Pizza soup is the perfect blend of two classic comfort foods: pizza and soup. Combining all the rich, cheesy flavors of pizza—such as pepperoni, sausage, melted cheese, and savory sauce—this soup version is a fun, easy-to-make dish that satisfies even the most intense pizza cravings. Pizza soup brings together the flavors of a favorite weeknight meal in a warm, hearty soup that’s sure to become a family staple.
One of the best things about pizza soup is its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite pizza toppings or adjust the ingredients to suit dietary preferences. Whether you like a traditional pizza with pepperoni and sausage or prefer a vegetarian pizza loaded with vegetables, pizza soup offers endless possibilities. Plus, for those watching their carb intake, this is a great way to enjoy all the pizza flavor without the crust.
When making pizza soup, it’s helpful to know that it can be prepared ahead of time, stored, and even frozen for future meals. In fact, there are simple tips on how to store homemade soups that ensure your pizza soup stays fresh and flavorful for longer. Additionally, to get creative with toppings, explore different types of pizza toppings that you can add to the soup or use as garnishes.
Ingredients for Pizza Soup Recipe
To make this delicious pizza soup recipe, you’ll need a variety of pizza-inspired ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. These ingredients provide a rich, savory base and can be adjusted to suit your personal taste. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Italian sausage (mild, medium, or hot)
- Green bell pepper (diced)
- Yellow onion (diced)
- Mushrooms (diced)
- Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, dried basil
- Chicken broth (about 4 cups)
- Diced tomatoes (1 can)
- Pizza sauce (1 jar)
- Pepperoni (quartered or sliced)
- Shredded cheese blend (mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, asiago, fontina, and romano)
- Optional toppings: Black olives, bacon bits, artichoke hearts, fresh basil, jalapenos
Each ingredient in pizza soup mimics the flavors and textures of a traditional pizza. For example, Italian sausage provides a savory and slightly spicy kick, while the combination of chicken broth, pizza sauce, and diced tomatoes forms the soup’s rich, tomato-based broth. The addition of classic pizza toppings, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and pepperoni, brings the full pizza experience into the soup. Don’t forget to include your favorite pizza toppings, like olives or extra cheese, to personalize your soup even further.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pizza Soup Recipe
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get into the step-by-step process of making pizza soup. The best part about this recipe is how easy it is to follow, and the results are incredibly delicious.
1. Preparing the Base
- Heat a large stockpot over medium heat and add the Italian sausage. As it begins to brown, break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Once the sausage is halfway cooked, add the diced green bell pepper, yellow onion, and mushrooms. Season the mixture with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook everything together for about 5-7 minutes, until the sausage is fully browned and the vegetables are soft and tender.
Why this step matters: Sautéing the sausage and vegetables at the start helps develop a deep, savory flavor. The seasonings enhance the overall taste of the soup and ensure that each bite is packed with Italian-inspired goodness.
2. Combining Ingredients
- After the sausage and vegetables have been cooked, stir in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and pizza sauce. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well-combined.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add in the pepperoni slices, and let the soup cook for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure all the flavors meld together.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a thicker soup, use a little more pizza sauce or reduce the amount of chicken broth. If you like your soup on the thinner side, feel free to add extra broth or water during the simmering process.
3. Serving and Garnishing
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous amount of shredded cheese. If you love extra toppings on your pizza, add black olives, fresh basil, or even jalapenos for a spicy twist.
- For an added pizza feel, consider serving your pizza soup with garlic bread or breadsticks on the side.
Pro Tip: Keep the shredded cheese on the side until serving. This allows you to control the meltiness of the cheese as it gets sprinkled over the hot soup, ensuring it melts perfectly on top rather than blending into the broth.
Variations of Pizza Soup Recipe
One of the best things about pizza soup is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or to cater to what you have on hand in the kitchen. Here are a few variations to consider:
1. Vegetarian Pizza Soup
- If you prefer a vegetarian version of this recipe, skip the sausage and pepperoni, and instead load up the soup with extra vegetables. You can include zucchini, spinach, carrots, or broccoli for added texture and nutrition.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this soup completely vegetarian. You can also add tofu or meat substitutes like vegetarian sausage for extra protein.
2. Creamy Pizza Soup
- For a richer, creamier texture, add a splash of half-and-half or heavy cream to the soup during the last few minutes of simmering. This will give your pizza soup a velvety smooth consistency, similar to creamy tomato soups.
- You can also add cream cheese or shredded mozzarella directly into the broth for an even creamier result.
