Pizza Soup: The Ultimate Cozy Comfort in a Bowl (Low Carb + Kid Friendly)

Pizza soup is a savory tomato‑based pizza soup recipe that captures the flavors of your favorite pie in a warm, comforting bowl. With a pizza sauce base, herbs, veggies, meats like Italian sausage or pepperoni, and melted mozzarella topping, it’s essentially a cozy pizza meal reimagined as a soup. You can make a crock pot pizza soup or a stovetop version, adapt it into a low carb pizza alternative, or build it as a kid friendly soup. This hearty, one‑pot pizza dish blends convenience and flavor without the mess of crust.

How to make Pizza Soup

Pizza Soup Recipe

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A warm, comforting bowl of pizza flavors without the crust. This pizza soup is loaded with Italian sausage, pepperoni, vegetables, and melty mozzarella cheese. Great for low-carb diets and family dinners.

• Author: Jake Hollander
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course, Soup
• Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 cup pepperoni, sliced or chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 jar (14 oz) pizza sauce
• 2–3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Optional: spinach, zucchini, fresh basil

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Instructions

1. Brown the sausage in a large pot over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
2. Add onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic. Sauté 4–5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and pizza sauce. Mix well.
4. Pour in broth. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Add pepperoni. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes.
6. Stir in spinach if using. Let wilt.
7. Ladle into bowls and top with shredded mozzarella.
8. Serve with garlic toast or low-carb bread.

Notes

• For crock pot version: Brown sausage, then add all ingredients (except cheese and greens) to slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours.
• Add mozzarella before serving to keep it gooey and fresh.
• Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly.
• Keto-friendly if using sugar-free sauce and low-carb toppings.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1½ cups (approx.)
• Calories: 365
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g

Tip: You can scale or omit ingredients to suit dietary goals (e.g. skip mushrooms, use leaner sausage).

Tips for Flavor Balance & Customization

• Don’t overdo the broth: If you add too much liquid, the soup will runny. Start conservatively (e.g. 3 cups), then add more if needed.
• Use good quality tomato products: A rich pizza sauce or crushed tomatoes elevates the base.
• Control salt carefully: Sausage and pizza sauce often carry salt, taste before adding extra.
• Layer flavors: Add herbs gradually (half at beginning, half near end) for depth.
• Add greens last: If you include spinach or zucchini, stir them in just a few minutes before serving so they don’t overcook.
• Crispy cheese or pepperoni top: Toast a few slices of pepperoni or broil cheese on top for texture contrast.

Variations: Crock Pot Pizza Soup, Low Carb & Keto Options

Crock Pot Pizza Soup

Want a hands‑off version? Here’s how to adapt your pizza soup recipe for a crock pot pizza soup:

1. Brown the Italian sausage (or your choice of meat) in a skillet, then drain excess fat.
2. Transfer the cooked meat to the slow cooker.
3. Add diced onion, bell pepper, garlic, diced tomatoes, pizza sauce, tomato paste, and seasonings.
4. Pour in broth (start with less so you can always thin later).
5. Cook on Low for 4–6 hours or High for 2–3 hours.
6. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in fresh spinach (or other greens) and top with shredded mozzarella. Cover and let melt.
7. Serve hot, optionally with crusty bread or garlic toast.

This method makes dinner effortless and keeps your kitchen cooler, perfect for lazy days.

Low Carb / Keto Pizza Soup

If you’re seeking a low carb pizza alternative, here’s how to keep the indulgence without the carbs:

• Use low sugar or no‑sugar pizza sauce, or dilute sauce with extra crushed tomatoes.
• Replace regular broth with bone broth or unsweetened vegetable broth.
• Add extra protein (like cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or pepperoni).
• Use low carb veggies (zucchini, spinach, mushrooms) instead of starchy ones.
• Optional: Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or heavy cream near the end for richness (if your diet allows).
• Skip any added sugar (many tomato products include hidden sugar).
• Finish with mozzarella soup topping, but limit how much you add to control fat.

These tweaks transform it into a keto‑friendly, hearty soup that still captures the essence of pizza.

Vegetarian or Meat Variations (Italian Sausage Soup, Pepperoni Soup)

Want to switch things up? Here are some tasty variations:

• Meat‑rich version: Use Italian sausage plus chopped pepperoni to lean into the classic flavors (this becomes more “pepperoni soup” style).
• Vegetarian version: Omit sausage/pepperoni. Add extra veggies like zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers. Use a robust tomato base and boost with herbs or umami (mushrooms, sun‑dried tomatoes).
• Italian sausage soup twist: Focus on sausage (and skip pepperoni) for a simpler, savory version that still reads like pizza in a bowl.
• Kid friendly spin: Use mild sausage or ground turkey, mild cheese, more tomato base, and fewer spices so younger palates enjoy it.

For those who like a steak twist in their hearty dishes, our juicy Korean Style Steak and the richly layered Hanger Steak Sandwich offer flavorful inspiration that can influence your next pizza soup variation.

Nutritional Insights & Healthy Pizza Hacks

Is Pizza Soup Low Calorie?

Yes when made right, pizza soup is a surprisingly light yet filling meal. Unlike traditional pizza loaded with crust and cheese, this pizza soup recipe skips the dough and lets you control fats, sodium, and added sugars.

