically switches to a “keep warm” function once the cooking time concludes, which is a fantastic feature for busy schedules, ensuring your soup stays hot and ready until you are.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Soup

This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions:

• Crusty Bread or Baguette: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy, cheesy broth.
• Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a nice contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Cornbread: A classic pairing for any hearty soup, adding a touch of sweetness and texture.
• Crackers: Simple and satisfying, especially for dipping.

Recipe Variations and Customizations

One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe your own. This Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Soup is highly adaptable. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño (seeded for less heat) along with the onion for a subtle kick. A dash of hot sauce at the end also works wonders.
• Add More Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and texture by stirring in a cup of frozen corn, peas, diced carrots, or even a handful of fresh spinach during the last hour of cooking.
• Different Cheeses: While cheddar is classic, experiment with other cheeses. Pepper jack will add a spicy, melty element, while Colby or Monterey Jack offer a milder, creamier alternative.
• Alternative Sausages: If kielbasa isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute with another smoked sausage, fully cooked bratwurst, or even a mild Italian sausage (browned first) for a different flavor profile.
• Lighter Version: For a slightly less rich soup, use a combination of milk and chicken or vegetable broth instead of all milk.
• “Loaded Baked Potato” Style: Top individual servings with crispy bacon bits, extra shredded cheddar, sour cream, and fresh chives for the ultimate loaded experience.

Crockpot Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Soup        Date____________________

Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then cook in slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low. Serve garnished with shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onion if desired.

• 32 ounces frozen diced potatoes/hash browns, partly thawed for best mixing
• 1 pound kielbasa, sliced into half-moon pieces
• 1 onion, diced (yellow onion recommended)
• 10 ounces condensed cheddar cheese soup, (e.g., Campbell’s)
• 3 cups milk, plus extra for thinning if needed
• salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions for garnish

• Slice 1 pound kielbasa lengthwise, then crosswise into bite-sized half-moon pieces. Dice 1 onion.
• In a slow cooker, combine 32 ounces frozen diced potatoes/hash browns (partly thawed is recommended for easier mixing), the sliced kielbasa, diced onion, 10 ounces condensed cheddar cheese soup, 3 cups milk, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently until all ingredients are well-mixed and evenly coated.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are completely tender. For best results, stir the soup every couple of hours to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Once cooked, stir gently and check for desired consistency. If too thick, add more milk (or broth) a little at a time until it reaches your preference. Serve hot, garnished with optional shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions.

1. Nutrition data provided does not include the optional salt and pepper added to taste, nor any garnishes.
2. Slow cooker temperatures can vary. If your crockpot tends to cook on the hotter side, you may notice the soup becoming very thick. In this case, you might need to add additional milk (or broth) to thin the mixture after a few hours of cooking, or before serving, to achieve the desired creamy consistency.
3. For a richer soup, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for some of the milk.
4. If using fresh diced potatoes, add 1-2 cups of chicken broth or water to ensure proper cooking and desired consistency.