Kartoffelsuppe: Creamy, Hearty, and Built for Beer-Weather — A Slow-Cooked Oktoberfest Classic

This Crockpot German Potato Soup is pure comfort: a creamy, rustic blend of potatoes, leeks, bacon, and herbs slow-simmered into a rich, stick-to-your-ribs stew.

It’s the kind of soup that warms the whole house and pairs perfectly with a crusty pretzel and a stein of malty lager. Mildly smoky, herby, and ultra-satisfying, it’s Oktoberfest in a bowl — no matter the weather.

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

• 6 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and diced
• 2 leeks, cleaned and sliced (white and light green parts only)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup beer (Weissbier, Helles, or Kölsch — light and malty)
• 4 strips bacon, chopped (or use smoked sausage for a twist)
• 1 tsp dried marjoram (or thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk (optional, for creamy version)
• Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish

Optional Add-Ins

• 1–2 carrots, diced
• Celery for extra depth
• Crushed red pepper for heat
• Dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche when serving

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics (Recommended)

1. In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté onion, leeks, and garlic in a spoonful of bacon fat until softened (5–7 minutes).
3. Add to the crockpot with the potatoes, broth, beer, herbs, and bay leaf.

Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender

• Cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are soft.
• Discard bay leaf. Mash some of the potatoes in the pot or use an immersion blender for a creamier texture (leave some chunks for rustic feel).

Step 3: Finish Creamy (Optional)

1. Stir in cream or milk for extra richness. Heat through for another 10–15 minutes.
2. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir in cooked bacon or sprinkle on top when serving.

Step 4: Serve Hot

1. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or extra bacon bits.
2. Serve with rye bread, pretzels, or a brat on the side.

Flavor Variations

• Use smoked sausage or ham instead of bacon for a heartier, meaty version
• Add shredded cheese (Emmental, Gruyère) for a Bavarian twist
• Sub beer with apple cider for a fruit-forward, autumnal spin
• Blend fully for a velvety, creamy soup or leave chunky for rustic texture

Beer Pairing

In the Pot

• Weissbier, Helles, or Kölsch — light, bready, and aromatic
• Avoid dark or overly bitter beers — they can overpower the soup

In Your Glass

• Dunkelweizen or Märzen for malt-forward harmony
• Cream ales or blonde ales as lighter pairings
• Rauchbier (smoked lager) if using smoked sausage or ham

Final Thoughts

Crockpot German Potato Soup is simple, soul-warming fare — the kind you serve in big mugs with a warm pretzel and a side of beer. With smoky bacon, sweet leeks, and creamy potatoes, it’s Oktoberfest comfort food that practically makes itself.

Hearty, herby, and beer-friendly — this soup is worth the slow simmer. 🥣🥔🍺🍂

🍷 Explore Our Top Cooking with Wine Recipe Collections

From rich red wine braises to light white wine seafood, creamy sauces, and elegant entrées — these roundups highlight the best of wine-infused cooking. Whether you’re making a cozy weeknight meal or a dinner-party centerpiece, there’s a wine-forward recipe collection to inspire your next pour.

• 🍽️ Cooking with Wine (Main Hub) – Your essential guide to wine-based dishes, sauces, and flavor pairings.
• 🥩 Wine-Infused Main Dishes – Short ribs, Beef Stew, Coq au Vin, and wine-marinated steak and simmered classics with bold depth.
• 🍗 White Wine Chicken & Seafood – Garlic shrimp, wine-butter cod, Chardonnay chicken, and light, flavorful mains.
• 🥖 Wine Can Chicken & Grilled Favorites – A gourmet twist on beer-can chicken with lemon, herbs, and dry white wine.
• 🍝 Wine Sauces & Pan Reductions – Restaurant-style sauces made easy — red wine reductions, lemon-butter, and creamy pan sauces.
• 🍷 Holiday & Elegant Dinners – From Syrah-marinated steaks to Bordeaux-sauced roasts, perfect for special occasions.
• 🥂 Cooking with Sparkling Wines – Light, bubbly recipes featuring Champagne, Prosecco, and cava (great for brunches!).