Olive Garden Potato Soup Recipe

Nothing warms you up quite like a bowl of Olive Garden’s potato soup!

With rich flavors and hearty ingredients, I always say this is a classic that brings indulgence to any chilly or gray day.

For the best results, make sure to let the potatoes simmer until they’re perfectly tender—it makes all the difference I tell ya!

I love how this soup combines simple ingredients like Italian sausage and yellow onions to create something so satisfying.

How to Make Olive Garden Potato Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb. Italian Sausage
• 4 slices Bacon
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 4 cups Chicken Broth
• 2 cups Water
• 3 cups Potatoes (sliced)
• 2 cups Kale (chopped)
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy.

Remove the bacon and set it aside on paper towels, but leave a tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pot.

Step 2:

Add the Italian sausage to the pot.

Break it into small pieces with a spatula and cook until browned, which takes about 5 minutes.

Step 3:

Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic.

Sauté them with the sausage for another 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 4:

Pour in the chicken broth and water.

Add the sliced potatoes, then bring the mixture to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Step 5:

Stir in the heavy cream and chopped kale.

Cook for another 5 minutes until the kale wilts and the soup is heated through.

Enjoy your Olive Garden Potato Soup!

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients:

Using fresh kale and potatoes makes a big difference in flavor. If you can, buy these ingredients fresh for the best taste!

Customize the Heat:

If you like your soup with a bit of kick, consider using spicy Italian sausage instead of the mild variety.

Thickening the Soup:

For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with cold water. This will give you a creamier texture.

Storing Leftovers:

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge. It tastes even better the next day!

Alternative Greens:

If you’re not a fan of kale, spinach or Swiss chard can be good substitutes that still provide a nice green touch.

What to Serve with Olive Garden Potato Soup

Fresh Breadsticks

A classic choice, breadsticks are perfect for dipping into a rich and creamy potato soup.

They soak up the flavors beautifully and add a pleasant texture contrast.

Green Salad

You can’t go wrong with a refreshing green salad featuring crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette.

The freshness of the salad balances out the hearty soup.

Chicken Wings

This pairing might sound like an unexpected twist, but chicken wings add a savory and satisfying element alongside the soup.

Their bold flavor adds an exciting contrast to the soup’s creamy nature.

Mac and Cheese Bites

These little bites bring a cheesy and indulgent aspect to the meal, complementing the soup without overpowering it.

They’re a fun and unique option to try.

Pickled Vegetables

Lightly pickled vegetables provide a tangy and crunchy addition that pairs excellently with the creamy potato soup.

They brighten the palate and offer an exciting taste experience.

Cheddar Biscuits

Warm and buttery with a touch of cheddar, these biscuits are excellent for adding a bit of hearty comfort on the side.

They bring an extra cheesy element that complements the soup nicely.

Variations and Substitutions

Adjusting Ingredients

You can switch out kale for spinach, beet greens, or any other green you have on hand.

Another change to try is using half-and-half or whole milk if you’re out of heavy cream.

Consider using Yukon gold or russet potatoes instead of baby red potatoes for a different texture.

Flavor Enhancements

To boost flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Swapping regular Italian sausage for a spicy version can add some heat if you like it hot!

Dietary Adjustments

For a lighter version, use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage.

If you’re avoiding gluten, substitute gluten-free flour when thickening the soup.

These changes can keep the soup tasty while fitting your needs!

How to Store Leftover Olive Garden Potato Soup

Storing leftover Olive Garden Potato Soup is simple and keeps it fresh for another meal.

First, let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to storage containers.

Use airtight containers to maintain the soup’s texture and flavor.

If you have a large batch of soup, dividing it into smaller portions in multiple containers can be really helpful!

Refrigeration

Once stored, place the containers in the refrigerator.

The soup can safely be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

Remember to label the containers with the date you prepared the soup to keep track of its freshness.

Freezing

If you don’t plan to eat the leftover soup soon, consider freezing it for a longer shelf life.

You can pour the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers.

Do keep in mind to leave some space at the top, allowing it to expand as it freezes without causing any spills.

Thawing

When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen soup, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator for thawing overnight.

Avoid using room temperature for thawing as it may compromise the soup’s quality.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the Right Potatoes

You might be tempted to use any potato on hand, but not all potatoes behave the same way in soup.

Choose starchy varieties like Russets to get that ideal creamy texture everyone loves.

Waxy potatoes can leave the soup gritty, which is not what you want.

Overcooking Those Veggies

Keeping a close eye on your vegetables stops them from becoming mushy.

You should add them at different stages to maintain texture and flavor.

Dice consistency helps with even cooking, so take the time to get it right.

Ignoring Seasoning Flexibility

You want to control the salt levels in your soup for a balanced taste.

Using store-bought broth? Opt for low-sodium versions.

You can salt to taste later, letting you avoid overseasoning from the start.