Introduction
When the chilly weather sets in, thereโs nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to bring comfort. Recently, I decided to experiment with a recipe that combined two of my familyโs favorites: pizza and soup. Enter Pizza Soupโa deliciously hearty dish that brings the flavors of a classic pizza into a cozy bowl. The first time I made it, my kids couldnโt get enough! They loved scooping up the cheesy goodness and pepperoni with crusty bread, and my partner and I appreciated how easy it was to prepare. This recipe has quickly become a weeknight staple in our home, and Iโm excited to share it with you!
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage, crumbled
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Sausage:
In a large pot, brown the crumbled sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming too greasy. - Sautรฉ Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the pot with the sausage. Sautรฉ until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. - Add Tomatoes and Broth:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. - Add Toppings:
Stir in the pepperoni slices and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue cooking until the cheese has melted, creating a creamy texture. - Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: Approximately 380 calories
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve
- Ladle into bowls and top with additional mozzarella cheese.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
- Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
Additional Tips
- Use Leaner Sausage: Opt for turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
- Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Add sliced jalapeรฑos or a dash of hot sauce for a kick of spice that complements the flavors.
- Cheese Options: Try using different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a unique flavor profile.
- Slow Cooker Version: For a hands-off approach, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Pizza Soup: Replace the sausage with diced mushrooms and extra bell peppers for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Cheesy Pizza Soup: Add cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream for an ultra-creamy texture.
- Pizza Soup Casserole: Turn this soup into a casserole by pouring it into a baking dish, topping it with additional cheese, and baking until bubbly.
- Pasta Pizza Soup: Add cooked pasta such as rotini or penne for a heartier meal.
- Spicy Pizza Soup: Incorporate spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh garden salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- Serve alongside garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks for a complete pizza experience.
- Create a DIY pizza night by allowing family members to add their favorite toppings to the soup before serving.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: Pizza Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to thin it out.
FAQ Section
- Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! Feel free to use your favorite sausage, whether itโs Italian, spicy, or even a plant-based option. - What if I donโt have crushed tomatoes?
You can substitute with diced tomatoes or tomato sauce, adjusting the seasoning as necessary. - How can I make it gluten-free?
Ensure that your broth and any sausage used are gluten-free, and you can serve it without bread or with gluten-free bread. - Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with any pizza toppings you love, such as olives, green onions, or even different cheeses. - Is this soup kid-friendly?
Yes, the familiar flavors of pizza make it appealing to kids. You can also let them help with toppings to make it more fun. - Can I make it in advance?
Yes, Pizza Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. - Whatโs the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. - Can I use low-sodium broth?
Yes, using low-sodium broth is a great way to control the saltiness of the soup. - How do I make it spicier?
Add more pepperoni, use spicy sausage, or mix in some hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes. - What do I do if itโs too thick?
If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Conclusion
Pizza Soup is a delightful, comforting dish that combines the best flavors of pizza in a warm and hearty bowl. Whether youโre feeding a hungry family or looking for an easy weeknight meal, this soup is sure to please. With its customizable ingredients and simple preparation, you can enjoy a taste of pizza any night of the week. So grab your ingredients, and letโs get cooking!
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Pizza Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 Serving
Description
Enjoy the comforting flavors of your favorite pizza in a warm and hearty soup! This Pizza Soup combines savory sausage, melty cheese, and a rich tomato base, perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage, crumbled
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Sausage:
In a large pot, brown the crumbled sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. - Sautรฉ Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the pot. Sautรฉ until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. - Add Tomatoes and Broth:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. - Add Toppings:
Stir in the pepperoni slices and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue cooking until the cheese has melted. - Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls, top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, and garnish with fresh basil. Enjoy!
Notes
- Customize the toppings by adding your favorite pizza ingredients, like olives or mushrooms.
- For a spicier version, use spicy Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg