If you’ve ever daydreamed of scooping up all the flavors of your favorite pie in a spoon, Pizza Soup is the answer to your wildest cravings. This soup captures every cheesy, savory, and comforting note of a classic pizza, all cosily bundled in a hearty bowl. From the first whiff of sizzling sausage to the melty blanket of mozzarella on top, every ingredient comes together in a glorious harmony you’ll want to share with everyone you know. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly night or jazzing up a regular family dinner, this is the kind of dish that turns every mealtime into a celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Pizza Soup lies in the simplicity and purpose of each ingredient. Not only are they easy to find, but each brings its own personality—spice, texture, color, and that irresistible pizza aroma.

Olive oil: A splash of this gets everything off to a rich, flavorful start while keeping things from sticking.
Italian sausage (casings removed): The backbone of flavor here, packing the soup with meaty, spiced goodness.
Pepperoni slices (halved): Adds the iconic pizza zing and a delightful chew in every bite.
Onion (diced): Brings sweetness and depth, forming the savory base of your soup.
Green bell pepper (chopped): Classic pizza topping vibes with a burst of color and a gentle crunch.
Garlic (minced): You can’t have pizza-inspired anything without that savory garlic punch.
Dried oregano: A simple sprinkle sends the aroma of an old-school pizzeria straight to your kitchen.
Dried basil: Balances and rounds out the spices, echoing the Italian herb mix you know and love.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect for adding a little heat, just like a spicy slice.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato base, making the soup lush and rich.
Crushed tomatoes: This gives the soup a velvety body and a bright, tangy flavor.
Beef or chicken broth: Provides a robust, savory liquid that ties everything together.
Sugar: Just a pinch to balance the tomato’s acidity, so the flavors shine.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping): Melts beautifully on top, mimicking that iconic pizza cheese pull.
Grated Parmesan cheese: A final flourish of salty, nutty goodness.
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of fresh color and herby aroma at the very end.

How to Make Pizza Soup

Step 1: Sauté and Brown the Meats

Begin by heating your olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks until it’s nicely browned and crumbled. Toss in those pepperoni pieces and let them sizzle for a couple of minutes—this wakes up their flavor and infuses the oil with that unmistakable pizzeria aroma.

Step 2: Add the Veggies

With the meats browned and fragrant, it’s time to layer in your onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for 4 to 5 minutes. The vegetables will soften and meld into the sausage, releasing a bouquet of sweet and savory scents that will have everyone peeking into the pot.

Step 3: Stir in the Spices and Tomato Base

Sprinkle in the dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if you love some subtle heat). Add the tomato paste as well, stirring everything so the spices and paste coat your sausage and veggies. Cook for about a minute to deepen the flavors—this is the secret to that rich Pizza Soup magic.

Step 4: Build the Soup and Simmer

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, broth, and a teaspoon of sugar. Give it all a good stir, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. This is where the flavors truly come together, and your kitchen starts to smell like the best Italian restaurant in town.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once simmered and tasting amazing, check for seasoning and adjust if needed. Ladle the hot pizza soup into bowls, then immediately shower the tops with mozzarella and Parmesan so the cheeses melt beautifully. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for that final flourish before serving piping hot.

How to Serve Pizza Soup

Garnishes

The classic finishing touch is a hearty sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on each bowl—these cheese melts into gooey, flavorful puddles on top. For a hint of freshness, scatter a few torn basil leaves or chopped parsley over the soup. If you want to get extra fancy, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a swirl of olive oil is never a bad idea.

Side Dishes

Pizza Soup is completely satisfying on its own, but adding toasted garlic bread or homemade croutons turns it into a cozy, dunkable feast. For extra fun, serve with a quick side salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette or whip up some breadsticks so you can soak up every last drop.

Creative Ways to Present

You can get playful by serving pizza soup in bread bowls for a wow-factor presentation that doubles as an edible vessel. For family-style dining, try a “pizza soup bar” where everyone can choose their own toppings—sliced olives, sautéed mushrooms, or extra cheese. Kids (and adults!) love the idea of customizing their bowls just like a real pizza night.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover pizza soup, just let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and honestly, the flavors might get even better as they meld together over time.

Freezing

Pizza Soup freezes beautifully! Just skip adding the cheese topping before freezing. Store the cooled soup in individual freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pour the soup into a saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. If reheating from frozen, thaw it first. Once it’s steaming, ladle into bowls and top with fresh cheese and herbs so it tastes as good as new.

FAQs

Can I make Pizza Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the sausage for a plant-based version and skip the pepperoni or opt for meatless pepperoni slices. The flavors are still fantastic—you may even want to add mushrooms or olives for extra texture and that “supreme” pizza flavor.

Is Pizza Soup low carb?

Yes, Pizza Soup is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for anyone watching their carb intake. You can skip any bread-based side dishes for an even lighter meal.

Can I use turkey sausage or chicken sausage?

Definitely! Both turkey and chicken sausage work perfectly in place of traditional pork sausage. You may want to add a bit more olive oil since leaner sausages release less fat, but the flavor will still be delicious and satisfying.

What other toppings or mix-ins work well?

Let your pizza cravings guide you! Try adding mushrooms, black olives, or even a handful of cooked pasta to create a “supreme” or “loaded” pizza soup. A sprinkle of extra cheese or a few red pepper flakes can also amp up the flavor.

Can I make Pizza Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meats and veggies first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for about 4–5 hours. Finish with the cheese and fresh herbs just before serving.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a delicious new twist on a family favorite, Pizza Soup deserves a spot on your dinner table. It’s cozy, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and discover just how magical a soup inspired by pizza can be—you might even find yourself making it on repeat!

Pizza Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 11 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This comforting Pizza Soup is a hearty and flavorful twist on traditional pizza flavors in a cozy, bowl-friendly form. Loaded with Italian sausage, pepperoni, veggies, and gooey cheese, it’s a satisfying meal perfect for chilly nights.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
1/2 cup pepperoni slices (halved)
1 small onion (diced)
1 green bell pepper (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
4 cups beef or chicken broth
1 teaspoon sugar

For Topping:

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Add pepperoni and cook for 2 more minutes.
Stir in onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté until softened.
Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute.
Pour in crushed tomatoes, broth, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15–20 minutes.
Ladle soup into bowls and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.