If you have ever wished you could cozy up with all the warm, cheesy, and delicious flavors of pizza in a comforting bowl, this Pizza Soup Recipe has your name written all over it. Imagine the rich aroma of savory sausage mingling with tangy tomatoes and the unmistakable essence of Italian spices, all topped off with gooey mozzarella and pepperoni slices that bring that classic pizza vibe to every spoonful. This soup is the perfect way to satisfy pizza cravings while enjoying a hearty, soul-satisfying meal that’s simple to make and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this irresistible Pizza Soup Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from the savory sausage that delivers heartiness to the bright bell pepper that adds freshness and color. Let’s dive into this flavorful lineup that makes the magic happen.
- 1 lb sausage, crumbled: Choose your favorite type for a rich, meaty base that defines the soup’s character.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed to perfection.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings that punch of classic Italian flavor we all love.
- 1 bell pepper, diced: Brightens the soup with a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: Forms the luscious, tangy heart of the broth.
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Creates the perfect savory liquid base to meld all the flavors.
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties together all the savory notes effortlessly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing every ingredient’s flavor.
- 1 cup pepperoni slices: Adds that beloved, spicy pizza topping punch inside the soup.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts down to ooey-gooey perfection, delivering the iconic pizza cheese texture.
- Fresh basil for garnish: A fresh herbal touch that elevates the soup’s aroma and appearance.
How to Make Pizza Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by browning the crumbled sausage in a large pot over medium heat. This process renders the fat and brings out the deeply savory flavors that will anchor the entire soup. Once the sausage is fully cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the final dish from becoming greasy but still packed with meaty goodness.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper into the pot with the sausage. Sauté everything together until the vegetables become soft and translucent, which usually takes about five minutes. This step beautifully releases their natural sweetness and builds a well-rounded flavor base.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir, bring the soup to a boil, and then reduce the heat to let it simmer gently for 20 minutes. This slow simmering allows all the ingredients to marry perfectly, creating a savory and aromatic broth.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Now comes the fun part—adding pepperoni slices along with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese into the soup. Stir everything together on low heat until the cheese melts into a creamy, cheesy layer that adds richness and that unmistakable pizza flavor throughout each spoonful.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, ladle the steaming hot soup into your favorite bowls. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top and finish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, fresh garnish. This is the moment to savor the playful combination of cozy soup meeting beloved pizza flavors in perfect harmony.
How to Serve Pizza Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the perfect garnish to add a burst of color and a refreshing herbal aroma that contrasts beautifully with the rich, cheesy soup. If you want to get creative, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can bring a bit more depth and warmth to each bite.
Side Dishes
This Pizza Soup Recipe pairs wonderfully with crunchy garlic breadsticks or a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette. The crunch and acidity help balance the rich, cheesy texture and bold flavors of the soup, creating a full and satisfying meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and cozy presentation, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out loaves of Italian bread. This way, your guests can enjoy a delicious edible bowl that complements the soup’s comforting vibe. You could also sprinkle extra mozzarella and broil just before serving to create a melty, golden cheese crust on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though with this recipe, that’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delicious as the first.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully! Cool it completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep or busy days when you need a ready-to-heat comfort meal.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup if it thickens up too much in the fridge or freezer. Add fresh mozzarella or basil just before serving to revive that fresh flavor.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage works well and lowers the fat content while keeping the savory flavor profile intact. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before moving to the next step.
Is it possible to make this Pizza Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the sausage and pepperoni, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add plant-based sausage or mushrooms to retain the hearty texture and depth.
What’s the best cheese to use if I don’t have mozzarella?
Mozzarella is ideal for its meltiness, but you can substitute with provolone, fontina, or even a mild cheddar for a slightly different but still delicious cheesy soup experience.
Can I make this Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?
You can! Brown the sausage and sauté the veggies first as usual, then combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the cheese in the last 15 minutes to melt perfectly.
How spicy is this soup, and can I adjust the heat?
The soup is mild but flavorful. If you love a little kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when adding the seasoning. It’s easy to adjust according to your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Soup Recipe is such a delightful way to bring the magic of pizza into your bowl and your heart. Whether you’re craving comfort food on a chilly evening or want to impress family with something unexpected, this soup delivers both warmth and excitement. Don’t wait to give it a try—you’ll soon be making this a new favorite go-to meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite!
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Pizza Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This hearty and comforting Pizza Soup combines all the delicious flavors of a classic pizza in a warm, savory soup form. Loaded with crumbled sausage, pepperoni, sautéed vegetables, crushed tomatoes, and melted mozzarella cheese, it’s the perfect meal for pizza lovers looking for something cozy and easy to make. Garnished with fresh basil, this soup is bursting with Italian-inspired taste in every bowl.
Ingredients
Meat and Cheese
- 1 lb sausage, crumbled
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- Fresh basil for garnish
Liquids and Seasoning
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the crumbled sausage until it is fully cooked and no longer pink. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the pot with the sausage. Sauté the mixture until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add Toppings: Stir the pepperoni slices and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese into the soup. Continue cooking until the cheese has melted into a creamy texture.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious pizza-inspired soup!
Notes
- Use lean sausage to reduce the fat content.
- You can substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly if you omit the sausage and pepperoni.
- For extra spice, add crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Adding crunchy garlic bread on the side makes for a complete, satisfying meal.
