There’s something utterly soul-warming about a big bowl of Zuppa Toscana Soup: it’s rich, creamy, and packed with hearty potatoes, savory sausage, and vibrant kale, all in a broth that feels like a cozy hug. Whether you’re craving comfort food after a long day or looking to impress guests with an Italian-American classic, this soup delivers bold flavors, irresistible textures, and an aroma that’ll have everyone lining up for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Zuppa Toscana Soup lies in its simplicity, built from a handful of key ingredients that each shine in their own way. Every component plays a crucial part, from the sizzle of bacon to the creaminess of the broth, working together to give you layers of flavor and body in every spoonful.
- Italian sausage: Brings bold, herby, and slightly spicy flavor; use mild or spicy depending on your preference!
- Bacon: Adds smokiness and extra depth, with crispy bits for wonderful contrast.
- Yellow onion: Provides a gentle sweetness and savory foundation for the broth.
- Garlic: Invigorates the soup with aromatics that round out the sausage and bacon.
- Russet potatoes: These slice up creamy and tender, soaking up all the deliciousness.
- Chicken broth: Acts as the flavorful backdrop, keeping everything comforting and well-seasoned.
- Heavy cream: Adds the irresistible richness that makes this soup so decadent—substitute with half-and-half for lighter fare.
- Kale: For pops of color and nutrition, kale wilts into the soup and contrasts the creamy potatoes perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a subtle kick, sprinkle in to taste.
How to Make Zuppa Toscana Soup
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, then toss in your chopped bacon. Cook until it’s beautifully crispy, then scoop it out using a slotted spoon and set it aside. This not only gives you those irresistible bacon bits for garnish, but it also leaves tasty drippings to infuse the rest of your soup.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
To those glorious bacon drippings, add the Italian sausage. Break it up with your spoon as it cooks, making sure it gets nicely browned and crumbly. Not only does the sausage provide savory depth, but the browning adds those delicious caramelized flavors throughout.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Drain most of the excess fat, keeping just enough to sauté the diced onion. Let the onions soften for about 3–4 minutes, then stir in the garlic for the final 30 seconds. The heat wakes up the aromatics, melding beautifully with the sausage.
Step 4: Add Potatoes and Broth
Pile in your thinly sliced russet potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Give everything a good stir, then bring to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat so it simmers—let the potatoes cook until they’re fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes, filling your kitchen with the comforting scent of Zuppa Toscana Soup.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Kale
When the potatoes are perfectly tender, it’s time to add the heavy cream and vibrant chopped kale. Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes, just until the kale is wilted and the broth turns creamy and inviting. Taste, then season with salt, black pepper, and some crushed red pepper flakes if you like things a little spicy.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and shower each portion with the crispy bacon you reserved earlier. This final touch brings even more flavor and a bit of crunch to the party—serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!
How to Serve Zuppa Toscana Soup
Garnishes
For classic Zuppa Toscana Soup flair, sprinkle bowls with those crave-worthy bacon crumbles and maybe a light dusting of grated Parmesan or a scattering of fresh parsley. The salty, savory notes and a pop of color make every bowl as inviting as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs effortlessly with a hunk of rustic Italian bread or garlicky focaccia, perfect for dunking into that luscious broth. If you’d like a lighter partner, a crisp Caesar salad or simple arugula tossed with lemon will brighten up the meal and balance the creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Zuppa Toscana Soup in small bread bowls for a cozy dinner party or ladle it into cute mugs for a hearty starter at your next gathering. Garnish with shards of fried kale or a swirl of cream for that extra “wow” factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool the soup to room temperature, then transfer it into airtight containers. Zuppa Toscana Soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches. The flavors even deepen as it rests!
Freezing
While the potatoes and cream can change texture upon freezing, you can absolutely freeze Zuppa Toscana Soup if needed. Let the soup cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. For the best taste, enjoy within 2 months and reheat gently.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent the cream from splitting and to ensure even warming. Add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened in the fridge. For small servings, microwaving works well—just cover loosely and stir halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use spinach instead of kale?
Absolutely! Spinach wilts much faster than kale, so add it in during the last minute of cooking. It will give you a slightly different texture but keeps the soup vibrant and nutritious.
Is it possible to make Zuppa Toscana Soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a plain, unsweetened plant-based creamer or canned coconut milk (the light version, if you prefer less richness), though the flavor will be a little different. The soup will still be creamy and warming!
What’s the best type Soup
Italian pork sausage is classic, but turkey or chicken sausage work well for a lighter option. Choose mild for a gentler taste or spicy if you like your Zuppa Toscana Soup with a little heat.
How do I adjust the thickness of the soup?
If you’d like a thicker consistency, let the simmering soup reduce slightly longer or mash a few potato slices right in the pot. For a thinner soup, simply add more chicken broth as it cooks.
Can I make Zuppa Toscana Soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the sausage, bacon, and aromatics in a skillet first, then transfer everything except cream and kale to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or until potatoes are tender, stir in kale and cream in the last 30 minutes, then season and serve.
Final Thoughts
If you crave comfort in a bowl, Zuppa Toscana Soup is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s easy, deeply satisfying, and guaranteed to make you—and everyone you serve—feel right at home. Don’t be surprised when it becomes a family favorite!
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Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty soup, Zuppa Toscana is a delicious Italian-American soup featuring Italian sausage, potatoes, kale, and a creamy broth. Perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with family and friends.
Ingredients
Italian Sausage:
1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed,
Bacon:
4 slices bacon, chopped,
Onion:
1 medium yellow onion, diced,
Garlic:
3 cloves garlic, minced,
Potatoes:
4 cups russet potatoes, sliced thinly,
Chicken Broth:
6 cups,
Heavy Cream:
1 cup,
Kale:
3 cups chopped,
Salt and Pepper:
to taste,
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes:
optional
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Sausage: Brown Italian sausage in the same pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Aromatics: Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and cook briefly.
- Cook Potatoes: Add potatoes and chicken broth. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Finish Soup: Stir in cream and kale. Cook until kale is wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Serve: Garnish with crispy bacon and serve hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or turkey sausage.
- Add extra broth for a thinner consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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