This Pepperoni Pizza Soup is a fun twist on your favorite pizza! With delicious pepperoni, cheesy goodness, and tasty spices, it’ll warm you right up.
It’s like having pizza in a bowl! I love to pair it with some crusty bread for dipping. Trust me; you’ll be smiling with every slurp! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A good choice for sautéing the onions and garlic. You can substitute with avocado oil or even butter for a richer flavor.
Onion: A small onion adds sweetness to the soup. If you’re out, shallots or even leeks can work, but you might want to adjust their amounts because they are milder.
Chicken Broth: This adds depth to your soup. If you’re vegetarian, use vegetable broth or a homemade broth. It can still taste great!
Pepperoni: The star of the show! If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey pepperoni or even sliced mushrooms can give you the pizza feel without the extra grease.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for melting! If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano works too, or you can skip it for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Get More Flavor in My Soup?
Getting your soup full of flavor is key! Start with your vegetables. Cooking the onions until they’re soft develops sweetness. Adding garlic just before the liquids ensures it doesn’t burn.
- Make sure you let the soup simmer; this lets the flavors blend beautifully.
- Don’t skip tasting and adjusting the seasonings to fit your taste!
Pepperoni Pizza Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 (6 oz) package sliced pepperoni (reserve a few slices for garnish)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
- Crusty bread, toasted, for serving
Time Needed:
This delicious Pepperoni Pizza Soup will take you about 30 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend around 10 minutes on prep and 20 minutes cooking, perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick lunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent. This will give a lovely base flavor to your soup.
2. Add the Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but be careful not to let it burn!
3. Combine the Liquids:
Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, and stir well to combine all the ingredients. This is where your soup starts to come together!
4. Season the Soup:
Add in the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This simmering will help all those yummy flavors to meld together.
5. Add the Pepperoni:
After 15 minutes, toss in the sliced pepperoni and let the soup simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes. The pepperoni will soften and add even more flavor to your soup.
6. Stir in the Cheese:
Finally, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and mixed throughout the soup. This will give your soup a creamy and cheesy goodness!
7. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want to add a pinch more salt or pepper depending on your preferences.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the soup hot, topping with the reserved pepperoni slices, extra Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil. It’s all about presentation and flavors!
9. Enjoy with Bread:
Don’t forget to accompany your delicious soup with slices of toasted crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy your comforting, flavor-packed Pepperoni Pizza Soup!
Happy cooking! 🍲
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat in This Soup?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of pepperoni, you can use Italian sausage, diced ham, or even cooked chicken. Just brown the meat in the pot before adding the onions for extra flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works perfectly as a substitute. For a richer flavor, you can also use mushroom broth!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the soup and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just wait to add the cheese until you’re ready to serve for the freshest taste!