What To Serve With Zuppa Toscana (16 Delicious Side Dishes!)

With its creamy base, tender potatoes, spicy sausage, and healthy kale, zuppa toscana is a hearty Italian soup that’s full of flavour and wonderfully satisfying. 

It’s substantial enough to be considered a main meal all on its own, but if you’re making this recipe at home, you’ll likely want to think about adding some side dishes. 

Here’s the quick answer… 

When it comes to what to serve with zuppa toscana, good choices include crusty Italian bread, garlic bread, focaccia, Caesar salad, Caprese salad, arugula and parmesan salad, roasted veggies, parmesan polenta, and bruschetta.

If you’d like to add a sweet treat afterwards, consider traditional tiramisu, panna cotta, and cannoli. 

Let’s explore more details about this beautiful soup, and consider more pairings… 

Understanding Zuppa Toscana

Before you begin to enjoy zuppa toscana, it’s essential to understand its roots, the ingredients that provide its unique taste, and the flavour profile that makes it a beloved dish.

Origins and History

Zuppa toscana is a classic dish hailing from the Tuscany region of Italy.

It encapsulates the rustic and homely qualities of the old-world Italian countryside, where it originated.

Originally a simple peasant soup, it’s known for its use of seasonal and locally available ingredients.

Key Ingredients

The heartiness of zuppa toscana comes from a few key components that are staples in this flavourful soup:

• Potatoes: Sliced or cubed, they add a comforting starchiness.
• Kale: This leafy green introduces a touch of bitterness and texture.
• Italian Sausage: Typically spicy, this sausage provides a warming, savoury depth.
• Heavy Cream: Adds a rich, luxurious feel to the soup.
• Chicken Stock: Forms the base of the soup, carrying the flavours of the other ingredients.
• Bacon: Often used for garnish, it gives a salty, smoky crunch.
• Onions and Garlic: Fundamental aromatics that form the flavour foundation.

Typical Flavours

• Richness: From the cream and meats.
• Spiciness: Usually from the Italian sausage and occasionally chilli flakes.
• Earthy: Thanks to the potatoes and kale.
• Smoky: Provided by bacon.
• Aromatic: Onion and garlic undertones support the overall taste.

Bread Selections

Bread is an essential choice for what to serve with zuppa toscana, creating a perfect pairing to soak up the broth and complement the hearty flavours of the soup.

Crusty Italian Bread

Crusty Italian bread offers a delightful crunch and a sturdy texture that holds up well when dipped into the soup.

It’s an authentic choice that mirrors the rustic Tuscan vibe, matching the soup’s origin.

Garlic Bread

A slice of garlic bread, with its aromatic flavour, adds a pungent kick to the meal.

The buttery, herb-infused topping melts deliciously into the hot soup, enriching every bite.

Focaccia

Focaccia, known for its olive oil-infused taste and soft, airy texture, serves as a flavourful sponge for zuppa toscana’s rich broth.

Opt for pieces with rosemary and sea salt to elevate the overall taste experience.

Salad Pairings

A salad makes for a wonderfully light side dish for zuppa toscana. 

Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad is a classic choice that brings a crunchy texture and tangy taste to your meal.

The crisp romaine lettuce and toasty croutons contrast beautifully with the smooth soup, while the anchovy-infused dressing adds a salty zing that complements the sausage in your soup.

• Ingredients: Romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, anchovies, garlic, Dijon mustard.
• Dressing: Blend anchovies, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese.

Caprese Salad

Caprese salad, with its simple assembly of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, is an excellent companion to zuppa toscana.

The freshness of the tomatoes and basil cuts through the richness of the soup, while the mozzarella’s mild flavour pairs well without overpowering.

• Components: Sliced ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves.
• Drizzle: Olive oil and balsamic glaze to taste.

Arugula and Parmesan Salad

An arugula and parmesan salad is a delightful mix of peppery greens and sharp cheese shards.

This light salad provides a peppery bite that echoes the spiciness in the soup, and the shaved Parmesan brings an umami depth.

• Foundation: Fresh arugula leaves.
• Accents: Shaved Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, black pepper.
• Dressing: Lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil emulsion.

Side Dishes

Let’s explore some more delicious sides… 

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are an excellent choice for adding a touch of freshness and colour to your meal.

Brussels sprouts or carrots, seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper, can be roasted until caramelised and tender.

• Brussels Sprouts:
  • Toss with olive oil, salt, and cracked black pepper.
  • Roast in a preheated oven at 200°C for 20-25 minutes.
• Carrots:
  • Slice carrots diagonally to maximise surface area.
  • Roast with olive oil and a touch of honey for a subtle sweetness.

Parmesan Polenta

Creamy and comforting, polenta enriched with parmesan cheese offers a smooth and tangy base that pairs seamlessly with the zesty soup.

• Ingredients:
  • Polenta
  • Grated Parmesan
  • Butter
• To Make:
  1. Cook polenta according to package instructions.
  2. Stir in butter and grated Parmesan until well combined and creamy.

Bruschetta

For a lighter side, bruschetta brings a delightful crunch and a burst of tomato and garlic that complements the savoury notes of zuppa toscana.

• Tomato Topping:
  • Chopped tomatoes
  • Minced garlic
  • Fresh basil
  • Olive oil
• Preparation:
  1. Combine tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil.
  2. Spoon onto slices of toasted baguette and serve immediately for maximum crunch.

Wine Pairings

When selecting a wine to complement the rich flavours of zuppa toscana, you should aim for a wine that balances the creaminess of the soup without overpowering it.

Chianti

Chianti is a classic Italian red that pairs splendidly with zuppa toscana.

Its high acidity cuts through the soup’s creaminess, and the subtle tannins can stand up to the sausage’s robust flavour.

Montepulciano

For a smoother option, Montepulciano offers ripe berry notes that harmonise with the kale and provide a pleasant contrast to the soup’s spiciness.

Its mellow tannins enhance the soup’s richness without overwhelming it.

Pinot Grigio

If you prefer white wine, Pinot Grigio with its crisp acidity is a refreshing choice.

It’s light enough not to overshadow the soup and provides a citrusy lift that complements the zuppa toscana’s savoury profile.

Dessert Options

After enjoying the rich and hearty flavours of zuppa toscana, a proper Italian dessert makes for the perfect sweet conclusion.

Here are a few classic Italian sweets that pair wonderfully with this Tuscan soup.

Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a beloved Italian dessert featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers (savoiardi) and a luscious mixture of mascarpone cheese, eggs, and sugar.

This dessert is often dusted with cocoa powder for a beautiful finish.

Tiramisu’s creamy texture and bold coffee flavour will cleanse your palate after the savoury soup.

Panna Cotta

This smooth and silky dessert translates to “cooked cream” in Italian.

Panna cotta is made by simmering together cream, milk, and sugar, then adding gelatine and letting it cool until set.

It’s frequently adorned with fruit coulis or fresh berries, offering a light and refreshing option that complements the zestiness of zuppa toscana.

Cannoli

Originating from Sicily, cannoli consist of tube-shaped shells of fried pastry dough filled with a sweet, creamy mixture containing ricotta cheese.

They can be garnished with pistachios, chocolate chips, or candied peel, providing a delightful crunch that contrasts the soft filling.

Cannoli offer a pleasing textural contrast after the smoothness of the soup.

Which of these options will you be choosing for what to serve with zuppa toscana? 

Leave a comment below and share your thoughts! 

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