3. Spicy Pizza Soup
- If you love a little heat, try using spicy Italian sausage or adding red pepper flakes to the soup. You can also top the soup with sliced jalapenos or drizzle with hot sauce for an extra kick of spice.
These variations are just a few ways to make pizza soup your own. Whether you’re looking for a healthier option, a rich creamy twist, or something with a little heat, this soup can be adapted to fit your cravings.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Information
Pizza soup is not only delicious but can also be customized to meet various dietary needs. With a few tweaks, this recipe can become a healthier, low-carb, or high-protein meal that still delivers all the classic pizza flavors.
Nutritional Breakdown:
- Calories: 300 per serving
- Fat: 24g (9g saturated fat)
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 15g
To make this soup even healthier, consider using leaner meats, like ground turkey or chicken sausage, instead of regular Italian sausage. You can also reduce the sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and pizza sauce. Adding more vegetables will boost the nutritional content, providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Additionally, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free pizza sauce and toppings. This makes it a fantastic option for those following a gluten-free diet or anyone looking for a delicious, low-carb meal.
Tips for the Perfect Pizza Soup Recipe
Creating the perfect pizza soup is all about nailing the flavors and textures. Here are some expert tips to help you make a soup that’s packed with flavor and delivers the full pizza experience:
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Keep the vegetables slightly tender by not overcooking them. The bell peppers and onions should retain a bit of crunch to add texture to the soup.
- Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can reduce the broth or add more pizza sauce. On the other hand, if you like a thinner consistency, add more broth or water while the soup simmers.
- Balancing Flavors: Be sure to taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add a little salt, pepper, or fresh herbs to brighten up the flavors. Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top will give the soup a burst of freshness.
- Add Crunch: Serve your soup with garlic bread, breadsticks, or even cheesy croutons to add a crunchy texture. It’s the perfect way to replicate that crispy pizza crust feeling.
How to Store and Reheat Pizza Soup Recipe
Pizza soup is an excellent option for meal prepping or making ahead. It stores well in both the refrigerator and freezer, making it easy to enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Storing in the Refrigerator
- After the soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s fully warmed through.
Freezing Pizza Soup
- To freeze pizza soup, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave a little space at the top of the container to allow for expansion as the soup freezes. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Tip: To reheat frozen pizza soup, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove or microwave. Be sure to stir frequently to evenly distribute the ingredients.
For more information on storing soups, check out this guide on how to store homemade soups.
Why Pizza Soup Recipe is Perfect for Entertaining
Pizza soup isn’t just a cozy weeknight dinner—it’s also an excellent choice for entertaining guests, whether you’re hosting a game night, a family gathering, or a casual weekend get-together. One of the reasons it works so well for groups is because it can easily be prepared in advance and kept warm on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. This way, you can focus on enjoying the company of your guests instead of spending too much time in the kitchen.
Additionally, pizza soup is extremely customizable, making it perfect for serving to a crowd with varying tastes and dietary preferences. You can set up a “toppings bar” where guests can add their favorite ingredients, such as shredded cheese, pepperoni, olives, or fresh basil, allowing everyone to personalize their bowl. This setup adds a fun, interactive element to your meal.
Because pizza soup is hearty and rich, you don’t need to worry about extensive side dishes. Simple accompaniments like garlic bread, breadsticks, or a light salad are all you need to complete the meal. Plus, the warm and comforting nature of this soup makes it a hit at any party or event, especially during colder months.
FAQs about Pizza Soup Recipe
Q: Can I make pizza soup ahead of time?
Yes, pizza soup can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. In fact, the flavors tend to meld together even more, making it taste better the next day.
Q: Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make pizza soup dairy-free, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. You can also add nutritional yeast to provide a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Q: What’s the best way to thicken pizza soup?
If you want a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of broth or add more pizza sauce. You can also stir in a small amount of tomato paste for extra thickness.
Q: Is pizza soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free pizza sauce and gluten-free toppings, pizza soup is naturally gluten-free. Be sure to check the labels on any store-bought ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Q: What are the best sides to serve with pizza soup?
Garlic bread, breadsticks, or a simple salad with Italian dressing pair perfectly with pizza soup. These sides replicate the full pizza experience without the crust.
Conclusion
Pizza soup is a creative and fun way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza in a warm, hearty soup. It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings. Whether you prefer traditional pizza toppings like sausage and pepperoni or want to experiment with a vegetarian or spicy twist, pizza soup is a dish that can be customized to fit any preference.
Making a big batch of pizza soup means you can enjoy leftovers for days, or freeze portions for future meals. With its delicious, comforting flavors and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So why not give it a try and serve up a bowl of cheesy, savory goodness for your next meal?