Who doesn’t love a warm bowl of comforting soup on a chilly day? And what if we told you that you could combine two all-time favorites – pizza and soup – into one delicious meal?
In this blog post, we’re excited to share our pizza soup recipe with you. We’ll guide you through the process of transforming classic pizza ingredients into a cozy, delicious soup that’s sure to satisfy both pizza and soup lovers alike.
Are you hungry yet? Let’s dive in!
Pizza Soup Ingredients You Need
Before we start cooking, let’s make sure you have all the necessary ingredients for your pizza soup. You’ll need:
- Italian pork sausage
- Onion
- Green pepper
- Water
- Pizza sauce
- Pepperoni
- Fresh tomatoes
- Sugar
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Dried basil
- Dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper
- Mozzarella cheese (for garnish)
- Croutons (for garnish)
Remember, you can always add your twist to this recipe by including other favorite pizza toppings such as mushrooms, olives, or even some spicy jalapeños for an extra kick.
Kitchen Tools Required For Pizza Soup Preparation
To master this pizza soup recipe smoothly, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools at your disposal:
- A large pot or Dutch oven for cooking the soup
- A stovetop or a similar cooking surface
- A knife for chopping vegetables and slicing pepperoni
- A cutting board for preparing ingredients
- A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions
- A colander for draining the sausage, if necessary
- Cheese grater for fresh mozzarella garnish
- Ladle for serving
Make sure each tool is clean and ready to use before you begin to ensure a pleasant cooking experience.
Step-By-Step Instructions For Homemade Pizza Soup Recipe
Let’s get started on this mouthwatering pizza soup recipe that will bring the coziness of comfort food straight to your table.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by gathering all of your ingredients. Chop the onion and green pepper into small pieces.
Slice the pepperoni, and dice the tomatoes. Measure out all of your spices so they’re ready to add when needed.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Place your large pot or Dutch oven on the stove over medium heat. Add the Italian pork sausage, chopped onion, and green pepper.
Cook until the sausage is well-browned and the vegetables are tender. During cooking, season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once done, drain any excess grease from the pot.
Step 3: Combine Soup Base
To the same pot, add the pizza sauce and water, stirring to combine. Make sure to scrape up any tasty bits that have stuck to the bottom of the pot from browning the sausage.
Step 4: Add Flavors and Toppings
Stir in the diced tomatoes, sliced pepperoni, sugar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, dried basil, rosemary, and additional salt and pepper to taste. If you have other favorite pizza toppings prepped, add them in at this stage.
Step 5: Simmer the Soup
Increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Use the ladle to serve the hot pizza soup in bowls. Sprinkle over the shredded mozzarella cheese and add croutons on top for an extra crunch.
Serve immediately and enjoy the melty, comforting goodness of your homemade pizza soup.
Step 7: Store or Reheat
Before storing any leftover soup, let it cool down and then place it in a sealed container. It will remain fresh in the fridge for up to four days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, warm it up on the stove, and consider adding a bit of water if the soup has become thicker while refrigerated.
Several Ways For Customizing Your Pizza Soup
Pizza soup is a versatile dish that’s ripe for personalization; here are a few ideas to tailor the flavors to your palate.
- Add a Variety of Cheeses
Try a mix of sharp cheddar, provolone, or even gouda to give the dish a unique twist. Each cheese brings its distinct taste and creaminess that can make your soup even more indulgent.
- Make It Vegetarian
Transform your pizza soup into a vegetarian delight by skipping the meat and loading up on veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, and zucchini. You can also use a robust vegetable broth as a base to deepen the flavor profile.
- Include a Protein Boost
If you’re interested in adding more protein to your meal, consider ingredients like grilled chicken, ground turkey, or even chickpeas. These proteins go well with pizza flavors while making your soup more filling and nutritious.
- Turn Up the Heat
For those who like it spicy, introduce some heat with red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or even a splash of hot sauce. Adjust the amount to cater to your desired level of spiciness.
- Go Gluten-Free
To cater to a gluten-free diet, ensure that your pizza sauce and pepperoni are gluten-free, and opt for gluten-free croutons or omit them entirely.
