I must confess, whenever my family and friends want to go out for a quick, impromptu meal or mini-celebration, we hit up Olive Garden.
Now, I live in a metropolitan area chock-full of authentic, four-star trattorias, so why would we go to Olive Garden?
While it's not exactly a Mecca of amazing Italian cuisine, it's got a fun, laid back atmosphere (they really do treat you like family), there's the endless breadsticks and salad, and honestly, they do have some really tasty dishes.
One of my favorites is the Zuppa Toscana (Tuscan soup). Made with heavy cream, kale, Italian sausage, potatoes, garlic, chicken stock, and chunks of bacon, it's one of the main reasons I'll suggest Olive Garden when we're trying to decide where to go.
The soup has a delicious combination of rich earthy flavors and textures, and it's made even better by pairing it with the iconic breadsticks.
Needless to say, I've developed my own copycat version at home, because sometimes this girl is too busy to go out. The great part is, it's easy to make and it's gluten-free.
So, it's a definite go to for anyone with gluten allergies. The only issue is sometimes I miss my breadsticks on the side. But it's OK, because when it comes to what to eat with Zuppa Toscana, I found a gaggle of great sides.
So if you're ready to copycat this awesome soup and need to know what goes with Zuppa Toscana, come for a stroll through the garden of recipes below.
Breads
1. Chewy Italian Rolls
If you're on the search for what bread to serve with Zuppa toscana, you can't go wrong with these soft and chewy rolls.
Rustic and homemade, these mini ciabatta-style rolls are ideal for soaking up every last drop of that delicious, creamy soup. The chewy texture holds up well for dipping without falling apart.
They are everything you'd get at an Italian bakery without the trip or expense. Just a heads-up, they do need to be started at least 12 hours ahead of time, so the dough can rest.
But the process is easy, so don't let that keep you from having these golden brown, airy, rolls to dip in your soup.
2. Garlic Bread
Do you love a classic, buttery garlic bread? If you answered "yes", then this easy, 15 minute recipe is one you must try.
Start by placing the butter, garlic, and parsley in a food processor or blender. When smooth, slice a loaf of Italian or French bread in half and generously spread the garlic butter on.
Bake for about 12 minutes or until crispy. Feel free to add some Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately with the Zuppa Toscana for a crunchy, flavorful treat.
3. Cornbread
While cornbread may not be the first thing that comes to mind when wondering what to eat with Zuppa Toscana, you're going to love how the two pair.
This copycat version of Trader Joe's is sweet, buttery, and made with real corn. It's easy to do and takes only 30 minutes.
I like to add whole corn kernels for extra texture and sweetness, but you can leave them out if you prefer.
Copycat or not, it's one of the best cornbread recipes around. The kids will appreciate the mild flavor, and adults will love how it subtly brings out the layered flavors of the soup.
Salads
1. Caesar Salad
Nothing compliments an Italian soup better than a fresh and crispy Caesar salad. The simple elegance of this salad is only made better by the homemade croutons you'll easily bake in the oven.
This recipe calls for chicken (which needs to marinate for about 2 hours), but feel free to omit it if you prefer a vegetarian version.
The homemade creamy dressing is amazing with layers of mayonnaise, buttermilk, Dijon, garlic, Parmesan, and lemon.
This tasty salad all comes together when the romaine lettuce is added and everything is mixed together.
2. Pasta Salad
Need a change from those delightful but heavy mayo-based pasta salads? This colorful recipe offers a lighter alternative that's full of fresh ingredients.
Made with soppressata, pepperoncini, olives, scallions, red bell peppers, and onions, you'll mix it all together with some fun rotelle pasta and honey lemon dressing that's sure to be a hit at summer events.
The red wine vinaigrette dressing gets better as it sits, so you can make this ahead of time without any fuss. It only takes about 25 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook the pasta.
It's a unique side to serve with Zuppa Toscana. The refreshing flavors are a nice contrast to the hearty warmth of the soup.
3. Bruschetta
This amazing bruschetta recipe takes only 15 minutes and is a delicious way to kick off a night of soup and salad.
Made with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, onions, and garlic, it's a savory garden delight. But what really makes this recipe standout is the use of burrata.
