If you love pizza night, this soup version will instantly become a favorite. Cheesy Pizza Soup delivers all the flavors you crave—savory tomato base, Italian seasoning, melty cheese, and classic pizza toppings—in a warm, creamy bowl that’s pure comfort. It’s cozy, hearty, and fun, making it perfect for family dinners, game days, or chilly evenings when you want something familiar yet exciting.
This recipe turns everyone’s favorite takeout into an easy, one-pot meal that’s just as satisfying as a slice of pizza—maybe even more.
Why Cheesy Pizza Soup Is So Popular
All the Pizza Flavor, No Dough Required
You get the bold, cheesy goodness of pizza without rolling dough or heating up the oven. Everything comes together quickly in one pot.
Perfect for Any Occasion
- Kid-approved and family-friendly
- One-pot comfort food
- Customizable with favorite toppings
- Great for leftovers
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cheesy Pizza Soup Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Italian sausage or ground beef | 1 lb | Savory base |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | Sautéing |
| Onion (diced) | 1 medium | Flavor base |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | Aromatics |
| Bell pepper (diced) | 1 | Classic pizza flavor |
| Mushrooms (sliced, optional) | 1 cup | Topping-style add-in |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp | Rich tomato flavor |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (28 oz) | Soup base |
| Chicken or beef broth | 3 cups | Balance & depth |
| Italian seasoning | 2 tsp | Pizza flavor |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | Extra savory note |
| Red pepper flakes | Optional | Heat |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Creaminess |
| Cream cheese (softened) | 4 oz | Extra richness |
| Mozzarella cheese (shredded) | 2 cups | Cheesy goodness |
| Pepperoni slices | 1 cup | Classic topping |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | Seasoning |
| Fresh basil or parsley | Optional | Garnish |
How to Make Cheesy Pizza Soup
1. Brown the Meat
Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage or ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking for 6–8 minutes, until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink.
If there’s excess grease, carefully drain it off, leaving a small amount behind for flavor. Browning the meat adds depth and creates that classic pizza-style savoriness.
👉 Pro Tip: Italian sausage adds extra seasoning, but ground beef works just as well for a milder flavor.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms directly to the pot with the browned meat. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and release their moisture.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This step builds the aromatic base of the soup.
👉 Flavor Tip: Let the vegetables cook long enough to soften but not brown too much.
3. Build the Pizza Base
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to caramelize slightly and deepen in flavor. Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5–10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
👉 Why this works: This step creates the rich, savory tomato base that makes the soup taste like pizza.
4. Make It Creamy
Reduce heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and softened cream cheese, whisking gently until the cream cheese melts completely and the soup becomes smooth and creamy.
Avoid boiling at this stage to prevent curdling and keep the texture silky.
👉 Texture Tip: Cubing the cream cheese before adding helps it melt evenly.
5. Add the Cheese and Toppings
Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese a handful at a time, allowing it to melt smoothly into the soup. Add the pepperoni slices and let the soup simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese is fully melted and the pepperoni is heated through.
👉 Cheese Tip: Adding cheese gradually prevents clumping and ensures a creamy finish.
6. Taste and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, or additional Italian seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Serve hot with garlic bread, breadsticks, or a simple salad for a complete pizza-inspired meal.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Pizza Soup
Pro Tips
- Use Italian sausage for bold flavor
- Add cheese gradually for smooth melting
- Keep heat low after adding dairy
- Customize toppings like pizza
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Boiling after adding cheese
- Skipping seasoning
- Adding cheese all at once
Variations & Substitutions
Easy Customizations
- Add olives or banana peppers
- Use cooked chicken instead of beef
- Swap pepperoni for cooked bacon
- Make it vegetarian with extra veggies
Lighter Options
- Use half-and-half instead of cream
- Reduce cheese slightly
- Add more vegetables
What to Serve With Cheesy Pizza Soup
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Side salad
- Grilled cheese dippers
- Crackers
Storage & Reheating
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze without cheese for best texture. Add cheese after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheesy Pizza Soup kid-friendly?
Yes. Skip red pepper flakes for a mild version.
Can Cheesy Pizza Soup be made ahead of time?
Absolutely. The flavors get even better the next day.
Can I use pizza sauce instead of tomatoes?
Yes, but reduce seasoning slightly since pizza sauce is already flavored.
What cheeses work best?
Mozzarella is classic, but provolone or a mozzarella-cheddar blend also works well.
Conclusion
If pizza is your ultimate comfort food, Cheesy Pizza Soup is a must-try. Warm, creamy, and packed with familiar flavors, this soup transforms a classic favorite into an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. One spoonful in, and you’ll see why it’s such a hit.