4.65 from 17 votes

Pizza Soup

Have you ever wished there was a way to enjoy all the mouthwatering pizza flavors in a warm, comforting soup? Well, your wish has come true with the invention of pizza soup. This unique and satisfying dish combines all your favorite pizza toppings with deliciously seasoned broth to create a meal sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Pizza soup in a white slow cooker with a ladle.


This slow cooker pizza soup is loaded with three different types of meat and is delicious down to the last drop. Any pizza lover will go bonkers over this easy pizza soup recipe. It is like pizza in soup form, except without the crust, so you get rid of some of the extra carbs! Turn on that slow cooker, slice, dump, and wait for your home to smell like your favorite pizza place. 

I seriously could eat pizza every single day! My favorite pizza is homemade that is loaded with all the toppings. We would indulge each night if I could ensure I wouldn’t gain weight. We all know that isn’t work, so I adapted a pizza soup in my slow cooker to give us those pizza flavors, but it is a comforting soup form. 

In this recipe, you’ll experience a perfect blend of tasty ingredients like sausage, pepperoni, cheese, and a variety of veggies that come together in a hearty Italian-style soup. Just imagine dipping a slice of crusty bread into a cheesy, tomato-based broth bursting with flavor. This versatile dish can be customized to suit your personal preferences and dietary restrictions, making it a fantastic meal option for any occasion. The perfect way to satisfy a pizza craving!

recipe binder image

Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Pizza Soup

  • Versatile. You can customize this hearty soup with your favorite pizza toppings, like sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, veggies, and more. The endless possibilities make it an excellent choice for families with different tastes.
  • Low-carb and gluten-free. This delicious pizza soup is a fantastic alternative to traditional pizza as it doesn’t include the carb-heavy crust. It’s excellent for those who follow a low carb, keto-friendly, or gluten-free diet.
  • Easy to prepare. Pizza soup is a one-pot wonder, which means less mess and quick cleanup. Plus, it’s a slow cooker recipe that you can set and forget, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you simply want a low-effort meal.
  • Great for meal prep. Just like many other soups, pizza soup only gets better with time. Simply prepare a big batch and enjoy it for a few days as your favorite pizza flavors meld together.
  • It’s comforting and satisfying. Pizza soup is a warm, hearty meal that brings comfort on cold days or when you’re in the mood for something cozy. It will leave you feeling satisfied and craving another bowl!

Ingredients

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    • Italian sausages. Brings a rich and savory flavor to the soup.
    • Bacon. Adds a smoky and crispy texture.
    • Pepperoni. Gives the soup its classic pizza taste.
    • Pizza sauce. Provides the base flavor for the soup. I get asked a lot about what sauce to use. You have to use no set pizza sauce; just reach for a quality sauce that you and your family enjoy!
    • Sweet onion. Enhances the overall taste with its natural sweetness.
    • Garlic. Infuses the soup with a tantalizing aroma and flavor.
    • Green pepper. Offers a slight crunch and pop of color.
    • Fresh basil. Delivers a fresh and fragrant component to the dish.
    • Italian seasoning. For that authentic Italian touch. Try my homemade Italian seasoning.
    • Red pepper flakes. Boosts the flavor with a hint of heat.
    • Beef broth or chicken broth. Creates a satisfying and rich foundation for a flavorful soup.
    • Diced tomatoes. Adds a tangy and juicy element.
    • Mozzarella cheese. For a gooey and cheesy finish.
    Ingredients for pizza soup.

    How to Make Slow Cooker Pizza Soup

    • Step One: Cook bacon and Italian sausage on medium heat. Drain the excess grease and add to the slow cooker.
    Steps to make pizza soup.
    • Step Two: Add in all the ingredients except the mozzarella cheese. Stir to combine.
    • Step Three: Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours.
    • Step Four: Add to individual bowls and top with mozzarella cheese.
    Steps to make pizza soup.

    Equipment Needed

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    • Slow cooker. A 6-quart or larger slow cooker works best for this recipe. This essential appliance lets you combine all your ingredients and let them simmer, creating a rich and flavorful dish.
    • Sharp knife and a cutting board. To chop up your ingredients like pepperoni, vegetables, and other toppings. 
    • Skillet. Essential to cook sausage and bacon in your pizza soup. This process adds extra flavor to the soup while ensuring the meat is cooked thoroughly before being added to the slow cooker.
    • Ladle. For serving your delicious pizza soup. 

