Hungarian-Style Sauerkraut Soup with Chorizo and Mushrooms

1 Reviews
Published Aug 13, 2026 ∙ Kristina Stosek

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Hungarian-Style Sauerkraut Soup with Chorizo and Mushrooms is a hearty, naturally gluten-free soup packed with tangy sauerkraut, smoky paprika, earthy wild mushrooms, chorizo, and tender potato. Caraway seeds and garlic add depth, while a swirl of sour cream brings everything together with a creamy finish. The result is a satisfying soup with a delicious balance of smoky, tangy, savory, and creamy flavors.

sauerkraut soup in a bowl with sausage, carrots, mushrooms and sour cream

Recipe Highlights

  • Bold Hungarian-inspired flavor: Smoked paprika, caraway seeds, garlic, and tangy sauerkraut create a deeply savory broth.
  • Loaded with hearty ingredients: Gluten-free chorizo, wild mushrooms, and grated potato make this soup satisfying without making it heavy.
  • Naturally gluten-free: The soup is naturally gluten-free when made with certified gluten-free chorizo and sauerkraut.
  • Even better the next day: The flavors deepen as the soup rests, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.
  • Easy to make plant-based: A simple swap for the chorizo and sour cream makes this soup vegetarian and plant-based.

What Makes This Sauerkraut Soup So Flavorful

This version takes inspiration from Hungarian flavors, pairing tangy sauerkraut with smoky paprika, caraway, wild mushrooms, and chorizo. The grated potato naturally thickens the broth slightly, while sour cream adds a creamy contrast to the bold savory flavors.

Sauerkraut Soup Tips & Storing

Can I use fresh cabbage instead of sauerkraut?
No. Fresh cabbage won’t provide the distinctive tangy flavor that defines this soup. Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage, and its acidity is an important part of the recipe.

Is sauerkraut soup gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free when all packaged ingredients, particularly the chorizo and sauerkraut, are certified gluten-free. Always check the labels, as some processed products may contain gluten-containing ingredients.

Can I make sauerkraut soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, this soup tastes even better after resting overnight. Once cooled, refrigerate it promptly in an airtight container and gently reheat it when ready to serve..

How long does sauerkraut soup keep?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator and use them within 6 – 7 days for best quality and food safety. The soup can also be frozen, although the texture of the sour cream may change slightly after thawing.

Sauerkraut Soup Variations

bowl of Christmas sauerkraut soup on festive table cloths

  • Make it plant-based: Use plant-based sausage and a dairy-free sour cream alternative.
  • Add more vegetables: Carrots and thinly sliced bell peppers work especially well in this soup.
  • Use fresh mushrooms: Dried wild mushrooms provide deeper flavor, but fresh mushrooms can be used instead.
  • Adjust the spice: Use sweet paprika instead of smoked paprika for a milder flavor, or add more smoked paprika for extra smokiness.
  • Try the Slovak-style egg variation: In some Slovak versions of sauerkraut soup, eggs are added toward the end of cooking and gently poached in the hot broth. You can add a few eggs for a richer, more substantial soup.
  • Change the sausage: Gluten-free smoked sausage or another fully cooked sausage can be substituted for chorizo.

Serving Ideas

Serve this sauerkraut soup hot with a generous spoonful of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. For a hearty meal, pair it with slices of Gluten-Free German potato bread or warm gluten-free pull-apart soft rolls for soaking up the flavorful broth.

Or German Potatoes with Parsley, making it a satisfying and filling meal, even for big appetites.

Hi, I’m Kristina, a gluten-free recipe developer creating and testing recipes since 2012. Every recipe on this site is made in my kitchen and personally tested (with the help of my very honest family!).

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Hungarian-Style Sauerkraut Soup with Chorizo and Mushrooms

1 review
Published Aug 13, 2026 · Kristina Stosek
Prep Time:
15 min
Cooking Time:
180 min
Serves:
8

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 medium size yellow onions, chopped
1 Tbsp. GF smoked paprika (sweet paprika will work too)
2 GF bay leaves
½ tsp. GF caraway seeds
6 cups pure sauerkraut packed in glass jars, drain and rinse once
1 cup dried wild mushrooms (you can use fresh mushrooms, but dried add a lot more flavour)
2 links of gluten-free chorizo sausage, cut into 2-inch long pieces
1 large potato, peel and grate just before adding into the soup
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup full fat sour cream
Garnish: fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Sauté the onions: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook for 5–7 minutes, until golden. Stir in paprika, bay leaves, and caraway seeds and cook for 30 seconds.
  2. Add the sauerkraut: Add the drained, rinsed sauerkraut and stir well to coat it with the onion and spice mixture.
  3. Add the remaining ingredients: Add mushrooms, chorizo, and enough water to cover the sauerkraut by about 2 inches. Add carrots or bell peppers at this stage, if using.
  4. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and gently simmer for 2–3 hours, allowing the flavors to develop.
  5. Add the potato and garlic: Stir in the grated potato and garlic and simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes, or until the potato has softened and the soup has thickened slightly.
  6. Cool and refrigerate: Remove from the heat and allow the soup to cool, then refrigerate overnight. The flavors deepen considerably as the soup rests.
  7. Reheat and serve: Reheat gently over medium-low heat. Remove the bay leaves, then ladle into bowls and top with sour cream and fresh parsley.

Nutrition Info

  • Per Serving: Approximately 245 calories, 15 g total fat, 5 g saturated fat, 25 mg cholesterol, 900 mg sodium, 15 g carbohydrates, 5 g dietary fiber, 5 g total sugars, and 8 g protein. | Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands. Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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