Start by learning why we do freezer meal cooking!
How it works:
1 FAMILY
3/4 cup onions, diced 1/8 inch
1 slice bacon
1 1/4 teaspoon garlic cloves, minced
1 ounce chicken bouillon
1 quart water
2 medium potatoes, cut in half length−wise,
then cut in 1/4−inch slices
2 cups cavallo greens (kale can be substituted),
cut in half, then sliced into 1/16−inch strips
1 1/2 cups crumbled sausage − pre−cooked
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
6 FAMILIES
4 ½ cups onions, diced 1/8 inch
6 slices bacon, 1/4−inch diced
2 ½ T garlic cloves, minced
6 (1) ounce chicken bouillon cubes
6 quarts water
12 medium potatoes, cut in half length−wise,
then cut in 1/4−inch slices
12 cups cavallo greens (kale can be substituted),
cut in half, then sliced into 1/16−inch strips
9 cups crumbled sausage − pre−cooked
4 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
TO PREPARE FOR FREEZING:
Brown and crumble sausage. Place onions and bacon into 3 to 4 quart saucepan and cook onions over medium heat until the onions are almost clear. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add chicken bouillon, water and potatoes, bring to a simmer for 15 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients then simmer for 5 more minutes. Let cool and place in gallon ziploc or spill proof container.
TO PREPARE AFTER FREEZING:
Thaw. Reheat.
This recipe sounds fabulous! (I have never had Zuppa with bacon in it)…I made this from another recipe last week and realized I was out of cream, so I tried evaporated milk instead, and it turned out wonderfully! So you can use up the evaporated milk in your stockpile for this too!
It is so funny that you posted this. I just made the Olive Garden version of this two nights ago. It turned out so good. I suggest using more potatoes and sausage. If you don’t, you will end up with just broth. I have a bowl full of broth that I am going to add more potatoes and sausage to later. I am just going to freeze the broth. Happy cooking!
This one is so yummy it often does not make it to the freezer b/c we want to eat it right away. I have not noticed a lack of potato or sausage for this recipe.
This is my hubby’s favorite soup!! Happy to see a recipe to make it at home. I’m not sure if it would make it into the freezer at our house either, but happy to have the recipe either way! Thanks!
What type of sausage do you recommend using in this recipe?
Italian sausage works best!
I don’t think this would freeze well. Typically, soups and sauces with a cream base separate when frozen and potatoes become mealy.
You are right, potatoes do not always do well. If they are not cooked they turn brown, if they are cooked too much they get mushy. We under cook them just slightly to avoid mushiness after freezing.
Zuppa is my favorite soup at Olive Garden! So, of course I had to try this recipe…and it was a hit with my family!!! I will definitely make this again! Thank you!
Yay! Glad you loved it!