This Olive Garden Potato Soup is creamy and filled with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and cheese. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl on chilly days!
Honestly, it’s so comforting that I often find myself making a double batch. Perfect for leftovers or cozy nights in. Who needs a restaurant when you can whip this up at home? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: Bacon adds a nice crunch and flavor to the soup. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon can be a great substitute. I often use less bacon when I want to lighten the dish while still enjoying that smoky flavor.
Italian Sausage: While traditional Italian sausage is fantastic, you can swap in ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version. Vegetarian sausage is also a great substitute for a meat-free option.
Potatoes: The recipe calls for russet potatoes for that fluffy texture. If you have Yukon Gold on hand, they work too – they’re creamy and delicious! For a lower-carb option, cauliflower can substitute potatoes, though it will change the texture slightly.
Heavy Cream & Half-and-Half: If you’re aiming to cut calories, you can use whole milk instead of heavy cream. Cashew or almond milk can also work for a dairy-free option, just be mindful of flavors.
How Do I Achieve the Right Texture When Pureeing the Soup?
Getting the perfect texture is key for this soup! When you use an immersion blender, aim for a few pulses to slightly puree the soup. You want some potato chunks left intact for that hearty feel. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer a few cups to a regular blender and pulse, then stir back into the pot.
- Start by ensuring your soup is hot but not boiling rapidly, as this prevents splattering.
- Blend a portion of the soup for a creamier base while maintaining some chunky pieces for texture.
How to Make Olive Garden Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Soup:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (optional)
- Extra bacon bits (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation and around 30-35 minutes for cooking, totaling approximately 60 minutes. It’s a bit of a labor of love, but oh so worth it once you taste that creamy goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Bacon:
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it is crispy, stirring occasionally. Once done, carefully remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Make sure to keep the delicious bacon drippings in the pot; they’re full of flavor!
2. Browning the Sausage:
In the same pot with the bacon drippings, add the Italian sausage. Break it up into small crumbles as it cooks, allowing it to brown nicely. Once it’s cooked through, remove it with a slotted spoon and set it aside with the crispy bacon.
3. Sautéing the Onions and Garlic:
Add the diced onions to the pot and sauté them for about 5 minutes until they become translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until it’s fragrant, filling your kitchen with delicious aroma!
4. Thickening the Soup:
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes; this helps to create a thicker base for your soup.
5. Adding the Broth:
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil—this will create the perfect foundation for your soup.
6. Cooking the Vegetables:
Add the diced potatoes and carrots to the pot. Reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are nice and tender.
7. Pureeing the Soup:
Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup right in the pot. You want to puree some of the soup for a creamy texture while leaving some potato chunks for that hearty feel—so don’t overdo it!
8. Creamy Base:
Stir in both the heavy cream and half-and-half, mixing well until everything is combined and creamy.
9. Adding the Flavor:
Add the cooked bacon, sausage, chopped spinach (or kale), shredded mozzarella cheese, and dried basil into the soup. Let it cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cheese has melted and the greens have wilted.
10. Final Seasoning:
Now is the time to taste your soup! Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits on top. Enjoy every spoonful of this creamy, comforting delight!
This deliciously creamy soup brings the flavors of Olive Garden right to your kitchen. Perfect for a cozy meal with family or friends!
Can I Use Different leafy Greens in This Soup?
Absolutely! While spinach and kale are traditional choices, you can easily substitute with Swiss chard or even collard greens. Just make sure to chop them into smaller pieces to ensure they wilt nicely in the soup.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and sausage. For a vegan option, you can substitute the heavy cream and half-and-half with coconut milk or a plant-based cream. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a flavorful base.
How Long Will Leftover Soup Last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, and adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
What Can I Serve With Olive Garden Potato Soup?
This soup is perfect on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or warm breadsticks for a complete meal. You could even go classic and enjoy it with a side of garlic bread for a cozy touch!
