Step aside, delivery night – Pizza Soup is about to become your new obsession! Imagine all the flavors of your favorite classic pizza (cheesy, saucy, savory, and just a tad spicy) swirled together in a steaming, comforting bowl. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for company, with pepperoni and Italian sausage bubbling alongside sweet peppers and a rich tomato broth. If you crave the taste of pizza with the coziness of hearty soup, Pizza Soup is a must-try comfort food mash-up that brings pure joy to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up Pizza Soup requires just a handful of kitchen staples and pizza night favorites. Each ingredient packs a punch, adding its unique personality to the bowl—from zesty sausage to melty mozzarella. Here’s what goes into this scrumptious soup, and why it matters:
- Olive oil: Provides a flavorful base for sautéing the veggies, adding a light, fruity richness to the soup.
- Yellow onion: Gives sweetness and depth, balancing the savoriness of the sausage and tomatoes.
- Garlic: Brings irresistible aroma and that classic Italian flair—don’t skip it!
- Green bell pepper: Lends a pop of color and a subtle, tangy crunch reminiscent of supreme pizza toppings.
- Italian sausage: Infuses the soup with rich, herby flavor—mild or spicy, the choice is yours.
- Pepperoni: Adds iconic pizza zing and a touch of smoky spice; cutting into quarters ensures you get some in every spoonful.
- Diced tomatoes: Forms the hearty body of the soup, giving a lovely, chunky texture.
- Tomato sauce: Deepens the broth’s flavor and brings everything together in saucy harmony.
- Chicken broth: Keeps things light while adding savory notes; low-sodium lets you control the saltiness.
- Italian seasoning: An all-in-one blend, this delivers those beloved pizza herbs—oregano, thyme, and more.
- Dried basil: Offers additional warmth and depth; it’s a pizza essential!
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little spicy kick in their slice.
- Salt and black pepper: Brings out every flavor and lets you adjust to taste at the end.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping): The gooey finishing touch—like pulling apart a hot, cheesy slice!
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for topping): Adds sharp, nutty notes that really round out the “pizza” vibe.
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish): Brightens up every spoonful with fresh, colorful flavor.
- Garlic bread or croutons (optional for serving): Dunk and crunch your way to the ultimate pizza soup experience.
How to Make Pizza Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes, giving it a good stir now and then until it begins to soften and smell amazing. Toss in the minced garlic and diced green bell pepper. Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes—you’ll know they’re ready when the peppers brighten up and the kitchen smells like an Italian trattoria.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Add the Italian sausage (make sure the casings are removed) directly into the pot. Use a spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks, so you get lots of little flavorful bits throughout your Pizza Soup. Keep stirring until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through, soaking up all those savory veggie flavors.
Step 3: Add Pepperoni Goodness
Stir in the quartered pepperoni and let them cook for just a minute or two. They’ll release their oils and spices into the pot, infusing everything with that irresistible pizza aroma. Don’t be surprised if everyone in the house suddenly asks what’s for dinner!
Step 4: Build the Broth
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth to the pot. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little zing). Season with a pinch or two of salt and black pepper. Give everything a delicious stir and bring the soup up to a simmer.
Step 5: Simmer and Serve
Let the Pizza Soup bubble gently for 15–20 minutes. This is when all the flavors mingle together and your kitchen smells like you just opened a pizzeria. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and pile on the shredded mozzarella, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and freshly chopped parsley or basil. Want the ultimate experience? Add a handful of croutons or a side of golden garlic bread, and enjoy every cheesy, saucy spoonful!
How to Serve Pizza Soup
Garnishes
The right toppings make Pizza Soup completely irresistible. Shower each bowl with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and a dusting of grated Parmesan for that gooey, salty finish. A handful of fresh basil or parsley adds color and a little pop of freshness that cuts through the richness. If you like a toasted crunch, scatter over some garlicky croutons—heaven in every bite!
Side Dishes
While Pizza Soup is hearty enough to stand solo, a stack of warm garlic bread is always a winner for dunking and scooping up all that cheesy broth. Enjoy a crisp green salad with Italian dressing on the side to balance the flavors and round out the meal. Simple breadsticks or even a handful of salty olives complete the pizzeria-at-home feel.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving Pizza Soup at a dinner party or just want to make family dinner extra special, try ladling it into mini bread bowls for a playful, edible surprise. Serve in oversized mugs with a mozzarella “cheese pull” on top or set up a DIY topping bar with extra cheese, fresh herbs, and spicy red pepper flakes. It transforms any weekday meal into a celebration!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pizza Soup is just as delicious the next day—if not more so! Let the soup cool, then transfer it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers especially scrumptious for quick lunches or busy weeknights.
Freezing
Want a stash of comfort food for busy nights? Allow the soup to cool completely, then ladle it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Pizza Soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just hold off on adding cheese and fresh herbs until you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat leftover (or thawed) Pizza Soup gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot—about 10 minutes. Alternatively, individual portions can be microwaved in covered bowls. Don’t forget to freshen it up with a new sprinkle of cheese and herbs before serving!
FAQs
Can I make Pizza Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the Italian sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage or sauté some mushrooms for earthy flavor. Omit the pepperoni, or use veggie pepperoni alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll have a fully vegetarian version that’s every bit as satisfying.
What can I use instead of Italian sausage?
If you’re not a fan of pork, turkey sausage is a great lean option. For extra heat, try spicy chorizo or even ground beef for a cheeseburger-pizza twist. Feeling creative? Crumbled tempeh or firm tofu, seasoned well, can be delicious as a meat-free option.
Is Pizza Soup low carb?
The soup itself is low in carbs since there’s no pasta or crust—just classic pizza toppings and a tomato-forward broth. If you’re watching carbs, skip the croutons and use turkey sausage for a lighter bowl.
Can I add pasta or rice?
For a heartier meal, stir in some cooked pasta shapes (like small shells or elbows) or cooked rice just before serving. Keep in mind, leftovers with pasta or rice will thicken as they sit, so you might want to add a splash of broth when reheating.
How can I make Pizza Soup extra spicy?
Craving more heat? Double the crushed red pepper flakes, toss in diced jalapeños with the bell pepper, or serve with hot sauce on the side. Spicy sliced pepperoni also brings an extra kick to each bite.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a die-hard pizza lover or just seeking a fun, cozy twist on weeknight dinner, Pizza Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s loaded with all the flavors that make pizza great, but with that irresistible homey feel only a homemade soup can give. Give it a try—you might just discover a new go-to favorite for family and friends!
Print
Pizza Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Pizza Soup is a hearty and flavorful soup that captures all the delicious flavors of a classic pizza in a comforting bowl. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for cozy nights in and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni, cut into quarters
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Topping and Serving:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
- Garlic bread or croutons (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and bell pepper.
- Cook Sausage: Add Italian sausage to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Add pepperoni and cook briefly.
- Simmer Soup: Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, basil, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. Serve with garlic bread or croutons for a pizza-like touch.
Notes
- For a heartier soup, stir in cooked pasta or rice.
- Use turkey sausage for a leaner version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
