Homemade Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe
If you crave cozy comfort in a bowl, this Homemade Zuppa Toscana Soup will quickly become your go-to recipe for chilly evenings and family gatherings. Bursting with savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and fresh kale, each bite brings heartiness and creamy goodness with a subtle heat and rich Parmesan finish. This soup feels both rustic and satisfyingly indulgent, making it irresistible whenever you need a comforting homemade meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Every item in this recipe brings something special to your Homemade Zuppa Toscana Soup—whether it’s deep flavor, color, or the luxurious, creamy finish. Gather these simple kitchen staples for a soup that truly feels (and tastes) like a classic Italian restaurant favorite.
- Italian Sausage: Choose mild for a classic flavor or hot if you like a bit of spice; the sausage gives the soup its signature savor.
- Bacon: Adds smoky depth and that irresistible crunch for both hearty bites and the final garnish.
- Onion: Diced onion softens for a sweet undertone and classic aromatic background.
- Garlic: Just a few cloves boost all the flavors, adding warmth and complexity.
- Russet Potatoes: Sliced thin, these become tender and creamy as they simmer, soaking up all those flavors.
- Chicken Broth: This is the soup’s backbone, infusing the whole pot with savory depth.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings bring out every other ingredient’s best notes.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a subtle kick that really wakes up the bowl.
- Heavy Cream: Gives that classic creamy texture and rich mouthfeel everyone loves.
- Fresh Kale: Chopped kale offers freshness, color, and a slight earthy bite that pairs perfectly with the creamy base.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: It melts into the soup, adding salty, nutty depth and tying everything together.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Bright green flecks make every serving look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Homemade Zuppa Toscana Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Crumble the Italian sausage directly into the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. This step is where the flavor-building magic begins, so don’t rush it! Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
Add the chopped bacon to your pot, letting the fat render out as the pieces become perfectly crisp. This will usually take around 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove half the bacon for garnishing later and leave the rest in the pot to infuse every spoonful with rich, smoky flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Lower the heat slightly and add the diced onion to the pot. Let it gently soften in the bacon drippings for about 4 minutes, releasing sweet aromas. Next, stir in the minced garlic and allow it to cook just until fragrant—about 1 minute—being careful not to brown it.
Step 4: Simmer Potatoes in Broth
Add the thinly sliced potatoes, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and (if you’re craving some heat) the crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The potatoes should be fork-tender and creamy at this stage, soaking up all the savory goodness from the broth.
Step 5: Add Sausage, Cream, Kale, and Cheese
Stir the cooked sausage back into the pot, followed by the heavy cream and chopped kale. Let everything simmer for an additional 5 minutes, just until the kale has wilted and the soup becomes luxuriously creamy. Finish by stirring in the grated Parmesan cheese, tasting, and adjusting the seasonings if needed. This step really brings your Homemade Zuppa Toscana Soup together—with all the hallmark flavors in harmony!
How to Serve Homemade Zuppa Toscana Soup

Garnishes
A beautiful bowl of Homemade Zuppa Toscana Soup deserves a stunning finish. Sprinkle each serving with the reserved crispy bacon and a shower of fresh parsley. If you like extra cheesiness, add another dusting of Parmesan. This not only adds color but ensures that every bite is layered with flavor and a little crunch.
Side Dishes
This soup is downright dreamy when served with crusty bread or soft breadsticks—perfect for dipping and sopping up all that creamy broth. For a more complete meal, pair it with a simple green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, or offer roasted vegetables for even more comforting, Italian-inspired goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress with style by serving Homemade Zuppa Toscana Soup in rustic bread bowls, or ladle it into individual mugs for a cozy appetizer. For dinner parties, arrange soup bowls on a wooden board alongside bowls of extra Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and rustic croutons—let everyone customize their own bowl for a fun, interactive dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Homemade Zuppa Toscana Soup keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let the soup cool slightly, then transfer it to airtight containers. The flavors deepen overnight, so leftovers are just as delightful, if not even more so!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this soup for future comfort. Let it cool fully, then pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion. It’s best enjoyed within 2 months. For best consistency, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, as cream-based soups can sometimes separate when frozen.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, reheat your Homemade Zuppa Toscana Soup gently over medium-low heat, stirring often. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up. Take care not to boil, as this helps preserve the creamy texture and vibrant flavors.
FAQs
Can I make Homemade Zuppa Toscana Soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free coffee creamer. You can also omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep things creamy and still rich in flavor.
What is the best way to slice potatoes for this soup?
Cutting potatoes into thin half-moons helps them cook quickly and evenly, becoming perfectly tender without falling apart. If you love a bit more bite, slice them a little thicker, or use a mandoline for uniform pieces.
Can I substitute a different green for kale?
Definitely. Spinach is a great fast-wilting substitute if you prefer a milder leafy option. Swiss chard or even escarole also work—just adjust the simmering time so the greens stay vibrant but tender.
Is Homemade Zuppa Toscana Soup spicy?
The soup has a gentle background heat if you use hot Italian sausage and add crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder version, opt for mild sausage and skip the extra chile—it’s flavorful and kid-friendly either way.
Can I make Homemade Zuppa Toscana Soup in a slow cooker?
You sure can! Brown the sausage and bacon on the stovetop first, then add all ingredients except the cream, kale, and cheese to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 5–6 hours, then stir in the cream, kale, and cheese during the last 30 minutes.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to share and savor this Homemade Zuppa Toscana Soup. There’s just something special about a simmering pot of this Italian-American favorite that brings everyone to the table. So gather your favorite people, a loaf of crusty bread, and a ladle—your next cozy, flavor-filled dinner is waiting!
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Homemade Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy Homemade Zuppa Toscana Soup recipe that is perfect for a cozy night in. This hearty soup features Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, kale, and a touch of Parmesan cheese in a rich broth.
Ingredients
Italian Sausage:
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
Bacon:
4 slices bacon, chopped
Onion:
1 medium onion, diced
Garlic:
4 cloves garlic, minced
Potatoes:
4 medium russet potatoes, sliced into thin half-moons
Chicken Broth:
6 cups
Salt:
1 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/2 teaspoon
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes:
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Heavy Cream:
1 cup
Kale:
4 cups chopped fresh kale, stems removed
Parmesan Cheese:
1/2 cup grated
Fresh Parsley:
for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: Add chopped bacon to the pot, cook until crispy. Reserve half for garnish.
- Saute Onion and Garlic: Cook onion in bacon drippings, then add garlic.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Add potatoes, broth, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in cooked sausage, cream, and kale. Simmer until kale wilts. Stir in Parmesan.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste, adjust seasoning if needed. Serve garnished with bacon and parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute spinach for kale if desired.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread or breadsticks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1180 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg