Chef Amber Kortlever’s Creamy Sausage and Sauerkraut Soup has a special place in my heart, thanks to my co-worker and friend, Betty. The recipe originally came from Betty’s neighbor, and I first encountered it in a rather unexpected way. Betty was on her way to a funeral with a crockpot full of this creamy, flavorful soup when she stopped by our office. She came in through the back door and insisted I try a taste, declaring that I would love it. And she was right—I did LOOOOVE it! I immediately asked her for the recipe, and she was kind enough to share it with me. Since then, I’ve made it for my family, and it has become a beloved staple in our home for over 20 years. This soup is more than just a meal; it’s a cherished tradition that brings comfort and joy to our table.

This soup comes together faster than you can prep it all. It requires just 5 main ingredients. Potatoes, onions, cream cheese, smoked sausage, and sauerkraut. Don’t skimp on the quality of these five ingredients. Go to your local German deli and pick up a good smoked meat and homemade sauerkraut. You’ll be surprised at what you find and will be helping a small business.

The steps to creating this delicious German recipe are easy. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil cooking potatoes and onions. No need to brown anything just stir those raw ingredients directly into the water. Then, you will cook your potatoes until they are just about cooked through when you reduce the heat to stir in your softened cream cheese. A creamy soup without cream, I know! Once the cream cheese has melted you stir in your smoked sausage and sauerkraut to add in all its delicious flavor. Let that cook for a few more minutes, season it with some salt, garnish with some chives if you want, and soups done!

This recipe will change your mind about sauerkraut, I promise. Sauerkraut haters welcome. The creamy flavor of the soup with the smokey meat and soft potato bites balance the funky flavors of this fermented delicacy. If you love sauerkraut, you may never find a better way to eat it than in this soup. It blew my socks right off me.