Save A comforting, hearty soup that combines the cheesy, savory flavors of pizza with the cozy, spoonable texture of a pot pie—ready in under an hour on your stovetop.
The first time I served this mashup, my family couldn't believe how much it tasted like a pot pie and a classic pizzeria favorite all at once. Even picky eaters went back for seconds, especially with the golden bread topping.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- Meats (optional): 200 g (7 oz) Italian sausage or pepperoni, sliced (substitute with plant-based sausage for vegetarian)
- Soup Base: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 can (400 g/14 oz) diced tomatoes; 3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth; 1/2 cup tomato sauce or pizza sauce; 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Dairy: 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for topping)
- Bread Topping: 1 sheet refrigerated pizza dough or 4 small biscuits; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables and base:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent.
- Sauté and add meat:
- Add bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add Italian sausage or pepperoni, if using, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Flavor and simmer:
- Stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes to meld flavors.
- Bread topping:
- Preheat oven broiler (if using oven-safe pot) or prepare to bake bread topping separately.
- Add cheese:
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Bake bread topping:
- If using an oven-safe pot, lay pizza dough or biscuits over soup. Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with garlic powder and parsley. Broil or bake for 5–8 minutes until golden and puffed. If not oven-safe, bake dough/biscuits separately according to package instructions and serve atop each bowl.
- Serve:
- Ladle soup into bowls. Top with a scoop of ricotta cheese (if using) and a piece of golden bread topping. Serve hot.
Save This soup became our go-to for movie night because everyone could customize their own bowl. My grandmother always insisted on extra ricotta and a sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving.
Required Tools
Large pot or Dutch oven, knife and cutting board, ladle, oven or broiler (for bread topping), and baking sheet if baking separately.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat/gluten (pizza dough/biscuits), dairy (cheeses), possible soy in processed meats; always verify ingredient labels for allergen safety.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 480, Total Fat: 24 g, Carbohydrates: 44 g, Protein: 22 g.
Save Try pairing this soup with a glass of light Italian red wine or a simple green salad for a full comfort meal. Enjoy leftovers reheated next day—they taste even better!
Cooking Questions
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, simply skip the Italian sausage or pepperoni and replace with plant-based alternatives or extra vegetables for a flavorful vegetarian option.
- → What type of cheese works best in this dish?
Shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan provide a melty, savory base, while ricotta adds creamy richness as an optional topping.
- → Is it necessary to use pizza dough for the topping?
Pizza dough or small biscuits create a golden, crispy topping, but either works well to complement the soup's texture.
- → Can I prepare this without an oven-safe pot?
Yes, bake the dough or biscuits separately on a baking sheet and serve atop the soup just before eating.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor of this dish?
Dried oregano and basil bring classic Italian notes, balanced by a hint of crushed red pepper flakes for optional warmth.
- → Any tips for adding extra veggies?
Chopped spinach or black olives can be stirred in to boost flavor and nutrition without altering the dish's character.