Sausage

German Sausage Soup

Name: German Sausage Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) smoky pork sausage, sliced; 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced; 2 medium onions, chopped; 3 cloves of garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, chopped; 2 stalks of celery, chopped; 4 cups of chicken broth; 1 tsp of dried thyme; 1/2 tsp of salt; 1/4 tsp of black pepper; 2 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley

By Odette Delacroix · June 19, 2026 · Sausage

Prep20 min

Cook40 min

Total60 min

Serves6

As a home cook, I've always been fascinated by the rich flavors of German cuisine. One of my favorite dishes to make is German Sausage Soup, a hearty and comforting meal that's perfect for a cold winter's day. The combination of smoky pork, crispy bacon, and tender vegetables is a match made in heaven. In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making this delicious soup from scratch, using only the freshest ingredients and traditional German cooking techniques.

I remember the first time I made German Sausage Soup, it was a chilly autumn evening and I was looking for a meal that would warm my family's hearts and bellies. I experimented with different ingredients and cooking methods until I came up with the perfect recipe. Since then, it's become a staple in our household, and I'm excited to share it with you.

This recipe is special because it's a true reflection of German cuisine, with its emphasis on hearty meats, fresh vegetables, and rich broths. The smoky flavor of the pork and bacon is balanced by the sweetness of the carrots and celery, creating a truly satisfying taste experience. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to try their hand at traditional German cooking.

So, who is this recipe for? It's for anyone who loves a good, comforting bowl of soup on a cold day. It's for families looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that's easy to make and fun to eat. And it's for anyone interested in exploring the rich flavors and traditions of German cuisine.

In this recipe, I'll take you through the process of making German Sausage Soup, from preparing the ingredients to serving the finished dish. I'll share my tips and tricks for getting the best flavor out of your ingredients, and provide you with a clear, step-by-step guide to making this delicious soup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a hearty and comforting meal that's perfect for a cold winter's day.
The smoky flavor of the pork and bacon is balanced by the sweetness of the carrots and celery, creating a truly satisfying taste experience.
It's a great way to explore the rich flavors and traditions of German cuisine.
This recipe is perfect for families looking for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal.
It's a versatile recipe that can be made with different types of sausage and vegetables, allowing you to experiment and find your favorite combination.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great German Sausage Soup is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook them slowly and patiently. By browning the bacon and pork sausage in a pan, we create a rich, caramelized crust that adds depth and flavor to the soup. Then, by simmering the vegetables and broth, we extract all the natural sweetness and nutrients from the ingredients, creating a hearty and comforting meal.

The cooking technique used in this recipe is called 'layering', where we build flavors on top of each other to create a rich and complex taste experience. We start with the smoky flavor of the bacon and pork, then add the sweetness of the carrots and celery, and finally, the savory flavor of the broth and seasonings. This layering technique allows us to create a truly satisfying and delicious soup.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of temperature control. By cooking the soup at a low temperature, we prevent the ingredients from becoming tough and overcooked, and instead, create a tender and flavorful meal. This is especially important when cooking with pork and bacon, as they can become dry and tough if overcooked.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make German Sausage Soup, you'll need a few key ingredients, including smoky pork sausage, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables. When shopping for these ingredients, look for high-quality options that are fresh and flavorful. For the pork sausage, choose a type that's made with natural ingredients and has a good balance of spices. For the bacon, choose a thick-cut variety that's smoked to perfection. And for the vegetables, choose fresh, seasonal options that are full of flavor and nutrients.

In addition to these main ingredients, you'll also need some broth, seasonings, and spices to bring the soup together. Choose a high-quality broth that's low in sodium and made with natural ingredients, and use fresh herbs and spices to add depth and flavor to the soup.

1 lb (450g) smoky pork sausage, slicedChoose a type of sausage that's made with natural ingredients and has a good balance of spices. Look for a sausage that's labeled as 'smoky' or 'smoked' to get the best flavor.
6 slices of thick-cut bacon, dicedChoose a thick-cut variety of bacon that's smoked to perfection. This will add a rich, savory flavor to the soup.
2 medium onions, choppedChoose fresh, seasonal onions that are full of flavor and nutrients. You can use either yellow or white onions for this recipe.
3 cloves of garlic, mincedChoose fresh, high-quality garlic that's full of flavor and nutrients. You can use either minced or crushed garlic for this recipe.
2 medium carrots, choppedChoose fresh, seasonal carrots that are full of flavor and nutrients. You can use either orange or yellow carrots for this recipe.
2 stalks of celery, choppedChoose fresh, seasonal celery that's full of flavor and nutrients. You can use either green or yellow celery for this recipe.
4 cups of chicken brothChoose a high-quality broth that's low in sodium and made with natural ingredients. You can use either homemade or store-bought broth for this recipe.
1 tsp of dried thymeChoose fresh, high-quality thyme that's full of flavor and nutrients. You can use either dried or fresh thyme for this recipe.
1/2 tsp of saltChoose a high-quality salt that's made with natural ingredients and has a good balance of flavor. You can use either kosher or sea salt for this recipe.
1/4 tsp of black pepperChoose a high-quality pepper that's made with natural ingredients and has a good balance of flavor. You can use either black or white pepper for this recipe.
2 tbsp of chopped fresh parsleyChoose fresh, high-quality parsley that's full of flavor and nutrients. You can use either curly or flat-leaf parsley for this recipe.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardInstant-read thermometerWooden spoonLadleColander

