Why This Pizza Soup Is a Must-Try 🍕🥣
If you love pizza and you love soup, this pizza soup is the best of both worlds. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with everything that makes pizza irresistible—savory tomato base, Italian herbs, melty cheese, and your favorite toppings.
Why everyone loves this recipe:
- One-pot and easy to make
- Packed with classic pizza flavors
- Super customizable (kids love it!)
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Even better the next day
This is comfort food that feels fun, familiar, and incredibly satisfying.
What Exactly Is Pizza Soup?
Pizza soup is a thick, tomato-based soup inspired by traditional pizza toppings. Instead of dough, you get a rich broth filled with meat, vegetables, herbs, and loads of cheese—essentially pizza in spoonable form.
Think:
- Pizza sauce → soup base
- Toppings → mix-ins
- Cheese pull → creamy finish
Ingredients for Pizza Soup
Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Meat
- ½ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
Tomato & Broth
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2½ cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Veggie Toppings
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup bell peppers, diced
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
Cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
Step-by-Step: How to Make Pizza Soup
1. Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil over medium heat
- Add onion and cook until soft
- Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds
2. Brown the Sausage
- Add Italian sausage
- Cook until browned and crumbled
- Drain excess grease if needed
3. Add Pepperoni & Veggies
- Stir in pepperoni
- Add mushrooms, peppers, or olives if using
- Cook 2–3 minutes
4. Build the Soup
Add:
- Crushed tomatoes
- Broth
- Tomato paste
- Italian seasoning, oregano, basil
Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer
- Simmer uncovered 15–20 minutes
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
6. Make It Cheesy
- Lower heat
- Stir in Parmesan
- Add mozzarella gradually until fully melted
Why This Recipe Works
This pizza soup works so well because:
- Tomato base mimics pizza sauce
- Sausage + pepperoni add deep flavor
- Italian herbs recreate classic pizzeria taste
- Cheese thickens and adds richness
It’s hearty, cozy, and full of nostalgia.
Delicious Variations 🍕
🍄 Veggie Pizza Soup
- Skip meat
- Add zucchini, spinach, extra mushrooms
🌶️ Spicy Pizza Soup
- Use hot Italian sausage
- Add red pepper flakes
🍗 Chicken Pizza Soup
- Replace sausage with shredded chicken
🧀 Ultra-Cheesy Version
- Add provolone or fontina cheese
What to Serve with Pizza Soup
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Simple green salad
Optional toppings:
- Extra mozzarella
- Fresh basil
- Crushed red pepper
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
- Store in airtight container
- Keeps up to 4 days
Freezer
- Freeze up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight in the fridge
Reheating
- Reheat gently over low heat
- Add a splash of broth if thick
Common Problems & Fixes
Soup Too Thick
- Add more broth
Too Acidic
- Add a pinch of sugar or more cheese
Cheese Clumping
- Lower heat before adding cheese
FAQs – Pizza Soup
Can I make pizza soup in a slow cooker?
Yes—brown the meat first, then cook on LOW 4–6 hours.
Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Just skip spicy ingredients.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes—check labels on sausage and pepperoni.
Final Thoughts 🍕
This pizza soup is:
- Fun
- Comforting
- Easy
- Totally customizable
When pizza night meets soup night, this recipe always wins.
✨ Save it, share it, and enjoy pizza by the spoonful.