Bertucci’s Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

I share my Bertucci’s Italian Sausage Soup recipe in 2024, and Bertucci’s Italian Sausage Soup ingredients and a lot of you have asked me for a basic introduction to what Bertucci’s Italian Sausage Soup actually is. So, without any further ado… Let’s get into it.

This homemade version of Bertucci’s Italian Sausage Soup takes some time to prep and simmer, but the hands-off cooking time makes it easy to throw together on a lazy weekend day. Just let Sausage Soup bubble away on the stove while you relax or get other things done. In an hour or two, you’ll have a big pot of hearty, comforting Bertucci’s Italian Sausage Soup ready to ladle into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread.

Homemade Bertucci’s Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

We started to make Bertucci’s Italian Sausage Soup by gathering, all the ingredients needed for the Sausage Soup, including Italian sausage, onion, fennel seeds, chicken broth, and canned tomatoes. I followed multiple recipe instructions and cooked the soup for about an hour. The soup smelled amazing, and I couldn’t wait to try it. When I tasted it, I was disappointed. It didn’t taste like the soup I had at Bertucci’s. It was too watery and lacked flavor.

I was determined to make Bertucci’s Italian Sausage Soup taste better. I tried different variations of the recipe, including adding more spices, using beef broth instead of chicken broth, and using fresh tomatoes instead of canned. None of these attempts were successful.

I wanted to make the soup at home because I loved the taste of it and wanted to enjoy it whenever I wanted. I also wanted to impress my family and friends with my cooking skills.

After several attempts, I finally found a Bertucci’s Italian Sausage Soup recipe that tasted like the soup I had at Bertucci’s. The key was to use sweet Italian sausage and cook it for a long time to develop the flavors. I also added more spices, including garlic, oregano, and basil, to enhance the taste. The soup turned out to be delicious, and my family loved it. I felt proud of myself for not giving up and for finally achieving my goal of making Bertucci’s Italian Sausage Soup at home.

Here’s How to Make Bertucci’s Sausage Soup ( Step by Step Directions)

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the hot and sweet sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into bite-sized crumbles as it browns. Cook until no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic and onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened.
  3. Add the celery, potatoes, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), beans, spinach, red wine, tomato paste, basil, oregano and red pepper flakes.
  4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes, until the potatoes are very tender.
  5. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  6. To serve, ladle the homemade Bertucci’s Italian Sausage Soup into bowls and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy with crusty bread.

Ingredients for Bertucci’s Sausage Soup

To make italian Sausage Soup like Bertucci’s, please gather the following ingredients with an estimated cost list for the ingredients needed to make Bertucci’s Sausage Soup for 8 persons:

However, here is an estimate of the cost of the main ingredients based on national averages in the United States of America:

IngredientCost Range
1 lb hot Italian sausage links$4 – $5
1 lb sweet Italian sausage links$4 – $5
3 cloves garlic$0.25 – $0.50
1 yellow onion$0.50 – $1
3 ribs celery$1 – $2
2 medium russet potatoes$1 – $2
6 cups chicken broth$2 – $3
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes$1 – $2
1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans$1 – $2
3 cups packed fresh spinach$2 – $3
1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon)$5 – $10
2 tbsp tomato paste$0.50 – $1
2 tsp dried basil$1 – $2
1 tsp dried oregano$1 – $2
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes$1 – $2
Salt and pepper to taste$1 – $2
Grated parmesan cheese, for serving$3 – $5
Ingredients for Bertucci’s italian Sausage Soup

Based on these estimates, the total cost of the ingredients for this copycat italian Sausage Soup soup would be around $31-$50. However, keep in mind that prices may vary depending on your location and where you shop.

Tips for Best Bertucci’s Italian Sausage Soup:

  • Use a combination of hot and sweet Italian sausage for the most flavorful Bertucci’s Sausage Soup.
  • Don’t skimp on simmering time – the long cooking time allows the flavors to develop fully.
  • Add a splash of red wine for extra depth and richness. An inexpensive Cabernet Sauvignon works well.
  • For a thicker, heartier Bertucci’s Sausage Soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes into the broth with a potato masher or fork.
  • Garnish bowls with freshly grated Parmesan for a delicious, cheesy finish.
  • Accompany with crusty Italian bread or focaccia for dipping into the savory broth.
  • Substitute kale or escarole for the spinach if desired.
  • For a spicier soup, use all hot Italian sausage instead of a combination of hot and sweet.

Ingredient Substitutions in Bertucci’s Italian Sausage Soup

If you Don’t have, one of the ingredients for Bertucci’s sausage soup on hand or want to tweak the recipe to your tastes? Try one of these easy substitutions:

  • Sausage: Substitute ground Italian sausage or spicy chicken or turkey sausage.
  • Potatoes: Instead of russets, use Yukon gold or red potatoes.
  • Beans: Great northern or pinto beans can replace cannellini beans.
  • Broth: Use beef broth or vegetable broth instead of chicken.
  • Wine: If you don’t have red wine on hand, use beef or chicken broth.
  • Tomatoes: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes will add extra flavor.
  • Spinach: Kale, escarole, chard or hearty greens work nicely.
  • Herbs/spices: Customize the seasoning with your favorite Italian herbs and red pepper flakes.

