You know those nights? The ones where the clock is ticking, the kids are hungry, and the thought of chopping more than two ingredients feels like climbing Everest? Yeah, I live for those nights because they usually lead to something ridiculously comforting and surprisingly simple. This easy pizza soup is my absolute go-to. It’s what I whip up when I’m craving that gooey, cheesy, saucy goodness of pizza but have zero energy to deal with dough. It’s honestly a game-changer, especially when you compare it to the effort of actually making a pizza from scratch. Think of it as a warm hug in a bowl that tastes exactly like your favorite slice, without any of the fuss.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!What is easy pizza soup?
So, what exactly is this magical thing I’m calling easy pizza soup? It’s pretty much what it sounds like: all the incredible, comforting flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza, but transformed into a hearty, soul-warming soup. It’s not some complicated broth with a few toppings floating around; we’re talking about a rich, tomatoey base that’s creamy and utterly satisfying, studded with little bites of cheesy goodness and savory pizza toppings. Think of it as the ultimate comfort food mashup. It’s essentially a way to get that pizza fix when you’re short on time or just don’t feel like firing up the oven for a full-on pizza production. It’s a hug in a bowl, a weeknight lifesaver, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for the pickiest eaters.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, there are so many reasons this easy pizza soup has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation, and I’m so excited to share them with you! First off, the flavor is just out of this world. It captures that essential pizza vibe – that perfect balance of tangy tomato, savory Italian seasonings, and melty cheese – all in a creamy, comforting broth. It’s like a warm hug from your favorite pizzeria, but made in your own kitchen. And the simplicity? Oh my goodness. This is genuinely one of the easiest soups I’ve ever made. You can have it on the table in under 30 minutes, which is a miracle on busy weeknights. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and fridge, making it a lifesaver when you need a delicious meal without breaking the bank. It’s also ridiculously versatile! You can swap out the toppings, adjust the spice, or make it vegan. I’ve even tweaked it to be super low-carb, and it still hits all the right notes. What I love most about this easy pizza soup is that it’s so forgiving. Even if you’re a beginner cook, you can’t really mess this up. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a culinary rockstar, even if you just threw it together in a hurry. It’s a hug in a bowl, and that’s something we all need, right?
How do I make easy pizza soup?
Quick Overview
This easy pizza soup is a breeze to throw together. You’ll start by sautéing some aromatics, then simmer everything in a rich tomato broth with a touch of creaminess. The magic really happens when you stir in the cheese and your favorite pizza toppings towards the end. It’s all about building those classic pizza flavors in a simple soup format, ensuring a deeply satisfying meal with minimal effort. It’s seriously just a few steps from pantry staples to pure comfort!
Ingredients
For the Base:
2 tablespoons olive oil. 2 tablespoons olive oil. 2 tablespoon
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth (low sodium is best so you can control the salt)
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (for that luxurious creaminess!)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Pizza Toppings (get creative!):
1 cup cooked mini pepperoni or sliced regular pepperoni (I love the mini ones for little bursts of flavor!)
1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled (optional, but SO good!)
1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (any color works, I usually use green or red)
1/2 cup chopped mushrooms (cremini or white button)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for that essential cheesy pull!)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a salty, nutty depth)
For Serving (optional but recommended!):
Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping
“I don’t know if I’ve ever eaten a better Easy Pizza Soup a Comforting Bowl. The rub alone is wonderful, but the sauce??? Over the top!”
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Grab a large pot or Dutch oven and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your finely chopped onion and cook until it’s softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. You don’t want it browned, just tender and sweet. Then, add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Cook for another minute until fragrant. This step is crucial for building a really deep flavor base – it’s the foundation of our pizza soup!
Step 2: Simmer the Broth
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the crushed tomatoes. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it gently bubble away for at least 15 minutes. This allows all those wonderful tomato and herb flavors to meld together beautifully. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor, but 15 minutes is perfect for a quick meal.
Step 3: Add the Creaminess
Now it’s time for the magic ingredient that makes it soup and not just tomato sauce! Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. This will give the soup a lovely, rich texture and temper the acidity of the tomatoes. Let it gently heat through, but don’t let it boil vigorously after adding the cream. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Start with a little salt, you can always add more later once you taste it with the toppings.
Step 4: Stir in the Toppings
This is where it really starts to taste like pizza! Add your cooked mini pepperoni (or sliced pepperoni), crumbled Italian sausage (if using), chopped bell peppers, and mushrooms directly into the soup. Stir gently to combine. Let them heat through for about 5 minutes. If you’re using raw sausage, make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the soup base. I usually cook my sausage separately in a skillet while the broth simmers.
Step 5: Get Cheesy!
This is the part the kids (and honestly, me too!) get most excited about. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese into the soup. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and gooey. It’s going to look so inviting and delicious! The goal is to get that wonderful cheesy pull we all love from pizza.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Ladle the hot easy pizza soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves for a pop of freshness and color. Serve immediately with some crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. Dipping is essential for soup, right?
Step 7: Bake (Optional, but Recommended for Extra Pizza Vibe!)
