For a slightly lighter version, you can reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons and increase the chicken broth to 3/4 cup; the dish will still be rich but a bit less heavy. If you prefer a stronger smoky note, use a heavily smoked kielbasa or add a few drops of liquid smoke to the broth before cooking.
To introduce some color and sweetness while staying close to the original concept, tuck a handful of baby carrots or a sliced yellow onion under the potatoes; they will soften and blend into the juices. For a more herb-forward profile, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of dried parsley or thyme over the top with the soup mix.
If you need to keep sodium in check, choose low-sodium kielbasa and broth, then taste before adding any extra salt, as the onion soup mix is quite seasoned. Leftovers reheat well in a skillet with a splash of broth or water, and you can crisp the potatoes and kielbasa slightly over medium-high heat for a different texture on day two.