How to Make German Sausage Soup

1
Start by cooking the diced bacon in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the bacon until it's crispy and golden brown, stirring occasionally. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
2
Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the grease in the pot and add the sliced smoky pork sausage. Cook the sausage until it's browned on all sides, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3
Add the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
4
Add the chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the soup has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
5
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the soup. Once the soup has reached the correct temperature, remove it from the heat and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
6
After the soup has rested, stir in the cooked bacon and chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
7
Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
8
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and serve with a side of crusty bread or crackers.
9
You can also serve the soup with a side salad or a green salad for a more filling meal.
10
If you want to make the soup more substantial, you can add some diced potatoes or noodles to the pot during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
11
To reheat the soup, simply heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients to get the best flavor out of your soup.
Don't overcook the soup, as it can become tough and dry.
Use a variety of vegetables to add depth and flavor to the soup.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of sausage and seasonings to find your favorite combination.
Let the soup rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the soup has reached a safe internal temperature.
Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or crackers to mop up the flavorful broth.
Consider making a large batch of the soup and freezing it for later use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not browning the sausage and bacon properly, which can result in a lack of flavor in the soup.
Overcooking the soup, which can make it tough and dry.
Not using enough vegetables, which can result in a soup that's lacking in depth and flavor.
Not seasoning the soup properly, which can result in a soup that's bland and unappetizing.
Not letting the soup rest before serving, which can result in a soup that's not as flavorful as it could be.
Not using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the soup, which can result in a soup that's not safe to eat.

Variations and Substitutions

Try using different types of sausage, such as knockwurst or bratwurst, to change up the flavor of the soup.
Add some diced potatoes or noodles to the pot during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to make the soup more substantial.
Use different types of vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to add more flavor and nutrients to the soup.
Add some beans or lentils to the soup to make it more filling and nutritious.
Try using different types of broth, such as beef or vegetable broth, to change up the flavor of the soup.
Add some diced ham or bacon to the soup to make it more hearty and flavorful.
Try serving the soup with a side of crusty bread or crackers, or with a green salad for a more filling meal.

What to Serve With German Sausage Soup

Serve the German Sausage Soup hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired. You can also serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or crackers, or with a green salad for a more filling meal.

Some other options for serving the soup include:

Serving it with a side of sauerkraut or braised red cabbage for a more traditional German meal.

Serving it with a side of boiled potatoes or egg noodles for a more filling meal.

Serving it with a side of crusty rye bread or pumpernickel bread for a more authentic German experience.

Serve with crusty bread or crackersServe with a side salad or green saladServe with boiled potatoes or egg noodlesServe with sauerkraut or braised red cabbageServe with crusty rye bread or pumpernickel bread

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the German Sausage Soup, let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze it. The soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.

To reheat the soup, simply heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming. You can also reheat the soup in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it.

When reheating the soup, make sure to stir it occasionally to prevent it from scorching or sticking to the bottom of the pot. You can also add a little bit of water or broth to the soup if it's become too thick.

It's also a good idea to label and date the soup when you store it, so you can keep track of how long it's been in the refrigerator or freezer. This will help you to ensure that the soup is still safe to eat and that it's at its best flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of sausage should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of sausage you like, but a smoky pork sausage works best. Look for a sausage that's labeled as 'smoky' or 'smoked' to get the best flavor.

Can I use different types of vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of vegetables in this recipe. Some options include bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose.

How long will this soup keep in the refrigerator?

The soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Just be sure to let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating it, and to reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup. Just be sure to let it cool to room temperature before freezing it, and to label and date the container so you can keep track of how long it's been in the freezer.

What's the best way to reheat this soup?

The best way to reheat this soup is to heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Just brown the sausage and bacon in a pan, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this soup is gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free broth and sausage. Just be sure to check the ingredients of the sausage and broth to ensure they are gluten-free.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Just let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to serve it. Reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

The Full Recipe

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