This tangy cheese has a hard mozzarella shell, but you'll be using the creamy, buttery interior to spread on the toast or crackers before adding the tomato mixture. Burrata is even better if eaten warm!
Veggies
1. Roasted Vegetables
Are you looking for an easy, yet delicious way to get your kids to love veggies? This simple roasted veggie recipe will have them begging for seconds!
Just chop up some zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, onions, and tomatoes. Mix them in some olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper; place them on a baking sheet (except for the tomatoes) and bake for about 15 minutes at a high heat.
Then add the tomatoes and some more olive oil and bake for another ten minutes. The adults at the table will love this healthy side with a heaping bowl of zuppa Toscana too!
2. Caramelized Mushrooms
Make this recipe a part of your meal rotation, and you'll never have mushy mushrooms again.
Even better, the deep earthy flavor full of garlic, red pepper flakes, and butter goes great alongside or even in your soup.
The trick is to add the shoe button mushrooms to a very hot pan and allow them to cook long enough to reach a golden brown. This simple delicacy takes only 20 minutes to cook.
3. Green Beans Almondine
This easy, garlic filled, vibrantly colored dish is an impressive addition to any meal. Its crispy texture goes great with zuppa toscana. Best of all, it's healthy, vegan, and gluten-free!
The steps are simple and will take a total of 15 minutes to complete. Just be sure to toast those almond slivers in olive oil before adding garlic, shallots, and a bit of salt and pepper.
Then take your blanched beans and add them to the mix and cook for about 7 minutes.
The combination of soup and green beans makes for a satisfying, well-rounded meal. The freshness of the vegetable side brightens up the hearty soup and ensures everyone gets a healthy serving of green veggies. Together, it's a pairing the whole family enjoys.
Side Dishes
1. Cauliflower Rice
Do you desperately want to love cauliflower rice, but find it too plain and bland? Well, get ready for the most flavorful recipe you'll ever find; the fact that it's super easy and takes only 20 minutes, somehow makes it taste even better!
Start by toasting some almond slivers in a skillet. Grab a head of cauliflower and purée it in a food processor. Add garlic, chives, parsley, and dill to the almonds and then stir in the cauliflower.
This garlic herb cauliflower rice is the perfect low-carb side to pair with a steaming bowl of hearty Zuppa Toscana. The fresh flavors of lemon, garlic and herbs provide a bright counterpoint to the rich and creamy soup.
2. Cheese Platter
This is more of a process than a recipe, but this impressive platter of cheeses and other goodies will be a hit when served with the soup.
You can make it as fancy or simple as you like. Add meats, veggies, fruit, nuts, and crackers, but be sure to have a variety of at least 3–5 cheeses of different textures and flavors.
Assemble them in different ways (sliced, rolled, wedges, cubed, etc.). Have fun with it, arranging it like you would flowers in a vase!
Cheese platters are my secret weapon for easy yet elevated entertainment. It's the perfect starter or side to a comforting pot of soup.
3. Parmesan Crisps
These keto-friendly, vegetarian crisps are the cutest! They couldn't be easier to make and take less than 15 minutes.
Just grate Parmesan cheese, make little piles on a baking tray, and press down with a spoon. Bake for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.
They're a tasty alternative to potato chips and are guaranteed to be a hit with the entire gang when served with your soup.
Once you try zuppa toscana with parmesan crisps, you'll never want to eat this hearty soup any other way! These crispy little morsels are sure to become your new favorite soup topping.
Desserts
1. Panna Cotta
Cool off after a meal of zuppa Toscana with this creamy custard made with milk, cream, gelatin, sugar, and vanilla.
This easy and foolproof panna cotta recipe is just what you need to create the perfect creamy Italian dessert but will require a few hours of chill time to set (similar to Jello).
Top it off with some fruit and whipped cream. It's a delicious substitute for ice cream.
2. Tiramisu
Tiramisu is the ultimate in Italian desserts. This no-bake treat is rich and creamy, yet light and fluffy.
With the intensely delicious flavors of coffee and cocoa, the ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese filling tie it all together for a treat so delicious, and beautifully, you can proudly bring it to any get-together.
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