Pizza Soup Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love pizza but sometimes crave something a little more spoon-able, then hold onto your seats because this pizza soup is about to become your new obsession!

I love turning classic dishes into something new, and Pizza Soup is a comforting twist on familiar flavors. I think the combination of Italian sausage, pepperoni, and mushrooms with a tomato and chicken broth base offers a hearty, satisfying meal.

The added mozzarella and Parmesan provide a deliciously cheesy finish.

Pizza Soup Recipe Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Healthy monounsaturated fats, heart-friendly.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; contains antioxidants.
• Garlic: Boosts flavor; rich in vitamins C and B6.
• Green Bell Pepper: Crunchy with vitamin C; adds freshness.
• Mushrooms: Umami flavor, low-calorie, rich in B vitamins.
• Italian Sausage: Protein-rich, adds savory spice.
• Pepperoni: Adds classic pizza flavor and spice.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, forms soup base.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful base, adds depth and warmth.
• Oregano: Aromatic, adds earthy and peppery notes.
• Basil: Sweet, aromatic; classic Italian herb.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds heat and kick.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts for creaminess, rich in calcium.
• Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, salty, enhances overall flavor.

Pizza Soup Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 8 ounces Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1 cup pepperoni slices, cut in half
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)

How to Make this Pizza Soup Recipe

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

2. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped green bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Cook for another 4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.

3. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through.

4. Stir in the halved pepperoni slices and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine everything thoroughly.

6. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

8. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the soup.

9. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.

10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy your delicious pizza soup!

Pizza Soup Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cups

FAQ

• Can I make this pizza soup vegetarian? Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage and pepperoni with plant-based alternatives or omit them entirely and add more vegetables.
• How can I thicken the soup? To thicken the soup, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water).
• What is the serving size for this recipe? This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings, depending on portion size.
• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes? Yes, you can use about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped. You may need to simmer longer to achieve the desired consistency.
• How should I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
• Is it possible to freeze this soup? Yes, allow the soup to cool completely and then freeze it in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Can I add other pizza toppings? Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute ingredients like black olives, jalapeños, or even cooked pasta for more variety.

Pizza Soup Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Olive oil: Substitute with canola oil or vegetable oil.
• Green bell pepper: Use red bell pepper or yellow bell pepper for a sweeter flavor.
• Mushrooms: Try using zucchini or eggplant if mushrooms are not preferred.
• Italian sausage: You can use ground beef or ground turkey as an alternative.
• Crushed tomatoes: Substitute with fresh tomatoes, diced and peeled, or tomato purée.

Pro Tips

1. Sauté Secret When sautéing the onion, garlic, and bell pepper, add a pinch of salt to help them release their flavors and soften more quickly. This will enhance the base of your soup.

2. Mushroom Magic Cook the mushrooms separately with a bit of extra olive oil before adding them to the pot. This will help them retain a richer flavor and better texture in the soup.

3. Sausage Browning Make sure the sausage is well browned before adding the other ingredients. This step adds depth to the soup through the Maillard reaction, which enhances the flavor.

4. Herb Boost Consider adding a fresh sprig of thyme or rosemary while the soup simmers, removing it before serving. This will add an extra layer of aromatics.

5. Cheese Finish For a richer texture, stir in the mozzarella cheese slowly over low heat to ensure it melts smoothly and evenly without clumping.