25-Minutes Pizza Soup Recipe Infused With Iconic Flavors

by Julia
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August 4, 2023

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Dive into a whimsical culinary creation with our Pizza Soup Recipe, where all your favorite pizza flavors come to life in a bowl! Start by sautéing spicy Italian sausage and aromatic onions, laying down a foundation bursting with flavor. Swirl in a rich tomato broth, infusing it with garlic and Italian herbs, transforming it into a savory symphony. Add a generous helping of melty mozzarella and pepperoni slices, ensuring every spoonful is a cheesy delight. Top with a sprinkle of basil and dive into this innovative, heartwarming bowl of pizza perfection!

Uncover a culinary fusion that awakens the senses, where Italy’s quintessential dish takes a plunge into the comforting realm of soup. Welcome to the deliciously innovative world of pizza soup recipe!

Discover how mozzarella meets tomatoes in an enticing broth brimming with aromatic basil and zesty oregano.

This recipe weaves simplicity with bold, authentic flavors, promising a unique adventure for your taste buds. A winter warmer or a summer treat, the versatility of this dish respects no season. With each spoonful, experience an explosion of pizza’s iconic flavors; all snuggled into a comforting soup bowl.

Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned chef, this guide will help you master a game-changing recipe. Read on to journey into this unique culinary crossover that is guaranteed to have you saying ‘delizioso’ with every single bite!

Ready to immerse yourself in the art of cooking pizza soup? Let’s dive in!

What Is Pizza Soup?

Pizza Soup is a delightful culinary innovation that marries traditional pizza flavors with the comforting texture of soup. At its heart lies a rich tomato base loaded with aromatic herbs, garlic, and onions. The ‘toppings’ take the form of beloved pizza ingredients like pepperoni, bell peppers, and olives, simmered to perfection.

Finally, a generous sprinkle of melted mozzarella and a dusting of Parmesan complete the dish. Each spoonful of Pizza Soup delivers a delectable experience reminiscent of biting into a warm, cheesy slice.

Can You Vary Pizza Soup Recipe With Other Ingredients?

Absolutely! The beauty of pizza soup is its flexibility. You can easily adapt it to various dietary preferences:

Keto Use a sugar-free tomato sauce and a high-quality bone broth for the soup base. Include low-carb vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms, and use plenty of cheese and meat toppings.
Paleo Stick to a sugar-free tomato sauce, and use a high-quality bone broth or vegetable stock. Opt for paleo-friendly toppings such as lean chicken or turkey, and add plenty of fresh vegetables.
Gluten-Free Ensure that the broth used is gluten-free. Opt for gluten-free toppings and serve with gluten-free bread on the side.
Whole30 Use a compliant tomato sauce and broth. Choose Whole30-friendly toppings such as chicken or turkey, and load up on vegetables. Exclude cheese from this version.
Vegetarian Omit meat toppings and amp up the vegetable content. Bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and onions are all great choices. You could also add beans for extra protein.
Vegan Follow the vegetarian version and use a vegan cheese substitute or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor.

Recipe Directions

In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion to the pan. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the onion is translucent, releasing their savory aroma.
Pour in the water or chicken broth into the saucepan. Add the pizza sauce, sliced pepperoni, undrained diced tomatoes, and the crumbled Italian sausage.
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the mixture to infuse the soup with those classic pizza flavors. Stir everything together until well combined.
Cover the saucepan with a lid and bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the saucepan again and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, making sure to stir occasionally to prevent any sticking to the bottom.
While the soup is simmering, take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your preferences.
Just before serving, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This addition will add a delightful creaminess and enhance the savory flavor of the soup.
Ladle the hot and hearty Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Soup into bowls and serve with a sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Variations, Add-Ons And Toppings

Vegetarian Delight

Load up with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and spinach. Add chickpeas or white beans for a protein punch.

Spicy Adventure

Turn up the heat with spicy sausage, jalapenos, or a generous sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Seafood Twist

Incorporate seafood like shrimp or clams for a maritime spin.

Meat Lover’s

Double the meat with bacon, ham, ground beef, or chicken.

Cheese Galore

Experiment with different cheeses, like sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or creamy fontina.

Gourmet Touch

Try sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or a drizzle of truffle oil for a gourmet upgrade.

Healthy Greens

Stir in baby spinach or kale right before serving for added nutrition.

Extra Crunch

Serve with garlic croutons or a side of garlic bread for a textural contrast.

Can I Make Pizza Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Pizza Soup is adaptable to both slow cookers and Instant Pots, making it even more convenient to prepare.

Slow Cooker

Begin by sautéing the mushrooms and onion in a pan over medium heat until tender.
Transfer the sautéed ingredients to the slow cooker, then add water, pepperoni, pizza sauce, sausage, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Stir in Parmesan cheese just before serving, and garnish with mozzarella.