    What to Serve with Pizza Soup

    • Garlic bread or breadsticks: You can’t go wrong with classic Italian sides like garlic bread or breadsticks. They’re great for dipping into the soup to soak up all the flavors.
    • Grilled or roasted vegetables: Adding greens to your meal will provide balance and additional nutrients. Options like garlic green beans, roasted broccoli, or grilled zucchini will pair well with your pizza soup. 
    • Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing or a Caesar salad adds a refreshing touch to your meal. You can also get creative with your toppings, adding elements like olives, cherry tomatoes, or parmesan shavings.
    • Appetizers: Consider serving bite-sized appetizers to make the meal feel more like a pizza party. Some options include meatballs on toothpicks; mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce, or a variety of chicken wings flavors.

    More of our Favorite Soup Recipes

    Pizza soup in a ladle over a slow cooker.

    Variations and Substitutions

    • Protein options: Instead of the classic Italian sausage, you can use ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken. You could try vegetarian and vegan alternatives like tofu or plant-based meat substitutes.
    • Veggies galore: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the soup. Some options include onions, red bell pepper, olives, mushrooms, and spinach.
    • Cheese swap: While mozzarella is a popular choice for pizza, you can try other types of cheese on your soup. Think about adding cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack, or a mix of your favorites. You could add cream cheese or heavy cream at the end of cooking time to make it extra creamy. For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese substitutes.
    • Spice it up: If you enjoy a little heat, don’t hesitate to add some spice to the soup. Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or black pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or even some diced jalapeño peppers.

    Topping Ideas

    • Meats: Pepperoni, Italian sausage, and bacon can add a savory touch to your soup. 
    • Vegetables: Enhance your pizza soup’s nutrition and taste by including vegetables like green peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
    • Cheese: No pizza soup would be complete without a generous helping of shredded cheese. Mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar cheeses could all be great additions. Sprinkle the cheese on top of your soup just before you serve it for a melty, gooey finish.
    • Italian Herbs and Spices: The seasonings you use in your pizza soup can make all the difference. Some essential spices to try are Italian seasoning, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil. 
    Pizza soup in a bowl.

    Storage Instructions

    Let the soup cool down to room temperature before attempting to store it. This will prevent condensation and help maintain the quality of the soup. Place the pizza soup in an airtight container to keep it fresh and preserve its flavors. Remember to label the container with the date to know when you prepared it.

    For short-term storage, keep your pizza soup in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 4 to 5 days. To ensure proper chilling, do not overcrowd the fridge, and provide adequate air circulation around the container.

    Can I Freeze?

    If you’re planning on enjoying your pizza soup at a later date, consider freezing it. Divide the soup into portion sizes in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space for expansion. This will allow you to defrost only the necessary amount and avoid waste. It’s a good idea to lay the bags flat while they freeze, making them easier to stack and save space in your freezer.

    When ready to enjoy your pizza soup, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it directly from the freezer. For stovetop reheating, transfer the soup to a pot and heat it over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed. If you’re using a microwave, reheat in a microwave-safe container, covered with a lid or microwave-safe cling film, stirring occasionally for even heating.

    Recipe Tips and Tricks

    • Choosing your ingredients: Make sure to find the best ingredients to enhance the flavors of your pizza soup. Select the meat and vegetables you’d prefer, like Italian sausage, pepperoni, or various vegetables. You can also consider using different toppings to suit your taste.
    • Dietary modifications: As with any dish, pizza soup can easily be adapted to suit various diets. For instance, you can opt for gluten-free broth if you follow a gluten-free diet, or skip meat altogether for a vegetarian version.
    • Storage and reheating: Pizza soup is perfect for making ahead because it stores and reheats beautifully. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
    • Toppings and garnishing: Add some garnish to your pizza soup, such as croutons or garlic toast. Additional toppings like crushed red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, and parmesan cheese can add flavor and make your soup more enjoyable.
    • Precook the meat: I like to precook my bacon and sausage to help eliminate the extra grease in the soup. Now, if you don’t mind the grease, feel free to add it and let it cook right in the soup. You won’t get that crunchy texture from the bacon if you don’t precook it. 
    • Use single-serve containers: This is a great way to freeze up your leftover soup, so you can grab a container and take it to work for a warm lunch. Just toss it in the microwave at work and then dive in! I do this often since I can’t eat a whole thing of soup, so I eat some that night, spoon individual servings, and freeze the rest. 
    Pizza soup in a bowl.

    History of Pizza Soup

    Pizza soup, as you might have guessed, is a delightful fusion of two beloved food categories: soup and pizza. Although the exact origin of pizza soup remains a bit of a culinary mystery, it’s primarily a Western innovation. The concept behind this innovative dish involves deconstructing classic pizza ingredients and reconstructing them as a hearty, comforting soup.

    In its basic form, pizza soup includes some common pizza toppings like Italian sausage, pepperoni, onions, and cheese, along with pizza sauce or marinara. These ingredients are combined with a liquid base, typically chicken broth, and often some additional vegetables, herbs, and spices to transform these ingredients into a soup. The result is a warm, satisfying bowl of pizza-inspired goodness, perfect for a cozy night.

