Pizza Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that brings together the flavors of a traditional pizza in a warm and hearty soup form. With its rich tomato base, savory toppings, and cheesy goodness, this recipe is sure to please pizza lovers of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal for a chilly evening, Pizza Soup is the perfect choice!

• Difficulty: Easy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Serving: 4
• Yield: 6 cups
• Calories: 250 per serving

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 can (14 oz/400 g) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) tomato paste
• 1/2 cup (75 g) diced bell peppers (assorted colors)
• 1/2 cup (75 g) sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 cup (40 g) sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup (30 g) diced onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Equipment:

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Can opener
• Soup bowls for serving

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1:
In a large pot, combine the vegetable or chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, bell peppers, mushrooms, black olives, onions, garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 2:
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3:
While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses.

Step 4:
Once the soup has simmered, ladle it into individual oven-safe soup bowls. Sprinkle a generous amount of the cheese mixture on top of each bowl of soup.

Step 5:
Place the soup bowls on a baking sheet and transfer them to the preheated oven. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

Tips and Tricks:

• Customize your Pizza Soup by adding your favorite pizza toppings, such as pepperoni, cooked sausage, or even diced ham.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the meat toppings and load up on extra veggies like zucchini, spinach, or artichokes.
• Serve the Pizza Soup with a side of warm garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before enjoying.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 5g

Final Thoughts:

Pizza Soup is a delightful twist on a classic favorite that brings all the flavors of pizza into a comforting and satisfying soup. With its combination of rich tomato broth, tasty toppings, and gooey cheese, this recipe is sure to become a go-to meal for cozy nights in or family gatherings. So grab a spoon, indulge in the savory goodness, and enjoy a bowl of Pizza Soup that will warm both your heart and your taste buds!

FAQ

Q1: Can I use homemade vegetable broth instead of store-bought?
A1: Absolutely! Homemade vegetable broth can add an extra layer of flavor to your Pizza Soup. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned and strained before using.

Q2: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes?
A2: Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes if you prefer. Simply chop them up and adjust the cooking time slightly to allow them to break down and release their juices.

Q3: Can I make this Pizza soup recipe vegan?
A3: Certainly! To make Pizza Soup vegan, use vegetable broth, omit the cheese, and add your favorite vegan cheese substitute or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Q4: Can I freeze the Pizza soup for later?
A4: Yes, you can freeze Pizza Soup for later. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop.

Q5: Can I add other vegetables to the Pizza soup?
A5: Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to Pizza Soup. Some popular additions include diced tomatoes, spinach, zucchini, or artichoke hearts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q6: Can I use different types of cheese for Pizza soup?
A6: Of course! While mozzarella and Parmesan cheese are traditional choices for Pizza Soup, you can experiment with other cheeses to suit your taste. Cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses can work well too.

Q7: Can I make the Pizza soup spicier?
A7: Yes, if you enjoy a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to Pizza Soup. Adjust the spiciness according to your preference.

Q8: Can I use gluten-free ingredients for Pizza soup?
A8: Absolutely! If you follow a gluten-free diet, make sure to use gluten-free broth, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and check the labels of any pre-packaged ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

Q9: Can I substitute the mushrooms or olives in Pizza soup?
A9: Certainly! If you’re not a fan of mushrooms or olives, you can omit them or replace them with other toppings of your choice, such as diced bell peppers, corn, or even sun-dried tomatoes.

Q10: Can I make this Pizza soup recipe in a slow cooker?
A10: Yes, you can adapt this Pizza Soup recipe for a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the cheese toppings before serving.

Q11: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried for Pizza soup?
A11: Absolutely! Fresh herbs can add a burst of flavor to Pizza Soup. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried herbs in the recipe.

Q12: Can kids enjoy this Pizza soup?
A12: Definitely! Pizza Soup is a kid-friendly recipe that children tend to love. You can involve them in the process by letting them choose their favorite toppings or helping with the cheese sprinkling.

Q13: Can I add meat to the Pizza soup?
A13: Yes, you can add cooked and crumbled sausage, diced pepperoni, or any other cooked meat of your choice to Pizza Soup. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Q14: Can I make this Pizza soup recipe in advance for a party?
A14: Absolutely! You can prepare Pizza Soup in advance and refrigerate it without adding the cheese. When ready to serve, reheat the soup on the stovetop, ladle it into individual bowls, sprinkle with cheese, and bake as instructed.

Q15: Can I use this Pizza soup recipe as a pizza sauce?
A15: Pizza Soup can definitely be used as a flavorful pizza sauce! Simply reduce the soup until it thickens to your desired consistency, then spread it over your pizza dough and top with your favorite toppings before baking.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting Pizza Soup, and feel free to experiment with different toppings to create your own unique flavor combinations!