Italian Sausage Potato Kale (Print version)

Savory Italian sausage, bacon, potatoes and kale swim in a velvety cream broth for ultimate comfort.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
02 - 4 slices bacon, chopped

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed and sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
06 - 4 cups fresh kale, stems removed and chopped

→ Liquids

07 - 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 1 cup heavy cream

→ Seasonings

09 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
10 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
11 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# How To Make It:

01 - In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, preserving the drippings in the pot.
02 - Add Italian sausage to the pot and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Add diced onion and cook until softened, approximately 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add sliced potatoes, chicken broth, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
05 - Stir in chopped kale and simmer for 3-4 minutes until wilted and tender.
06 - Lower heat and pour in heavy cream. Heat gently until warmed through, avoiding boiling.
07 - Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with reserved bacon.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor development
  • The combination of crispy bacon, savory sausage, and creamy broth hits every comfort craving
  • It actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests
02 -
  • Don't rush the bacon step, those drippings create the foundation for everything that follows
  • Adding cream to boiling liquid can cause separation, always reduce your heat first
  • Potatoes continue absorbing salt as they sit, undersalt slightly and adjust at the end
03 -
  • Cook your bacon in advance and keep it in the fridge for a quick weeknight shortcut
  • The soup thickens as it sits, have extra broth on hand for reheating leftovers
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