Instant Pot

Turn the Instant Pot on to the sauté setting and heat oil. Add the mushrooms and onion, sautéing until tender.
Mix in water, pizza sauce, tomatoes, sausage, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning.
Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on manual high pressure for 10 minutes.
Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then turn the valve for quick release.
Stir in Parmesan cheese before serving, and garnish with mozzarella.

Can I Use Store Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Both options work, but they come with different advantages.

Store-Bought Broth

Using store-bought broth is a convenient choice, especially when you’re short on time. It’s ready to use, consistent in flavor, and comes in various types, including vegetable, chicken, beef, and even bone broth.

However, when choosing a store-bought broth, look for low-sodium, organic versions when possible, and always check the label for any additives or preservatives.

Homemade Broth

On the other hand, making your own broth gives you control over the ingredients and flavor. You can use leftover bones, vegetable scraps, and herbs, making it a cost-effective and waste-reducing option.

Homemade broth typically doesn’t have the additives found in some commercial broths and can be made in large batches and frozen for future use. However, it does require extra time and planning.

How To Serve ?

Serving Pizza Soup can be as delightful and creative as preparing it. Here are a few ways to serve it:

Bread: Pizza soup pairs beautifully with a slice of warm, crusty bread on the side. This helps to scoop up the soup and adds a nice texture contrast.
Garnish: Sprinkle some fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top of each bowl for a pop of color and freshness. Top it with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese, which will melt into the hot soup for added creaminess.
Croutons: Top the soup with garlic croutons just before serving to provide a crunchy texture.
Bowls: For a fun presentation, consider serving your pizza soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. It’s a fun and edible vessel that’s perfect for this hearty soup.
Accompaniments: You might want to serve it with a side salad for a well-rounded meal.

Perfect Side Dishes

Garlic Bread: A classic side dish for any Italian-inspired meal, garlic bread can soak up the delicious soup and complement its robust flavors.
Side Salad: A light and crisp salad can balance the hearty and rich soup. Consider a simple green salad or an Italian-style salad with olives, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette.
Grilled Vegetables: Grilled or roasted veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant can add a nice contrast of flavors and textures.
Bruschetta: Fresh tomato and basil bruschetta on toasted slices of baguette can be a delicious and refreshing accompaniment.
Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, cured meats, cheeses, and marinated veggies would pair well with the Italian flavors in the soup.
Stuffed Mushrooms: These can make a delicious and filling side dish, especially when stuffed with ingredients like garlic, cheese, and breadcrumbs.

Storage And Make Ahead

Cool & Refrigerate: Allow soup to cool before storing. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Option: Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat Carefully: Warm on the stove over medium heat until heated through. Add a little broth if the soup has thickened too much.
Prepare Ingredients: Chop vegetables and cook meats ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Assemble Before Serving: Add fresh toppings like shredded cheese, fresh herbs, or croutons right before serving to maintain texture and flavor.

What Can We Do With Leftovers of Pizza Soup?

Leftover Pizza Soup can be versatile and used creatively. Here are some ideas:

Pizza Pasta: Use it as a base for a pasta dish. Add cooked pasta to the reheated soup for a pizza-inspired pasta meal.
Baked Casserole: Combine with cooked rice or pasta, top with cheese, and bake for a quick casserole.
Stuffed Peppers: Use it as a filling for bell peppers. Top with cheese and bake until peppers are tender.
Pizza Bread Bowls: Serve in hollowed-out small bread loaves for an interesting take on bread bowls.
Pizza Soup Dip: Blend until smooth, reheat, and serve as a dip with breadsticks.
Pizza Quesadillas: Use as a filling for quesadillas, adding extra cheese if needed.

TIPS

Rich Tomato Base: Start with a high-quality tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes as the base. Enhance with Italian seasoning, garlic, and onion for depth.
Meat Choices: Use cooked Italian sausage, pepperoni, or ground beef for authentic pizza flavors. Brown meats beforehand to add richness.
Vegetable Varieties: Incorporate classic pizza toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives. Sauté vegetables before adding to meld flavors.
Simmer Slowly: Let the soup simmer gently to blend the flavors. Avoid boiling, which can break down vegetables too much.
Cheese Toppings: Add mozzarella or Parmesan cheese towards the end of cooking or as a garnish. This adds creamy texture and authentic pizza taste.
Herb Freshness: Stir in fresh basil or oregano towards the end for a burst of freshness, mimicking the fresh taste of pizza toppings.
Broth Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the soup with broth or tomato sauce to suit your preference. For a thicker soup, simmer longer or add a small amount of tomato paste.