Pizza Lovers Soup
A savory, cheesy soup inspired by pizza flavors, combining tomatoes, herbs, and cheese, perfect for a comforting appetizer or light meal for pizza lovers.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 16 oz. can tomato juice ⓘ
- 10 oz. can onion soup ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. basil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oregano ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. parsley ⓘ
- 6 slices thin Italian bread ⓘ
- 6 slices mozzarella cheese or 3/4 cup shredded cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine stewed tomatoes, tomato juice, onion soup, chopped bell pepper, chopped onion, minced garlic, water, basil, oregano, and parsley in a pot.
- Simmer the mixture for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Toast the slices of Italian bread.
- Serve the soup hot with toasted bread topped with mozzarella cheese or shredded cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. If you prefer a meatier soup, diced pepperoni or Italian sausage can be excellent additions. For a vegetarian version, ensure your onion soup is meat-free. Pairing with a side of Spicy Italian Cabbage would elevate the meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup hot, with toasted Italian bread topped with mozzarella cheese for a comforting meal. It pairs nicely with a side salad or garlic bread. For a complete dinner experience, consider serving it alongside a light dessert like fruit sorbet, or browse more Italian recipes for inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pizza Lovers Soup contains roughly 798 calories, with 31g protein, 153g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (236% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (235% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 943mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! You'll need about 4-5 medium-sized tomatoes, peeled and chopped. Fresh tomatoes will give the soup a vibrant flavor, but you may want to add a bit more seasoning to balance the acidity.
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a convenient option for busy days.
What can I substitute for the onion soup?
If you don't have onion soup, you can create a substitute by sautéing chopped onions in butter or oil, then adding a bit of vegetable or chicken broth along with some onion powder and seasoning. This will mimic the flavor profile of the onion soup.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).