If you’re a fan of pizza (and who isn’t?), then this "Pizza Soup" recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine all the cheesy, savory, tomato-rich goodness of your favorite pizza, but in a warm, comforting soup form. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies your cravings, but with a twist on the traditional pizza we all know and love.
Pizza soup combines all the bold flavors of a classic pizza-tomato sauce, melted cheese, pepperoni, and more-into one cozy, hearty bowl of goodness. It’s simple to make, customizable, and can easily be served as a quick weeknight dinner or even as an appetizer for a casual get-together.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a hungry crowd, this dish is sure to impress, and it’s a fantastic way to enjoy pizza without needing to heat up the oven or get your hands messy. So, grab your pot and let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Pizza Soup Easy Recipe
This pizza soup recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires just a few pantry staples. You’ll have a flavorful, hearty soup ready in under an hour, making it the perfect comfort food for any day of the week. Let’s break it down step-by-step.
Ingredients Needed
Before you get started, gather the following ingredients:
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and creating a flavorful base.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
- Garlic: For that aromatic, savory punch.
- Ground beef (or Italian sausage): This is optional, but it adds richness and flavor. If you want a vegetarian version, skip the meat and opt for extra veggies.
- Crushed tomatoes: The heart of the soup, bringing the rich, tangy tomato flavor.
- Tomato paste: Thickens the soup and deepens the tomato flavor.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Provides a savory base for the soup.
- Oregano, basil, and Italian seasoning: The perfect blend of herbs to give the soup that signature pizza taste.
- Mozzarella cheese: A must for that gooey, cheesy texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty contrast to the mozzarella.
- Pepperoni (optional): Because what’s pizza without pepperoni? Add a bit of crispy pepperoni to top off the flavor.
- Bread (optional): For dipping or creating a mini pizza crouton experience.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Cooking Instructions
This recipe is so easy you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it before! Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Prep The Ingredients
- Dice the onion and garlic.
- If you’re using pepperoni, slice it into small rounds or strips.
- If using ground beef or sausage, break it up into small pieces.
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Sauté The Aromatics
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Cook the meat (if using):
- If you’ve chosen to use ground beef or Italian sausage, add it to the pot now.
- Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- If there’s excess fat, drain it off.
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Build The Soup
- Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot, stirring to combine.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring everything to a simmer.
- Stir in your herbs: oregano, basil, and Italian seasoning.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Simmer The Soup
- Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.
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Add The Cheese
- Once the soup is done simmering, turn off the heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese. Let it melt into the soup for that rich, gooey texture.
- For an extra cheesy boost, sprinkle in some Parmesan cheese as well.
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Finish It Off
- Ladle the soup into bowls. If you like, top it with crispy slices of pepperoni, additional cheese, or even some fresh basil for a little green touch.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or even some toasted pizza crust if you want to get fancy.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s break down the ingredients a bit further to understand why they work so well together:
- Olive oil: Olive oil isn’t just a fat for cooking; it brings a rich, slightly fruity flavor that complements the other ingredients in the soup. It’s a key base for sautéing your aromatics and helps develop the soup’s depth.
- Ground beef or sausage: Adding meat gives the soup a hearty, savory element, much like the toppings you’d find on a meaty pizza. You can also use chicken or turkey for a lighter option, or go vegetarian with a variety of vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
- Tomatoes (crushed and paste): Crushed tomatoes provide the liquid base for the soup and bring the bright, tangy flavor you expect from a pizza sauce. The paste thickens it and adds intensity, giving the soup a rich and velvety texture.
- Cheese (Mozzarella and Parmesan): Cheese is what truly turns this soup into pizza in a bowl! Mozzarella gives that melt-in-your-mouth stretchiness, while Parmesan brings a sharp, salty note to balance the richness.
- Pepperoni: This adds that signature crispy, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor you associate with pizza. If you prefer another topping, you can always swap it out for sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers!
Expert Tips
- Make it ahead: This soup stores well in the fridge for a few days. If you want to meal prep, make it ahead and store in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight.
- Adjust the thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more tomato paste. If you want a thinner, brothier soup, just add more chicken broth or water.
- Control the spice: If you love heat, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes, or even a diced jalapeño to kick up the spice level.
- Cheese options: While mozzarella and Parmesan are the traditional choices, you can experiment with others. Cheddar gives a sharper flavor, and provolone melts beautifully too.
- Bread options: For extra flavor, toast up some pizza dough or a baguette, cut it into cubes, and float it in your soup as a crouton. It adds a little extra pizzazz!
Recipe Variations
Pizza soup is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to get creative! Here are a few fun variations:
- Veggie pizza soup: Skip the meat and go all-in on vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and olives for a delicious, vegetarian version.
- Meat lovers’ pizza soup: Add sausage, bacon, and even ham to amp up the meaty goodness.
- Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free bread for dipping or skip the bread altogether. You can also use gluten-free pasta for an extra hearty soup.
- Spicy pizza soup: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes to give your soup some heat, or even drizzle it with hot sauce at the end.
Final Words
This pizza soup is an absolute winner for anyone craving the flavors of pizza in a new, comforting form. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something delicious, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s so easy to customize, so you can make it just the way you like.
FAQs
What Is Pizza Soup?
Pizza soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the delicious ingredients of pizza, such as tomatoes, cheese, pepperoni, and herbs, into a soup form. It’s an easy-to-make, comfort food that delivers the essence of pizza in a warm, liquid dish.
How Do I Make Pizza Soup From Scratch?
To make pizza soup from scratch, you’ll typically start by sautéing onions, garlic, and Italian sausage (or pepperoni). Then, add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and seasonings like oregano and basil. Let the soup simmer before adding mozzarella cheese and any other pizza toppings you like.
Can I Make Pizza Soup Without Sausage Or Meat?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of pizza soup by omitting the sausage or meat. You can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and olives to maintain the pizza flavor profile.
What Toppings Can I Add To Pizza Soup?
Popular toppings for pizza soup include pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, onions, and fresh basil. Additionally, you can garnish with grated parmesan or extra mozzarella for added flavor.
How Do I Thicken Pizza Soup?
To thicken pizza soup, you can either reduce it by simmering for a longer period or add ingredients like cream, cheese, or even cooked pasta. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, adding mashed potatoes or a little corn starch can help.
Can I Use Store-bought Pizza Sauce For Pizza Soup?
Yes, using store-bought pizza sauce can save time and still create a delicious pizza soup. However, it’s a good idea to adjust the seasoning, as store-bought sauces can vary in flavor. You may need to add extra herbs or spices.
Is Pizza Soup A Good Make-ahead Meal?
Yes, pizza soup is an excellent make-ahead meal. The flavors actually improve after sitting for a few hours or overnight. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and reheat it when needed.
Can I Freeze Pizza Soup?
Yes, pizza soup can be frozen. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, add extra cheese or broth to restore the soup’s texture.
What Type Of Cheese Is Best For Pizza Soup?
Mozzarella cheese is the most commonly used cheese for pizza soup, as it melts beautifully. However, you can also add other cheeses like parmesan, provolone, or cheddar for different flavors and textures.
Can I Serve Pizza Soup With Bread?
Yes, pizza soup pairs wonderfully with a side of bread, such as garlic bread, breadsticks, or even a crusty baguette. The bread helps soak up the soup and adds a nice texture contrast.