Italian Bread Soup Recipe (Johnny Carino’s Copy Cat)

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italian Bread Soup with this delightful recipe that pays homage to the renowned Johnny Carino’s restaurant.

Soups & Stews

Italian Bread Soup

• December 11, 2020

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons light olive oil 4 tablespoon light olive oil
• 1.5 cups sweet onions (finely diced) 1.5 cup sweet onions
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano (chopped) 2 tablespoon fresh oregano
• 2 tablespoons garlic (minced) 2 tablespoon garlic
• 1lb stale bread cubes (from Italian rustic bread) 1 lb stale bread cubes
• 28oz whole canned tomatoes (Cento San Marzano (28 oz can)) 28 oz whole canned tomatoes
• 14oz crushed tomatoes (Cento San Marzano (14-16 oz can)) 14 oz crushed tomatoes
• 3 large tomatoes (diced) 3 large tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth 4 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped) 3 tablespoon fresh basil
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (to drizzle on finished soup, if desired) Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• fresh basil (thinly sliced to place on finished soup, if desired) fresh basil
• Romano or Parmesan cheese (shredded to place on finished soup, if desired) Romano or Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1

In a large stock pot, sauté onions, garlic, and oregano for one minute on high heat. Reduce heat and cook, stirring frequently for 8-10 minutes.

Step 2

Increase to high heat and add the bread cubes. Cook, toasting the bread with the onion mixture, for a minute.

Step 3

Add the tomatoes, chicken stock, salt, pepper and sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a low simmer and cook, covered, stirring frequently for 30 minutes.

Step 4

Add the chopped basil and continue cooking on low simmer, stirring frequently for another 30 minutes.

Step 5

Use an immersion blender, if desired, to partially blend the soup. You still want some chunkiness, but it's best to get the whole tomatoes broken up a little more and some of the bread to be mashed into the soup.

Step 6

Serve hot. You can drizzle with Extra Virgin Olive oil, sliced basil and shredded cheese if desired. We used a mixture of Romano and Mizithra cheeses.

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italian Bread Soup with this delightful recipe that pays homage to the renowned Johnny Carino’s restaurant. This Italian Bread Soup recipe takes you on a culinary journey, reminiscent of the cozy trattorias of Italy. As you prepare this soul-warming dish, you’ll be greeted by the inviting aromas of garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. Each spoonful unveils a harmonious blend of hearty vegetables, tender bread, and savory broth, creating a symphony of flavors that evoke a sense of comfort and satisfaction. Whether enjoyed as a satisfying meal on its own or as a starter to an Italian feast, this copycat recipe captures the essence of traditional Italian cuisine, offering a taste of Italy’s culinary treasures in the comfort of your own home.

I’ve been looking for this recipe for probably 15 or more years. I used to go to Johnny Carino’s just for this soup. It was incredible. I have tried other recipes in the past, and none came even close.

I was talking with my Dad when we had this delicious Italin bread that was going stale about how I loved this bread soup at Johnny Carino’s. He said, I’m sure “Nick Stallino’s” cook book will have it. Sure enough, there was a great recipe in there. It is called “Pappa al Pomodoro”.

I have slightly adapted the recipe. The main adaption was adding the sugar. Most of the tomatoes we get here in California are a little too acidic. The sugar is needed to cut that acidity.

But let me say, this is the closest I’ve come to recreating the soup served there. So so good. Enjoy!