1. Can I make Crock Pot Zuppa Toscana with a different type of sausage?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of hot Italian sausage, you can easily swap it for mild Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or chicken sausage. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using plant-based sausage for a meat-free version. Keep in mind that different sausages may affect the overall flavor of the soup, so adjust seasonings accordingly.

2. How can I thicken the broth in Crock Pot Zuppa Toscana?

If you prefer a thicker broth, try mashing some of the cooked potatoes and stirring them back into the soup. Alternatively, you can make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1½ tablespoons of cornstarch with 2-3 tablespoons of cold water or additional cream, then add it to the soup when you add the kale and heavy cream. This will give the soup a creamier, heartier texture.

3. Can I freeze Crock Pot Zuppa Toscana?

It’s not recommended to freeze this soup because the cream can separate when defrosted, making the texture grainy. For the best texture, it’s best to enjoy the soup fresh or store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, do so gently to maintain its creamy consistency.

4. Can I use a different type of leafy green instead of kale?

Yes, if you don’t have kale, you can substitute it with spinach or Swiss chard. While kale adds a distinctive texture and flavor, both spinach and Swiss chard will still give the soup a nutritious, leafy green component. Just make sure to add them towards the end of the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

Crock Pot Zuppa Toscana: Easy Comfort Food Recipe

Name: Crock Pot Zuppa Toscana
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h 30 min
Total time: 4 h 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 5 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped into ½-inch pieces; 1 (20 ounce) package hot Italian sausage, casings removed; 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion; 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic; 1 (32 ounce) container low-sodium chicken broth; 2 cups water; 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste); 2 teaspoons granulated sugar; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 cups heavy cream; 3 cups tightly packed chopped kale, stems removed; Freshly grated Parmesan (optional topping)

Description

Crock Pot Zuppa Toscana is a creamy, hearty soup made with sausage, bacon, potatoes, and kale, cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. This easy recipe is a comforting meal for chilly days, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

5 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped into ½-inch pieces
1 (20 ounce) package hot Italian sausage, casings removed
1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
1 (32 ounce) container low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups water
4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups heavy cream
3 cups tightly packed chopped kale, stems removed
Freshly grated Parmesan (optional topping)

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Instructions

Fry bacon and sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the sausage is browned and no longer pink (about 7-8 minutes), breaking the sausage apart as it cooks. Add onion and garlic, cooking for another minute.
Drain the grease and transfer the mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
Add chicken broth, water, potatoes, salt, pepper, sugar, and nutmeg. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
Stir in heavy cream and kale. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes.
Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Cut the potatoes into even 1-inch pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
Drain the fat from the sausage and bacon to prevent the soup from being greasy.
Don’t overcook the kale—add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking for the best texture.
If you prefer a thicker broth, mash some of the potatoes and return them to the soup.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 879
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 1890mg
Fat: 71g
Saturated Fat: 33g
Unsaturated Fat: 33g
Trans Fat: 0.04g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 184mg