Copycat Zuppa Toscana
Ingredients
- 4 strips thick-cut bacon
cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
casings removed
- 4 to 5 large russet potatoes
unpeeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes, about 2 1/2 pounds
- 3 cloves garlic
minced
- 1 large white onion
diced
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 6 cups curly kale
stems removed and leaves roughly chopped
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
Directions
- 1
Cook the bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate with a slotted spoon; set aside to drain. Add the Italian sausage to the drippings and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Transfer to the paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- 2
Add the potatoes, garlic and onion to the drippings and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, 6 to 8 minutes. Season with the crushed red pepper flakes and salt and pepper. Add the chicken broth, increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are tender and cooked through, 12 to 15 minutes.
- 3
Add the kale, heavy cream, bacon and sausage and cook over medium heat until the kale is tender, another 5 minutes. Stir in the vinegar just before serving.
Copycat Zuppa Toscana
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About this Recipe
Craving the comforting, savory flavors of a restaurant-favorite Zuppa Toscana without leaving your kitchen? This copycat recipe delivers that rich, creamy soup experience right to your table, bringing warmth and satisfaction to any meal.
The magic in this Copycat Zuppa Toscana lies in its simple yet powerful combination of ingredients. The marriage of smoky thick-cut bacon and robust sweet Italian sausage creates a foundational depth of flavor that is truly irresistible. Hearty russet potatoes and fresh kale then join the party, all brought together in a rich chicken broth and finished with heavy cream for that signature velvety texture.
What you can expect from this Zuppa Toscana is a wonderfully hearty and incredibly flavorful soup. Each spoonful offers a delightful medley of savory meat, tender potatoes, and vibrant, slightly bitter kale, all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy broth. A subtle hint of crushed red pepper flakes provides a gentle warmth, perfectly balancing the richness without overwhelming the palate. This soup is designed to be deeply comforting and satisfying, making it a perfect meal for a chilly evening.
Customization & Variations
While delicious as is, this soup is also wonderfully adaptable. You can easily adjust the spice by increasing or decreasing the crushed red pepper flakes, or swap sweet Italian sausage for hot Italian sausage if you prefer more heat. For a different green, spinach can be used in place of kale, though kale holds up beautifully in the broth. You can also experiment with Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly creamier texture, although russets absorb the flavorful broth wonderfully.
This robust soup makes a satisfying main course, ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or for serving a crowd. Pair it with some crusty garlic bread or a simple side salad to complete your meal.