Save A comforting, hearty soup that combines the cheesy, savory flavors of pizza with the cozy, spoonable texture of a pot pie, and is ready in under an hour on your stovetop.
I first tried this mashup when craving pizza but wanting something warm and spoonable. It amazed my family how close it tastes to both comfort foods, and cleanup is simple.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion, diced, 1 red bell pepper, diced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- Meats (optional): 200 g (7 oz) Italian sausage or pepperoni, sliced (substitute with plant-based sausage for vegetarian)
- Soup Base: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional), 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 can (400 g/14 oz) diced tomatoes, 3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, 1/2 cup tomato sauce or pizza sauce, 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Dairy: 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for topping)
- Bread Topping: 1 sheet refrigerated pizza dough or 4 small biscuits, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Build the Flavor Base:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium. Add onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Add bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
- Add Meat (Optional):
- Stir in Italian sausage or pepperoni if using and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season & Simmer:
- Mix in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Add Cheese:
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Bread Topping:
- If using an oven-safe pot, lay pizza dough or biscuits over soup. Brush with butter, sprinkle garlic powder and parsley. Broil or bake 5 to 8 minutes until golden. If not oven-safe, bake dough or biscuits separately and serve atop bowls.
- Serve:
- Ladle soup into bowls. Top with ricotta (if using) and the bread topping. Serve hot.
Save My kids say it tastes like pizza night and pot pie combined. We always laugh when they ask for 'pizza soup' on chilly weekend afternoons.
Required Tools
Large pot or Dutch oven, knife, cutting board, ladle, oven or broiler, and baking sheet for bread topping.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat/gluten (pizza dough or biscuits) and dairy (cheeses). Processed meats may contain soy or other allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 480, Total Fat 24 g, Carbohydrates 44 g, Protein 22 g.
Save This soup is as fun and cozy as homemade pizza, ready in under an hour for any comfort craving.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes, simply omit the sausage or pepperoni and use plant-based alternatives or extra vegetables for flavor.
- → What is the best cheese combination?
Mozzarella and Parmesan melt beautifully into the broth for creaminess and a savory punch. Ricotta can be added as a topping for extra richness.
- → How do I prepare the bread topping if I don't have an oven-safe pot?
Bake the dough or biscuits separately according to package instructions and serve on top of each bowl just before serving.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, chopped spinach, black olives, or additional mushrooms complement the flavors nicely and boost nutrition.
- → What pairing works well with this dish?
A light Italian red wine like Chianti or a crisp sparkling water balances the hearty, cheesy elements.