Here’s why it’s a smart choice:

• No heavy crust = fewer carbs and calories
• Lean proteins (like turkey sausage) keep it hearty but healthier
• You choose how much cheese goes on top
• More fiber-rich veggies boost fullness without many calories

Compared to a single slice of pepperoni pizza, one bowl of pizza soup has more nutrients and less guilt.

Weight-Loss Friendly Tweaks (Weight Loss Soup)

If you’re looking for a weight loss soup, here’s how to optimize your bowl:

• Use low-sodium broth to cut salt intake
• Add more non-starchy vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or kale
• Swap fatty sausage for ground turkey or chicken
• Skim mozzarella or plant-based cheese for lighter topping
• Use crushed tomatoes instead of jarred pizza sauce (fewer hidden sugars)
• Portion control with smaller bowls or meal-prep containers

These hacks make it a healthy pizza hack while staying flavorful and satisfying.

Mozzarella Soup Topping: When & How Much?

One of the best parts of pizza soup is the mozzarella soup topping but it’s easy to go overboard.

Here’s how to keep it balanced:

• Sprinkle cheese after ladling into bowls so you can control portion
• Use part-skim mozzarella for fewer calories
• Optional: broil bowls for 1–2 minutes to melt and bubble the cheese like a real pizza
• For low carb/keto versions, cheese is fine but don’t add too much at once

Always drain mozzarella if using fresh to avoid excess moisture in your soup.

Want more low-calorie, family-style ideas? Explore zesty Low Calorie Carrot Tacos and our helpful Healthy Weight Loss Recipes Guide to discover easy pairings for your soup swaps.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

What Bread to Serve with Pizza Soup?

Crusty bread is a natural partner to pizza soup it mimics the dough experience without overpowering the dish.

Best bread options:

• Garlic toast: Adds a classic pizza-shop vibe
• Focaccia: Absorbs the rich tomato and sausage broth perfectly
• Baguette slices or ciabatta: Toasted with olive oil and herbs for dipping
• Keto bread (for low-carb eaters): Almond flour or cheese-based breads work well

Want a low carb pizza alternative? Serve soup solo with a generous helping of veggies and cheese.

What Dish Pairs Well With Pizza Soup?

This cozy pizza meal is hearty enough to stand alone, but if you want sides:

• Simple side salad: Arugula with balsamic or Caesar-style
• Roasted vegetables: Like zucchini, eggplant, or Brussels sprouts
• Mozzarella sticks or baked zucchini fries (for a fun, kid-friendly combo)
• Olive tapenade or marinated artichokes on the side for a Mediterranean twist

For lunch pairings, keep things light and protein-rich to balance the warm pizza soup recipe. You can even pair your soup night with refreshing sides like the creamy Cucumber Avocado Salad or the gut-friendly Ice Water Hack for a nourishing, balanced meal.

Is Pizza Soup Kid Friendly?

Absolutely. This kid friendly soup is customizable and full of flavors, kids love cheese, tomato, and mild sausage or pepperoni.

Here are some parent-friendly tips:

• Use mild Italian sausage or ground turkey
• Go easy on herbs and spice (leave out red pepper flakes)
• Offer toppings like mini pepperoni or shredded cheese separately so kids can “build” their own bowl
• Blend the veggies for picky eaters to create a smooth base

It’s a smart, fun way to sneak in nutrients without sacrificing flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pizza Soup

Storage, Reheating & Freezing Tips

How to Store Pizza Soup

Once your pizza soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Tips for best storage:

• Divide into individual servings for grab-and-go lunches
• Avoid storing mozzarella topping on the soup and add fresh when reheating
• Label containers with the date to track freshness

This helps preserve the flavors of your cozy one pot pizza meal without spoilage.

Can You Freeze Pizza Soup?

Yes, pizza soup freezes very well just hold off on adding cheese until after thawing.

Freezing guidelines:

• Cool completely before freezing
• Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags (lay flat to save space)
• Freeze for up to 2 months

Before serving, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat and top with mozzarella soup topping. This soup makes meal prep simple, much like our reader-favorite Frozen Chicken Fajitas or Sausage Egg and Cheese Muffins that keep you fueled with minimal effort.

Reheating Tips

Whether from the fridge or freezer, reheat your pizza soup recipe gently:

• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds
• Stovetop: Simmer over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if too thick
• Add shredded mozzarella at the end of reheating for best texture
• Avoid boiling, it can break down veggies and make the soup watery

These tips help keep your kid friendly soup flavorful and satisfying even after storing.

Conclusion

Pizza soup isn’t just a cozy twist on a classic—it’s a versatile, family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare, adapt, and love. Whether you prefer a slow-simmered crock pot pizza soup or a low-carb version topped with gooey mozzarella, this recipe delivers big flavor without the heaviness of crust.

Its simplicity makes it a great weeknight solution, especially for those looking for healthy comfort food or creative spins on pizza night. Add your favorite veggies, try different proteins, or sprinkle in your own spice blends to make it uniquely yours.

If you’re exploring more nourishing comfort meals, you might enjoy the health-forward ideas featured on Viva Lyze on Facebook, where wholesome cooking meets everyday wellness. And if you’re feeling inspired to try more colorful, feel-good dishes, the collections over at Viva Lyze on Pinterest offer plenty of visual inspiration and natural flavor pairings.

With the right ingredients and a little creativity, pizza soup can easily become your go-to comforting dinner everyone will crave. And If you are looking for a fun salad pairing? Try this crowd-pleasing Big Mac Salad Recipe for a bold bite.