Okay, so listen, I’ve always been a bit of a pizza fanatic. Seriously, I could eat it every single day! And soup? It’s my ultimate comfort food, especially on a chilly evening. But sometimes, you just can’t decide, right? Pizza or soup? Well, get ready, because I have the answer: Pizza Soup! I stumbled upon this amazing creation a few years back when I was having a serious pizza craving but also wanted something warm and cozy. The combination? Pure genius. Trust me on this one; it’s a game-changer! Imagine all those delicious pizza flavors, swimming in a rich, savory broth. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make. I’m telling you, it’s a weeknight lifesaver!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Pizza Soup Recipe
Oh, wow, where do I even begin? This Pizza Soup is amazing, and here’s why you’re gonna fall head-over-heels for it too:
- Quick & Easy: Seriously, you can whip this up in under an hour! Perfect for those busy weeknights.
- Tastes Like Pizza: Hello! It’s pizza, in soup form. What’s not to love?
- Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings. Get creative!
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will go crazy for it. My kids devour it!
- Comfort Food Bliss: Warm, cozy, and utterly delicious. It’s the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients for the Best Pizza Soup
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You won’t believe how simple it is to get that incredible Pizza Soup flavor. Here’s what you need. Don’t worry, it’s nothing too crazy:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (the good stuff!)
- 1 onion, chopped (gotta start with the basics!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best, trust me!)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (look for quality!)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or veggie broth if you’re going that route)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (adds that pizza vibe!)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (a must-have!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (season to your preference!)
- 1 cup cooked sausage, sliced (or pepperoni!)
- 1 cup pepperoni, sliced (because, pizza!)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (the melty, stringy stuff!)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for that extra umami!)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (because we fancy!)
How to Make Pizza Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, now for the fun part! Making this Pizza Soup is incredibly easy, I swear! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be swimming in cheesy, pizza-licious goodness in no time. It’s truly a one-pot wonder, so clean up is a breeze too! You’ve got this!
Preparing the Base for Your Pizza Soup
First things first, let’s get that flavor base going! Heat up your olive oil in a big pot (a Dutch oven works great!) over medium heat. Then, toss in that chopped onion and cook it, stirring often, until it softens up. It should take about 5 minutes or so, and you want it translucent, okay? Next, add in that minced garlic, and cook it for just a minute more, until you can smell that amazing aroma – careful not to burn it! This is where the magic starts!
Simmering the Pizza Soup to Perfection
Alright, time to build that flavor! Stir in those crushed tomatoes, and then pour in your chicken broth – or veggie broth if you want a vegetarian spin. Next, add in your dried oregano and basil. Now, for your salt and pepper – go easy at first, you can always add more later! Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then turn down the heat and let it bubble away for about 15 minutes. This allows all those flavors to really meld together. Yum!
Adding the Pizza Flavors
Get ready for pizza explosion! This is where the fun really begins. Now, throw in your cooked sausage and pepperoni slices. Give it all a good stir, making sure everything is evenly distributed. Heat it through, for another 5 minutes, allowing that meat to get heated through! The smell at this stage? Seriously, it’s torture waiting for it to be ready! Then, take a quick little taste to see if it needs a little bit more salt and pepper, or some extra oregano, depending on your preferences.
Serving and Garnishing Your Pizza Soup
Almost there! Ladle that hot, bubbly Pizza Soup into your bowls. Generously top each bowl with that melty mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Oh my goodness, it’s a cheese lover’s dream! And finally, for that extra touch of pizzazz, garnish with some fresh basil leaves. It looks so pretty! Serve it up with some crusty bread for dipping and get ready for a bowl of pure, unadulterated pizza deliciousness! Enjoy!
Tips for Success: Making the Best Pizza Soup Ever
You know, even though this Pizza Soup is super simple, a few little tricks can take it from “good” to “OMG, I need another bowl, *now*!” So, here are my top-secret tips to help you make this the best version ever! Trust me on these; it makes all the difference.
