Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut Soup
A hearty Austrian-inspired sausage and sauerkraut soup blending savory smoked sausage, tender vegetables, and tangy sauerkraut for a warming, flavorful meal perfect for cold days.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 16 oz. can sauerkraut, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 8 oz. fresh sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 medium potato, cubed
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, chopped ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. smoked sausage, cubed ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vinegar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons dill weed ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a 4-quart pot.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 5 hours or until vegetables are tender.
- If necessary, skim off fat before serving.
- Alternatively, cook in a crock-pot for 10 to 12 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. You can substitute the smoked sausage with kielbasa or turkey sausage for a lighter option. Adding a pinch of caraway seeds can enhance the traditional flavor profile. If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A dollop of sour cream on top can add a creamy contrast. For a cozy dinner, serve alongside dishes like Chicken Dijonnaise or a simple potato salad to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Austrian Sausage And Sauerkraut Soup contains roughly 880 calories, with 16g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (135% of the Daily Value), potassium (53% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 744mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, it often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just reheat on the stove before serving.
Is there a vegetarian option for this soup?
Absolutely! You can replace the smoked sausage with a variety of vegetables like mushrooms or a plant-based sausage. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the cooked chicken for a delicious vegetarian version.
What can I serve with this soup?
This Austrian Sausage and Sauerkraut Soup is quite filling on its own, but it also pairs well with a light salad or some rustic bread. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it with roasted vegetables or a potato dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).