Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned and fragrant.
Transfer the sausage to a plate and leave the flavorful drippings in the pot.
Step 2: Cook the Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion to the same pot.
Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 3: Add the Paprika
Remove the pot from the heat briefly and stir in the Hungarian paprika.
This helps prevent the paprika from burning and becoming bitter.
Return the pot to low heat and add the caraway seeds.
Step 4: Build the Soup
Add the diced potatoes, sauerkraut, bay leaf, broth, and water.
Stir everything together and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5
Step 5: Return the Sausage
Add the browned sausage back to the pot.
Simmer for another 8–10 minutes so the sausage can flavor the broth.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Be careful with the salt because sauerkraut and sausage can already be quite salty.
Step 6: Make It Creamy
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and sour cream until smooth.
Add a few spoonfuls of hot soup to the mixture and whisk well. This gently warms the sour cream and helps prevent it from curdling.
Slowly stir the mixture into the soup.
Simmer for another 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup becomes slightly creamy and thickened.
Step 7: Serve
Remove the bay leaf.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
For an authentic creamy finish, add an extra spoonful of sour cream to each serving.
Tips for the Best Hungarian Sauerkraut Soup
Use a smoked Hungarian-style sausage for the deepest flavor.
Taste the sauerkraut before adding it. If it is extremely sour, rinse it lightly and drain well.
Don’t burn the paprika—it can become bitter very quickly.
Add sour cream gradually to keep the soup smooth.
For a thicker soup, mash a few of the cooked potatoes directly in the pot.
Letting the soup rest for 10–15 minutes before serving allows the flavors to come together.
What Does Hungarian Sauerkraut & Sausage Soup Taste Like?
The soup has a wonderful balance of smoky, savory, tangy, and creamy flavors.
The sausage provides richness, the sauerkraut brings brightness and acidity, while Hungarian paprika gives the broth its characteristic warm flavor. Sour cream softens the tanginess and creates a silky finish.
What to Serve With It
This soup is especially delicious with:
Crusty rye bread
Hungarian white bread
Fresh sourdough
Pickles
Extra sour cream
Fresh parsley
A thick slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead?
Yes! This soup is excellent for meal preparation.
Make it a day ahead, allow it to cool, and refrigerate it in a covered container. The flavors often become even more developed after resting overnight.
When reheating, warm it gently over medium-low heat and avoid bringing the soup to a vigorous boil.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat individual portions on the stovetop or in the microwave until thoroughly hot.
Can I Freeze It?
Yes, although soups containing sour cream can sometimes change texture after freezing.
For the best result, prepare and freeze the soup before adding the sour cream mixture. Thaw it in the refrigerator, reheat gently, and stir in fresh sour cream when serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of sausage should I use?
A smoked Hungarian sausage, such as a Hungarian-style paprika sausage, works beautifully. You can also use kielbasa if Hungarian sausage isn’t available.
Do I need to rinse the sauerkraut?
Not necessarily. If you enjoy a strong tangy flavor, simply drain it. If your sauerkraut is very sour or salty, rinse it briefly before using.
Can I add meat besides sausage?
Yes. Smoked pork, ham, or leftover cooked pork can be added for an even heartier soup.
Can I make it without sour cream?
Absolutely. The soup will still be delicious. You can leave it brothy or thicken it slightly with mashed potatoes.
Is this soup spicy?
Traditional Hungarian paprika doesn’t necessarily make the soup spicy. Use sweet paprika for a mild, rich flavor and add hot paprika only if you want some heat.
This Hungarian Sauerkraut and Sausage Soup is hearty, rustic, and full of classic Central European flavors. 🇭🇺🥣
With smoky sausage, tangy sauerkraut, tender potatoes, paprika, and creamy sour cream, it’s a comforting homemade meal that’s perfect for family dinners, chilly evenings, and anyone who loves traditional Hungarian cooking.