You can also thicken the soup with a gluten-free flour mix if needed.
- Kid-Friendly
Create a version that’s perfect for kids by sticking to simple, familiar toppings like pepperoni and omitting more complex flavors like rosemary or spicy elements. Cutting the veggies into fun shapes or using mini pepperoni can make the soup more appealing to little ones.
Side Dishes Complementing Your Pizza Soup
A well-chosen side dish can turn your pizza soup into a full, satisfying meal. Consider these delightful accompaniments that will complement the savory notes of your soup perfectly.
#1. Garlic Breadsticks
Nothing pairs with pizza quite like garlic breadsticks. Serve them warm with a crusty exterior and a soft, fluffy inside, perfect for dipping into your soup and soaking up every last bit of flavor.
#2. Fresh Salad
A crisp, fresh salad is the perfect counterbalance to the hearty richness of pizza soup. Opt for a classic Caesar salad or a simple Italian blend of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a sprinkle of parmesan.
#3. Roasted Vegetables
For a healthier side, try roasting a medley of your favorite vegetables. Zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers seasoned with a touch of olive oil, salt, and Italian herbs can add a delightful texture and a boost of nutrients.
#4. Italian Flatbread
An herbed Italian flatbread, warm and toasty from the oven, can be torn into pieces and shared around the table. This makes for a hands-on, communal dining experience that complements any Italian-inspired meal.
#5. Antipasto Plate
Create a small antipasto plate with various olives, slices of cured meats, artichoke hearts, and cheeses. This selection allows guests to customize their bites and adds a gourmet touch to the meal.
Remember to keep the side dishes light and not too filling, as the pizza soup itself is quite robust and satisfying.
Some Tips For Achieving Pizza Soup Perfection
To ensure your pizza soup turns out delectable each time, consider the following tips:
- Simmer Slowly: Allowing your soup to simmer on low heat helps intensify the flavors. Give it time for the spices and seasonings to marry well with the other ingredients.
- Use Quality Ingredients: The taste of your soup is largely determined by the quality of the ingredients you use. Go for high-quality, flavorful pizza sauce, and fresh produce whenever possible.
- Proper Seasoning: Taste as you cook and adjust the seasonings, especially salt, to your preference. Remember, the flavors will develop and become more pronounced as the soup simmers.
- Toast the Croutons: If you’re adding croutons, toast them lightly with olive oil and Italian seasoning for that extra crunch and a burst of flavor that compliments the soup beautifully.
- Cheese Matters: Add the cheese on top just before serving to get that perfect melt without it dissolving into the soup. A mix of mozzarella and a bit of parmesan can create an irresistible cheesy pull.
- Herb Freshness: Using fresh herbs like basil as a garnish before serving adds a fresh pop of flavor and color that can elevate the overall taste of your pizza soup.
Conclusion
In the comfort of your kitchen, the pizza soup recipe we’ve embarked on is more than a dish—it’s an adventure in flavor. This culinary creation embodies the spirit of pizza in a warm, soul-soothing broth.
Each spoonful is a testament to the versatility and joy that cooking can bring into our lives. Whether you’re crafting a cozy meal for yourself or sharing it with loved ones, this pizza soup recipe is sure to leave a heartwarming impression, nourishing both body and spirit.
So here’s to many more gatherings around the pot—may your pizza soup be a hug in a bowl.
Read more:
Pizza Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup diced pepperoni use gluten-free if necessary
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for heat
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish optional
- Croutons or garlic breadsticks for serving optional
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Then, sauté the onion and garlic for three to four minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Incorporate the bell pepper and mushrooms into the pot, allowing them to cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to tenderize.
- Add the chopped pepperoni and let it cook for one minute to release some of the fat.
- Add the pizza sauce and liquid, and then, if you like, top with the dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything together.
- Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the soup to simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After tasting the soup, taste again and add more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve hot in bowls with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top, which will melt into the soup. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Accompany your pizza soup with croutons or garlic breadsticks for dipping, if you prefer.