    Over time, pizza soup has evolved to include various combinations of ingredients, reflecting the endless variations you can find in pizza itself. You might come across pizza soups featuring mushrooms, olives, or even pineapple, much like their pizza counterparts. The versatility of this dish allows you to get creative and customize it according to your preferences.

    Pizza soup in a bowl with a spoon.

    FAQ

    Can I customize the toppings?

    Absolutely! You can get creative with your pizza soup like a regular pizza, adding your favorite toppings. Some popular choices include olives, jalapenos, artichoke hearts, and pineapple. Feel free to mix and match to suit your taste buds.

    Can I Use spaghetti sauce Instead of pizza sauce?

    Yes, you can use spaghetti sauce as a substitute for pizza sauce. However, you should be aware of some differences between the two sauces before making the swap.

    Spaghetti sauce is usually a bit thicker and often has a more robust flavor than pizza sauce, which may affect the texture and taste of your pizza soup.

    You might want to make a few adjustments to the spaghetti sauce to make the substitution work well. For instance, you could add a bit of tomato paste to make the consistency thinner and more similar to pizza sauce.
    Another option is to add some oregano or garlic powder to give it that classic pizza sauce flavor.

    Remember that many spaghetti sauces contain onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms not typically found in pizza sauce. If you prefer a more traditional pizza sauce flavor for your pizza soup, you may want to choose a simple marinara sauce as a substitute instead.

    Can you make pizza soup on the stove top? 

    Yes, you can make pizza soup on the stovetop! Just cook up your meats until you’re done. Drain off extra grease, and then put in all the other ingredients. Allow it to simmer on low for at least 1 hour to help blend the flavors and serve. 

    The one thing about this soup is the longer it cooks, the more the flavors blend and give you a more vibrant soup. I reach for the slow cooker, but you can cook on the stovetop. 

    Pizza Inspired Recipes

    You’ll also like Beef and Barley Soup and New England Clam Chowder.

    Follow me on Instagram @simplystacieblog, Facebook at Simply Stacie, TikTok @simplystacierecipes or Pinterest at @simplystacie and let me know how you liked this recipe and my other recipes.

    4.65 from 17 votes

    Pizza Soup

    Created by Stacie Vaughan
    Servings 6
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 7 hours
    Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
    The best supreme pizza in a bowl! The heartiest slow cooker soup recipe packed with pepperoni, Italian sausage, and bacon with a tomato base and tons of veggies and cheese.

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 4 Italian sausages casings removed and crumbled
    • 10 slices bacon chopped
    • ½ cup pepperoni
    • 1 cup pizza sauce
    • 1 sweet onion chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 green pepper chopped
    • 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped
    • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
    • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
    • 4 cups beef or chicken broth
    • 1 can diced tomatoes 28oz can
    • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded

    Instructions

    • Cook bacon and Italian sausage on the stove on medium heat. Drain fat and add to slow cooker.
    • Add in all the ingredients except the mozzarella cheese. Stir to combine.
    • Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours.
    • Add to individual bowls and top with mozzarella cheese.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 823kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 64g | Fat: 56g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 31g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 206mg | Sodium: 1410mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g

    The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

    Course Soups
    Cuisine American
    Keyword Pizza Soup

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    70 Comments

    1. Alejandra Corbella says:

      The recipe is very creative!! I would love to try it sometime

    2. Karen Glatt says:

      I could eat pizza all the time too! I love your wonderful Pizza soup. What a nice soup to make when it is cold outside. I like all the ingredients. I will have to try and make this!

    3. Stephanie LaPlante says:

      Now this sounds like the soup of my dreams!!!!

    4. Elizabeth Matthiesen says:

      I would never ever have thought of making Pizza Soup, it sounds delicious and since this family is a fan of Pizza I suspect this would be a big hit – at least if they can survive without the crust 🙂

    5. Michelle Laplante says:

      This looks so delicious! Need to try!

    6. We have pizza night every Friday and as part of my 2015 goals I have been looking for healthy alternatives and this is just perfect!!!

    7. Could totally devour this on a day like today…..brrr.

    8. Margaret MacKenzie says:

      This does look good. Not sure hubby would like it but maybe we’ll have it when he goes to NF to work for a week! Great to have more recipes to enjoy as a treat.

    9. The good news is this looks CRAZY GOOD – the bad news is I don’t have a slow cooker… but I think a low simmer would be good on a cold day like today. Guess what’s for supper tomorrow night?!?!?

      M

    10. Sherry Compton says:

      I’ve seen lots of pizza recipes but never soup. Yummy…especially on a cold winter day after simmering in the crock pot. Easy to get creative with toppings, too. Maybe a bacon and hamburger one time then a pepperoni and jalapeno another. Thanks.

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