First off, if you have links to use brown the sausage a little bit on the stovetop before adding it to the soup. It adds so much extra flavor! Like a depth of flavor that is so good!
Next, use good quality crushed tomatoes! I know it sounds silly, but honestly, it’s a game-changer. Those cheap, watered-down ones? No way! Look for a brand you love, or even better, if you’re feeling ambitious, use fresh ones. Seriously, the flavor is incredible.
Oh, and don’t be shy with the herbs. A little extra oregano and basil never hurt anyone! Finally, taste adjust. It’s important to taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Don’t be afraid to experiment, that’s where the fun is!
Variations on Pizza Soup to Try
Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic Pizza Soup, right? Awesome! But, hey, we’re not gonna stop there, are we? The beauty of this recipe is that it’s SO easy to customize! You can truly make it your own based on your personal pizza preferences.
Want more veggies? Throw in some sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach! Craving a different kind of meat? Try Italian sausage, ground beef, or even a spicy chorizo. You could even add some cooked pasta, like small shells or ditalini, towards the end for an extra hearty soup. You can’t go wrong! Go wild!
Serving Suggestions to Complement Your Pizza Soup
Okay, so your Pizza Soup is ready? Woohoo! Now, you’re probably wondering what to serve it with. Because let’s be honest, it’s not all about the soup itself, it’s about the WHOLE experience.
First off, crusty garlic bread is practically mandatory! Nothing beats dunking that bread into the cheesy, tomato-y goodness. A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing is also a great option to add some freshness. If you’re feeling extra, some mozzarella sticks or even some cheesy breadsticks would be fantastic!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Pizza Soup
So, you’ve got leftovers? Awesome! Because this Pizza Soup tastes just as amazing the next day, if not even better (if that’s even possible!).
To store, let the soup cool completely first. Then, pop it into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It should be good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can either warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. Make sure it’s heated through, and enjoy!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Pizza Soup
Okay, so here’s a little something for those of you who like to keep track of these things (I get it!). Please remember, this is just an estimate, because exact amounts can vary based on your ingredients and serving size. But, here’s a rough idea:
- Calories: Around 350
- Sugar: About 8g
- Sodium: A bit high, around 800mg (watch out!)
- Fat: About 20g
- Saturated Fat: Around 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: About 25g
- Fiber: Around 4g
- Protein: About 15g
- Cholesterol: Around 40mg
Frequently Asked Questions About Pizza Soup
I feel like you all are probably wondering a few things, right? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few frequently asked questions about this amazing Pizza Soup recipe, so you feel like a pro.
Can I make Pizza Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! And it’s delicious! Just swap out the cooked sausage and pepperoni for some veggie crumbles or more veggies. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a completely vegetarian experience. It’s just as tasty, I promise! Honestly, I make this all the time for my veggie friends, and they rave about it!
What are some good toppings for Pizza Soup?
Oh, the topping possibilities are endless! Think of your favorite pizza, and you can add it to your soup. I love extra mozzarella cheese (I’m a cheese fiend, what can I say?), some Parmesan, and fresh basil, of course. But you could also get fancy with some red pepper flakes for a kick, a drizzle of olive oil, or even some dollops of ricotta cheese. Go wild!
How long does Pizza Soup last in the refrigerator?
You can store your leftover Pizza Soup in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Make sure you let the soup cool completely before you put it in an airtight container! When you are ready to eat it, just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. It’s still just as amazing as when it was first made, I promise! It also freezes well (about 2-3 months), just be careful when thawing it so it doesn’t get messed up.
Print
Pizza Soup
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful soup that tastes like pizza.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked sausage, sliced
- 1 cup pepperoni, sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
- Add sausage and pepperoni. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Ladle soup into bowls.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
- You can add other pizza toppings like mushrooms or bell peppers.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: pizza soup, soup, pizza, Italian, easy recipe