If you adore all the flavors of a classic pizza but crave something cozy and comforting, this Pizza Soup Recipe will quickly become a weeknight favorite. Bursting with Italian sausage, zesty pepperoni, and a rich tomato broth simmered with fragrant herbs and garlic, this hearty soup captures that beloved pizza essence in every spoonful. It’s like enjoying your favorite pie with the warming embrace of a bowl of soup, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a flavorful meal that feels like a hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let this Pizza Soup Recipe fool you with its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward, but each plays a vital role in layering flavor, texture, and color. From savory sausage to melty mozzarella, every component brings something special to the pot.
- Olive oil: Used to brown the sausage and sauté veggies, adding a subtle richness.
- Italian sausage (1 lb): The heart of the soup, providing bold, savory goodness—choose mild or spicy based on your preference.
- Small onion, diced: Offers sweetness and depth once softened.
- Green bell pepper, chopped: Adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the soup with signature Italian aroma and flavor.
- Diced tomatoes (14 oz can): Bring natural sweetness and a touch of acidity.
- Tomato sauce (15 oz can): Creates the smooth, rich tomato base essential for the soup’s character.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (3 cups): Builds the liquid foundation, enhancing the savory notes.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A fragrant blend of herbs that rounds out the flavor beautifully.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ tsp, optional): Adds a gentle heat kick, perfect for spice lovers.
- Black pepper (¼ tsp): For a subtle peppery background note.
- Salt (½ tsp): Essential to bring all the flavors together.
- Mini or sliced pepperoni (1 cup, chopped): Intensifies that pizza vibe with every bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups): Topping that melts into ooey-gooey perfection.
- Croutons or toasted bread: Provides a satisfying crunch and a great way to soak up the soup.
How to Make Pizza Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon, and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. This step is crucial for developing that deep, meaty flavor that forms the soup’s backbone. If there’s excess fat, drain it to keep the soup from getting too greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Next, toss in the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook the mixture for about 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies soften and release their fragrant aroma. This creates a flavorful base that balances the richness of the sausage and adds a fresh, slightly sweet note to the soup.
Step 3: Add Tomato Ingredients and Broth
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, followed by the chicken or vegetable broth. Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. This simmering time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, deepening and enhancing every spoonful.
Step 4: Incorporate Pepperoni
Add the chopped pepperoni to the pot and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This step infuses the soup with pepperoni’s smoky, spicy character, ensuring that every bite tastes like your favorite pizza.
Step 5: Serve with Mozzarella and Crunch
When ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls and generously top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Let it sit for a minute to melt into creamy perfection—or pop the bowls under a broiler for a minute or two if you want bubbly, golden cheese on top. Serve hot, accompanied by crunchy croutons or toasted bread to scoop up every delicious drop.
How to Serve Pizza Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra pizzazz, consider fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top before serving. Both add brightness and a lovely touch of freshness. If you enjoy spice, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the heat, while a drizzle of good olive oil contributes extra richness.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. If you want to lean further into the pizza theme, serve it alongside a garlic breadstick or cheesy bread knots. These sides complement the soup without overwhelming its rich, layered flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in bread bowls for an edible container that adds to the indulgence. Offering small bowls with a build-your-own topping station—lettuce, olives, mushrooms, or even extra pepperoni—can transform a simple meal into an interactive experience. It’s a fantastic way to please everyone’s tastes at family dinners or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pizza Soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavor. This makes it perfect for meal prep or enjoying the next day when the flavors have had even more time to deepen.
Freezing
If you want to save soup for a longer stretch, it freezes well in portioned containers. Freeze it without the cheese topping—add fresh mozzarella when reheating to keep that melty texture. Frozen soup can last up to 3 months and will provide a comforting meal whenever you need a quick, satisfying dish.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much. When heated through, sprinkle on fresh mozzarella or re-toast croutons before serving to restore that freshly made magic.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage in this Pizza Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage gives the soup a distinctive flavor, ground beef can be a tasty substitute. To mimic the seasoning, consider adding a pinch more Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the beef as it cooks.
Is this Pizza Soup Recipe gluten-free?
The soup itself is naturally gluten-free if you skip the croutons or use gluten-free bread. Just be sure to check the labels on your broth and sausage, as sometimes added ingredients contain gluten.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, swap the sausage and pepperoni for plant-based alternatives or simply add more vegetables like mushrooms, olives, or zucchini. Use vegetable broth to keep it entirely plant-based and full of delicious flavor.
What’s the best type of cheese to top the soup?
Traditional shredded mozzarella is perfect because it melts smoothly and evokes classic pizza flavors. You could also mix in some provolone or Parmesan for a different twist, but mozzarella remains the go-to choice.
Can I prepare this Pizza Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the sausage and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Add the cheese right before serving for that wonderful melted finish.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Soup Recipe is pure comfort food magic that brings together all the best parts of your favorite pizza in a warm, cozy bowl. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or a flavorful dish to impress guests, this soup never fails to satisfy. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to keep this recipe close—it’s a delicious way to enjoy pizza any day of the week.
Print
Pizza Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This hearty and flavorful Pizza Soup combines savory Italian sausage, classic pizza toppings, and rich tomato broth in a comforting bowl. Perfect for a family meal, it captures all the deliciousness of pizza in a warm, easy-to-make soup topped with melted mozzarella and served with crunchy croutons or toasted bread.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Toppings
- 1 cup mini pepperoni or sliced pepperoni, chopped
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- Croutons or toasted bread (for serving)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, building the base flavor for the soup.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken or vegetable broth. Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil to start blending the flavors.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes. This allows the ingredients to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Add Pepperoni: Stir in the chopped pepperoni and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to warm through and infuse the soup with more pizza flavor.
- Serve and Top: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle each with shredded mozzarella cheese. Let sit for a minute to allow the cheese to melt naturally, or place under a broiler for 1–2 minutes for a bubbly, golden top.
- Accompaniments: Serve immediately with croutons or toasted bread to complete the comforting pizza-inspired meal.
Notes
- Add your favorite pizza toppings such as olives, mushrooms, or cooked ground beef to customize the soup.
- This soup stores well and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- For a gluten-free version, serve with gluten-free croutons or bread.
