This Pepperoni Pizza Soup is a fun twist on your favorite pizza! It’s warm, cheesy, and loaded with pepperoni slices, tomatoes, and tasty spices. Perfect for a chilly day!
Making soup that tastes like pizza? Count me in! I love to top it with a sprinkle of cheese and even some extra pepperoni. It’s like a hug in a bowl! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive oil: This is great for sautéing. If you’d like a different flavor, try using avocado oil or butter instead. Both work well!
Onion: I recommend yellow onions for their sweetness. If you don’t have any, white or shallots will do the trick. Red onions can also add a fun color twist.
Italian sausage: You can swap this for ground turkey or chicken sausage if you’re looking for a lighter option. If you want to keep it vegetarian, try using lentils or mushrooms instead.
Chicken broth: Vegetable broth works just as nicely if you’re looking for a vegetarian soup. Homemade broth adds extra flavor if you have it!
Canned tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes give a smooth texture, but you can use fresh tomatoes instead, just chop them finely and use about 4 cups. Canned fire-roasted tomatoes can also add a nice smoky flavor!
Pepperoni: Mini pepperoni is cute, but regular slices are just fine. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, look for plant-based pepperoni alternatives.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor in My Soup?
The key to enhancing the flavor of your Pepperoni Pizza Soup lies in the cooking process! Start by sautéing the onions and garlic. This releases their natural sweetness and creates a flavorful base.
- Cook the onions until they are soft and slightly golden. This should take around 4–5 minutes.
- Garlic should be added just before the sausage to prevent burning. It only needs about a minute to release its aroma.
- Don’t skip on spices! Adding dried basil and oregano enhances the “pizza” essence. Adjust these based on your taste preference.
Lastly, let the soup simmer. This step melds all the flavors together beautifully, making every bowl a delicious delight!
How to Make Delicious Pepperoni Pizza Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup mini pepperoni slices or sliced regular pepperoni
For Toppings:
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Optional: Crusty bread or garlic bread for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 30 minutes to cook, giving you a total time of around 45 minutes. A quick and tasty meal that’s well worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add in the chopped onion and sauté it until it becomes translucent and soft, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for another minute until it becomes fragrant. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
2. Brown the Sausage:
Now, add the Italian sausage to the pot. Use a spoon to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Keep cooking for about 6-8 minutes until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through. This will add a wonderful flavor to your soup.
3. Combine the Base Ingredients:
Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and diced tomatoes with their juice. Give it all a good stir to combine everything together. This is where the magic begins!
4. Spice It Up:
Add in the dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling adventurous), and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well, and bring the soup to a boil.
5. Let It Simmer:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking and to blend those delicious flavors together.
6. Add the Pepperoni:
After the soup has simmered, toss in the pepperoni slices and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This will heat the pepperoni nicely and make it flavorful.
7. Final Touches:
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning as necessary. You want it to be just right! Serve the soup hot, topped with generous amounts of grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil.
8. Enjoy!
For a heartier meal, serve with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Pepperoni Pizza Soup, filled with all the delicious flavors of pizza in a warm and cheesy broth!
Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Sausage Instead of Pork?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage works great in this recipe and will give you a lighter version of the soup. Just make sure to cook it through until browned for the best flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Just stir occasionally for even heating.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or even sautéed mushrooms and zucchini to add heartiness. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian!
What Can I Serve With This Soup?
This Pepperoni Pizza Soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of more cheese on top for extra indulgence!