Side Dishes for Bertucci’s Italian Sausage Soup

Bertucci’s italian sausage soup makes a hearty, satisfying meal, but it’s also nice to serve it with a side dish or two. Here are some tasty side dish options to try:

  • Crusty Italian bread or focaccia – perfect for dunking in the flavorful broth
  • Caesar salad – the creamy dressing and cheese contrast the soup nicely
  • Garlic bread or cheesy garlic bread
  • Bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and basil
  • Roasted vegetables like zucchini, squash, onions or peppers
  • Polenta fries or cakes
  • Fresh Italian green beans sautéed in olive oil and garlic

Bertucci’s Italian Sausage Soup Variations Ideas

Once you master the classic version of Bertucci’s Italian sausage soup, get creative with these easy variations:

  • White Bean with Bertucci’s Italian Sausage Soup – Use navy beans instead of cannellini and chicken broth instead of tomato-based. Omit tomatoes.
  • Spicy Sausage Soup – Use all hot Italian sausage. Add 1-2 tsp red pepper flakes.
  • Southwest Style – Use spicy chorizo instead of Italian sausage. Add a 4 oz can of diced green chilies. Use pinto beans and cumin instead of cannellini and basil.
  • Vegetarian – Substitute soy protein crumbles for the sausage. Use vegetable broth.
  • Turkey Sausage Version – For a leaner soup, use ground turkey sausage.
  • Loaded Baked Potato Soup – Use chunks of potato instead of diced. Omit beans and spinach. Top with bacon, cheddar and scallions.

Storage and Reheating

This homemade Bertucci’s Italian Sausage Soup tastes even better as leftovers! Store it in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

To store: Allow the Italian Sausage Soup to cool slightly before transferring to airtight containers. For freezing, leave 1-inch headspace in containers as the soup will expand.

To reheat: Place refrigerated or frozen Bertucci’s Sausage Soup in a pot over medium-low heat. For frozen soup, thaw in the refrigerator overnight first for fastest reheating. Heat through, stirring occasionally, until hot and bubbling, about 15 minutes.

Alternatively, portion Bertucci’s Sausage Soup into microwave-safe bowls and reheat individually in the microwave on high in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring between. Avoid boiling to prevent separating or curdling.

Bertucci’s Sausage Soup Recipe

Bertucci’s Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Follow this Bertucci’s italian Sausage Soup recipe ingredients and step by step instructions to make Sausage Soup like Bertucci’s restaurant.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 peoples
Calories 213 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb hot Italian sausage links casings removed
  • 1 lb sweet Italian sausage links casings removed
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 3 ribs celery diced
  • 2 medium russet potatoes peeled and diced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 1 15 oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3 cups packed fresh spinach
  • 1 cup red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or dutch oven, cook the hot and sweet sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into bite-sized crumbles as it browns. Cook until no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened.
  • Add the celery, potatoes, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), beans, spinach, red wine, tomato paste, basil, oregano and red pepper flakes.
  • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes, until the potatoes are very tender.
  • Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  • To serve, ladle the sausage soup into bowls and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy with crusty bread.
Keyword Bertucci’s Sausage Soup Recipe

Common Issues and How to Avoid Them:

Making your own Bertucci’s Italian Sausage Soup at home is pretty easy, but there are a few common issues that can come up:

  1. The soup comes out too thin – Be sure to simmer the Bertucci’s Italian Sausage Soup for 45-60 minutes to allow it to thicken up. You can also mash some of the cooked potatoes into the broth.
  2. Sausage doesn’t have enough flavor – Use authentic Italian sausage with plenty of seasonings like fennel, garlic, and black pepper. Avoid plain breakfast sausage in Bertucci’s Sausage Soup.
  3. Soup is bland – Don’t forget to season the finished soup with salt and pepper to taste. Add more Italian herbs and red pepper flakes if needed.
  4. Beans aren’t soft enough – Make sure to thoroughly simmer the beans along with the rest of the soup ingredients until very tender. You can also soak them first.
  5. Spinach disintegrates – Add more delicate greens like spinach toward the end of cooking so they don’t overcook and become stringy.
  6. Soup is greasy – Use a slotted spoon when browning the sausage to leave behind excess fat. Skim any additional fat off the top before serving.
  7. Potatoes aren’t tender – Make sure to dice the potatoes small and simmer them fully until fork tender. Russet potatoes hold their shape best.
  8. Bertucci’s Sausage Soup Curdles – Avoid boiling the soup hard once dairy is added. Heat gently and stir often to prevent separation.

With these tips and the detailed recipe above, you’ll be able to enjoy restaurant-quality Bertucci’s sausage soup at home any time the craving strikes. Mangia!

Conclusion:

This copycat recipe for Bertucci’s hearty Italian sausage soup is perfect for days when you need some comfort food. It’s packed with flavor from the sausage, tomatoes and Italian seasonings. Potatoes and beans make it filling enough for a meal. Simmering on the stove fills your kitchen with the inviting aromas of Italy. Keep leftovers on hand for easy reheatable Bertucci’s Italian Sausage Soup all week long. Now you can enjoy this restaurant favorite any time you want in the comfort of your own home.

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