For an extra special touch, I sometimes like to do a little “bake” to get the cheese on top super bubbly and golden, just like on a pizza. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with a little extra mozzarella, and pop them under the broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
Step 8: Cool & Enjoy!
Let the soup sit for a minute or two after it’s done (especially if you broiled it) so you don’t burn your tongue. The aroma will be incredible, and you’ll be so tempted to dive right in!
“The Easy Pizza Soup a Comforting Bowl turned out amazing. My kids asked for seconds. Saving this one!”
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Serve piping hot, garnished with fresh basil, and with plenty of crusty bread for dipping. This easy pizza soup is best enjoyed immediately!
What to Serve It With
This easy pizza soup is so hearty and satisfying on its own, but there are definitely some fantastic ways to round out the meal and make it feel even more special. For a quick and comforting breakfast (yes, breakfast!), I love serving it with some toasted sourdough or a few slices of crispy bacon on the side. The savory notes are just perfect to start the day. For a more elaborate brunch, think of it as a delightful starter. I’ll pair it with a light salad – maybe a simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette – and some mini quiches or a frittata. It feels so elegant but requires minimal effort. As a dessert, well, this soup isn’t really a dessert, but it’s the perfect precursor to something sweet, like a slice of my famous apple crumble or some classic chocolate chip cookies. And for those cozy snack attacks? It’s absolute perfection with a big chunk of warm, buttery garlic bread or even some cheesy garlic knots. My kids always ask for extra bread for dipping – it’s practically a requirement in our house!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Easy Pizza Soup
After making this easy pizza soup more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks that I think really elevate it. For the tomatoes, I’ve found that using a really good quality crushed tomato makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor. Sometimes, I even add a teaspoon of tomato paste along with the garlic and herbs to deepen the tomato flavor even more, but it’s totally optional. When it comes to the creaminess, I’ve experimented with different dairy options. While heavy cream is my favorite for richness, half-and-half works wonderfully, and if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk (the kind in the can) is surprisingly delicious and adds a subtle sweetness. Just make sure to stir it in gently. For the toppings, don’t be afraid to go wild! If you have leftover cooked chicken, chop it up and add it in. Olives are another fantastic addition, as are sautéed onions and peppers. The key is to pre-cook any raw meats and to chop your veggies small so they heat through quickly. A common mistake I see is adding uncooked pasta or rice directly into the soup; this makes it thick and gummy. If you want to add pasta or rice, cook it separately and add it to individual bowls before ladling in the soup. For the cheese, the mozzarella is key for that classic pizza stretch, but don’t skip the Parmesan! It adds a salty, umami punch that ties everything together. And a little tip for extra flavor: if you have a Parmesan rind, you can actually simmer it in the broth for a while before adding the cream, then remove it. It infuses an incredible depth of flavor! Lastly, always taste and adjust your seasoning at the end. Broth and canned tomatoes can vary in saltiness, so a final check with salt and pepper is essential.
Storing and Reheating Tips
One of the best things about this easy pizza soup is how well it stores. If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare in my house!), let the soup cool completely before storing. For short-term storage, I usually keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s still wonderfully creamy and flavorful when reheated. To reheat, I gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of broth or a little extra cream to bring back its original consistency, as it can thicken slightly in the fridge. If you prefer, you can also reheat it in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl. Just be sure to stir it halfway through to ensure even heating. I’ve even frozen this soup, though I recommend adding the cheese and any delicate toppings *after* reheating for the best texture. To freeze, cool the soup base completely (without the cheese and pepperoni if you want to add them fresh). Ladle it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Once it’s hot, stir in fresh mozzarella and pepperoni to bring back that delicious pizza vibe. The glaze, if you choose to make a separate one, should be stored separately and added fresh when serving for optimal texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my absolute favorite easy pizza soup! It’s the kind of dish that just makes everything feel a little bit better. It’s warm, it’s cheesy, it’s packed with all the flavors you love from a pizza, and it’s ridiculously simple to make. I really hope you give it a try, especially on one of those nights when you need a quick, comforting meal that tastes like a million bucks without the fuss. It’s a recipe that’s brought so much joy and deliciousness to my table, and I’m so excited for it to do the same for yours. If you’re a fan of other hearty, comforting soups, you might also love my Creamy Tomato Basil Soup or my hearty Lentil Vegetable Soup – they’re also great for busy weeknights! I can’t wait to hear what you think, so please leave a comment below and let me know how your easy pizza soup turns out. And if you have any fun topping variations, definitely share those too! Happy cooking!
easy pizza soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 Italian sausages casings removed and crumbled
- 10 slices bacon chopped
- 0.5 cup pepperoni
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 sweet onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 green pepper chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes undrained, 1 can
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded, for topping
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook bacon and Italian sausage on the stove over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat and transfer the cooked meats to a slow cooker.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the slow cooker, except for the mozzarella cheese. Stir well to combine everything.
- Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the soup is thoroughly heated and flavors have melded.
- Ladle the hot soup into individual bowls. Top each serving generously with shredded mozzarella cheese before serving.
