Why Make This Recipe
Copycat Zuppa Toscana brings the famous flavors of a beloved restaurant soup right to your home. This creamy, hearty soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or a satisfying meal on a cold day. It combines savory sausage, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and rich cream, making it a tasty dish everyone will love. Making it at home allows you to enjoy this delightful soup whenever you crave it.
How to Make Copycat Zuppa Toscana
Ingredients :
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1/2 lb bacon
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups kale, chopped
Directions :
- In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage and bacon over medium heat until browned. Remove the sausage and bacon, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened.
- Stir in the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender.
- Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked sausage, bacon, and chopped kale to the pot. Simmer for a few more minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot.
How to Serve Copycat Zuppa Toscana
Serve your Copycat Zuppa Toscana hot, preferably in a bowl garnished with extra kale or cheese if desired. This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal. Enjoy it with family and friends for a comforting dining experience.
How to Store Copycat Zuppa Toscana
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Copycat Zuppa Toscana
- For a healthier option, use turkey sausage or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage.
- If you prefer it spicier, add more crushed red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños.
- You can also add other vegetables like carrots or spinach to enhance the soup’s flavors and nutrition.
- Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less chicken broth or cream based on your preference.
Variation
You can switch up the ingredients based on your taste. For a vegetarian version, replace the sausage and bacon with plant-based options and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could also add beans for added protein.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the soup a day in advance. Just reheat it before serving.
Can I use other types of greens instead of kale?
Yes! You can use spinach, Swiss chard, or even collard greens if you prefer.
Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the sausage and bacon first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the cream and kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Copycat Zuppa Toscana
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage Use your preferred type for flavor.
- 1/2 lb bacon Crispy bacon enhances the soup's flavor.
- 4 medium potatoes, diced Choose your favorite type of potato.
- 1 onion, chopped Yellow or white onion works best.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic adds more flavor.
- 4 cups chicken broth Low-sodium is recommended.
- 2 cups heavy cream For a less rich soup, use half-and-half.
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes Adjust according to spice preference.
- Salt and pepper to taste Season according to your taste.
- 2 cups kale, chopped Can substitute with other greens.
Method
Cooking
- In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage and bacon over medium heat until browned. Remove the sausage and bacon, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened.
- Stir in the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender.
- Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked sausage, bacon, and chopped kale to the pot. Simmer for a few more minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot.