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As the cooler months roll in, I find myself craving comforting bowls that warm me from the inside out. This Crockpot Zuppa Toscana truly hits the spot. It’s a hearty, flavorful soup that’s so easy to prepare, it feels like pure kitchen magic. The spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and nutrient-rich kale come together in a creamy broth that’s simply irresistible.
Honestly, this soup has become my go-to for busy weeknights. It simmers away in the slow cooker, filling the house with a wonderful aroma. Plus, leftovers are fantastic, making lunch the next day a breeze. It’s a delightful dish that never fails to please everyone around my table.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Crockpot Zuppa Toscana is a weeknight warrior!
- Super Easy Prep: Minimal chopping, then let the slow cooker do the work.
- Incredible Flavor: Spicy sausage and creamy broth are pure comfort.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters usually love this hearty soup.
- Perfect for Make-Ahead: It tastes even better the next day!
Crockpot Zuppa Toscana Ingredients
The magic of this Crockpot Zuppa Toscana recipe lies in its simple, yet powerful, combination of everyday ingredients. Together, they create a soup that’s both deeply satisfying and wonderfully comforting.
Here’s what makes this Italian sausage soup so special:
- Bacon and Hot Italian Sausage: This dynamic duo brings bold, savory flavor and a hint of spice. They form the delicious foundation of our soup.
- Yellow Onion and Garlic: These aromatics build those essential savory layers. They add depth and a wonderful fragrance as they cook down.
- Chicken Broth and Water: These liquids create the soup’s base. Using low-sodium broth lets you better control the saltiness.
- Russet Potatoes: They become wonderfully tender, adding creamy texture. Cut them uniformly for even cooking, so you get perfect bites every time.
- Salt, Black Pepper, Sugar, and Nutmeg: These seasonings fine-tune the flavor. A pinch of sugar balances the acidity. Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth.
- Heavy Cream: This makes the broth luxuriously creamy and rich. It turns a simple soup into something indulgent.
- Kale: Packed with nutrients, kale adds a pleasant slight bitterness and lovely chew. It brings fresh color and goodness.
- Parmesan Cheese (Optional): A sprinkle on top adds a salty, nutty finish. It’s a little something extra that makes it sing.
Substitutions and Tips
- Sausage Swap: For a milder soup, use mild Italian sausage instead of hot. Or try a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
- Green Goodness: No kale? Baby spinach is a great stand-in. Just stir it in during the last 10-15 minutes until wilted.
- Potato Prep: Wash and cut potatoes, no need to peel! This saves time and adds extra fiber. Just make sure they’re cut evenly.
- Flavor Boost: A splash of white wine with the onions and garlic adds another layer of complexity.
- Make it Thicker: If you prefer a very thick soup, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the slow cooker.
You’ll find the exact measurements for this Crockpot Zuppa Toscana in the printable recipe card below. Happy cooking!
How to Make Crockpot Zuppa Toscana
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by frying the bacon and sausage. Use a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat. Continue until the sausage is browned. This takes about 7 to 8 minutes. Crumble the sausage as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for just one more minute. This step builds wonderful flavor.
Step 2: Slow Cooker Assembly
Drain off most of the grease. Transfer the cooked meat mixture to your slow cooker. Add the chicken broth and water. Next, add your cut potatoes. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, sugar, and nutmeg. Give everything a good stir. This ensures all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 3: Slow Cooking Time
Now, cover your slow cooker. Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. Alternatively, you can cook it on low for 5 to 6 hours. This low and slow method tenderizes everything perfectly. It allows the flavors to deepen wonderfully.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Stir in the heavy cream and chopped kale. Make sure they are well combined. Cover the slow cooker again. Cook on high for another 30 minutes. This is when the magic happens. The kale wilts. The soup becomes wonderfully creamy. Serve your Crockpot Zuppa Toscana warm. Top with grated Parmesan cheese, if you like.
Print
Crockpot Zuppa Toscana
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: 4-6.5 hours
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful Crockpot Zuppa Toscana, featuring spicy Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and nutrient-rich kale in a creamy broth.
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 chicken broth (low sodium)
- 2 cups water
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into about 1-inch pieces (or unpeeled by cleaning, rinsing and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 teaspoon salt, more or less, to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, more or less, to taste
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3 cups tightly packed chopped kale with large stems removed, chopped into about 2-inch pieces
- Freshly grated Parmesan (optional topping)
Instructions
- Fry bacon and sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until cooked and sausage is browned and no longer pink (about 7 to 8 minutes), crumbling sausage with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Add onion and garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Drain off grease. 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 to 4 hours or low for 5 to 6 hours.
- Add heavy cream and kale and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high heat for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
- Ensure potatoes are cut into relatively uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to your personal preference.
- For a milder flavor, use mild Italian sausage instead of hot.
- If you don’t have kale, spinach can be used as a substitute, added in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
How to Store Crockpot Zuppa Toscana
Leftovers of this comforting Crockpot Zuppa Toscana are truly a gift.
Proper storage ensures it stays delicious.
Cool the soup completely before storing. This typically takes about an hour at room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your soup will be good for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for about 2 months. Remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Give it a good stir when you reheat it.
Tips for Success
- Cut potatoes evenly. This ensures they cook through.
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Your preference matters most here.
- Don’t overcook the kale. A slight chew is ideal.
- For a richer soup, use half-and-half instead of only cream.
- Ensure your slow cooker is at least a 5-quart size.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large Skillet: For browning the sausage and bacon. A cast-iron skillet works wonderfully.
- 6-Quart Slow Cooker: This is essential for the “set it and forget it” magic.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping onions and potatoes.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and breaking up the sausage.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
- A simple side salad complements the richness.
- Offer extra Parmesan cheese on the side.
- A glass of crisp white wine or a light lager pairs nicely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Crockpot Zuppa Toscana ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sausage soup tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What kind of sausage is best for this Crockpot Zuppa Toscana?
Hot Italian sausage gives this soup its signature kick. For a milder version, mild Italian sausage is a great choice. You could also explore other flavored sausages.
How can I make this soup milder or spicier?
To make it milder, use mild Italian sausage. You can also reduce the amount of hot sausage or omit it. For more spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking.
What can I substitute for kale in this recipe?
Spinach is a fantastic substitute for kale. Add it during the last 15 minutes of cooking. It will wilt nicely into the creamy broth. Swiss chard is another option.
