Pizza Soup Is the Fun and Flavorful Mashup You Never Knew You Needed

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Cook Time: 25 minutes

Gather all ingredients.

Cut pepperoni slices in half. Cook pepperoni in a 6-quart soup pot over medium-high heat until it starts to crisp, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Remove pepperoni from pan and drain on paper towels. Set aside.

In the same pot, cook sausage over medium-high heat until fully cooked, about 5 minutes. Add onion and peppers; cook until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.

Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Top each serving with crispy pepperoni, shredded mozzarella, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 (3 ounce) package sliced pepperoni
• 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning, crushed
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	473	-
Total Fat	33g	42%
Saturated Fat	13g	65%
Cholesterol	72mg	24%
Sodium	1809mg	79%
Total Carbohydrates	19g	7%
Dietary Fiber	5g	17%
Total Sugars	10g	-
Protein	26g	52%
Vitamin C	38mg	43%
Calcium	233mg	18%
Iron	3mg	19%
Potassium	928mg	20%

The Fascinating Story Behind Pizza Soup

Pizza soup, a unique culinary creation, is a relatively modern invention that emerged from the playful experimentation of home cooks and inventive chefs seeking to combine the comforting familiarity of pizza with the hearty warmth of soup. While its exact origin is difficult to pinpoint, it is widely believed to have appeared in the United States in the late 20th century, when fusion recipes gained popularity. By turning the classic pizza into a soup form, cooks were able to enjoy all the iconic flavors of pepperoni, sausage, tomato, and cheese in a convenient, spoonable dish.

Regional Characteristics

Pizza soup is predominantly associated with American cuisine, particularly in regions known for their love of pizza, such as the Midwest and the Northeast. In these areas, cooks often add local variations like spicy Italian sausage, fresh bell peppers, or homemade croutons to enhance the texture. In the South, some versions include a hint of smoky paprika or cayenne pepper for extra depth, reflecting the regions affinity for bold flavors. Each regional twist maintains the essential pizza elements while adapting to local tastes.

How Pizza Soup Differs from Similar Dishes

Though pizza soup shares some similarities with tomato-based soups, minestrone, or even chili, it stands out due to its direct use of pizza ingredients. Unlike classic tomato soup, pizza soup incorporates cooked pepperoni, Italian sausage, and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, giving it a rich, layered flavor reminiscent of an actual pizza. Unlike minestrone, which relies on a variety of vegetables and pasta, pizza soup focuses on the iconic pizza components, making it more indulgent and less vegetable-heavy. Its unique combination of soup and pizza makes it a true hybrid dish.

Where Pizza Soup Is Typically Served

Pizza soup is commonly served in casual dining settings, such as family restaurants, pizzerias with creative menus, or home kitchens during weeknight dinners. It is often offered as a starter or a main course and pairs beautifully with garlic bread, cheesy breadsticks, or a simple side salad. Many home cooks also prepare it for gatherings or parties, as it combines the comfort of soup with the universally loved flavors of pizza, making it appealing to both children and adults alike.

Interesting Facts About Pizza Soup

• Some chefs recommend adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of fennel seeds to deepen the flavor, turning a simple soup into a gourmet experience.
• The dish is versatile: ingredients like mushrooms, jalapeos, or mixed olives can be included to mirror different pizza styles.
• Pizza soup has become popular on social media for its visual appeal, especially when topped with melty mozzarella and crisp pepperoni slices.
• Despite its indulgent ingredients, it can be customized to be lighter or lower in sodium by using vegetable broth and reduced-fat cheeses.
• Pizza soup illustrates the creativity of modern comfort food, proving that traditional dishes can be reimagined in playful and delicious ways.

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