Zuppa Toscana - Olive Garden Copycat
Ingredients
- 6 ozbacon
chopped
- 1 lbitalian sausage
the "hot" variety
- 1 mediumhead garlic
10 large cloves, peeled and minced or pressed
- 1 mediumonion
finely diced
- 6 cchicken broth/stock)
(48 oz
- 4 cwater)
(32 oz
- 5 mediumrusset potatoes
peeled and chopped into 1/4" thick pieces
- 1kale bundle)
leaves stripped and chopped (6 cups
- 1 cwhipping cream
- salt and black pepper to taste
- parmesan cheese to serve
optional
Directions
- 1
In a large pot or dutch oven (5.5 qt), over medium-high heat, add chopped bacon and sauté until browned (5-7 mins). Remove bacon to a paper-towel lined plate and spoon out excess oil, leaving about 1 Tbsp oil in the pot.
- 2
Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with your spatula and sauté until cooked through (5 min). Remove to paper towel lined plate.
- 3
Finely dice onion and add to the pot. Saute 5 min or until soft and golden then add minced garlic and saute 1 min.
- 4
Add 6 cups broth and 4 cups water, and bring to boil. Add sliced potatoes and cook 13-14 min or until easily pierced with a fork.
- 5
When potatoes nearly done, add chopped kale and cooked sausage and bring everything to a light boil.
- 6
Stir in 1 cup cream and bring to boil. Season to taste with salt and black pepper then remove from heat. Garnish with bacon and grated parmesan.
Zuppa Toscana - Olive Garden Copycat
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About this Recipe
Craving the comforting, rich flavors of Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana but want to make it fresh in your own kitchen? This copycat recipe brings that beloved soup right to your table, loaded with savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender kale, and creamy potatoes.
What makes this homemade Zuppa Toscana truly special is the harmonious blend of robust ingredients. The initial rendering of bacon and Italian sausage creates a deeply flavorful foundation, infusing every spoonful of the broth with irresistible savory and smoky notes that are classic to this dish.
You'll discover a wonderfully hearty and comforting soup, boasting a rich, creamy broth that warms you from the inside out. Each spoonful offers a delightful balance of the slightly spicy Italian sausage, the subtle saltiness of bacon, earthy kale, and tender russet potatoes, all brought together by the luxurious touch of whipping cream. It's a substantial, satisfying soup that promises a true taste of Italy, right at home.
While this Zuppa Toscana is delicious as written, it's also incredibly versatile. For a milder soup experience, you can easily swap the hot Italian sausage for a sweet variety. If you're looking for a slightly lighter option, half-and-half can be used in place of whipping cream, though the full cream truly delivers that signature rich texture. Don't be afraid to adjust the salt and black pepper to your personal preference.
This Zuppa Toscana is an ideal comforting meal for a chilly evening or a satisfying family dinner. Serve it hot with an optional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of savory depth that truly elevates the experience.