One of my Best Recipes! Pizza Soup
One of my BEST Recipes! PIZZA SOUP! is a easy Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Bear Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $8.61 total, $2.15 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced using a garlic press)
- 100 grams Pepperoni (pre‑sliced frozen pepperoni, thawed)
- 400 grams Canned Diced Tomatoes (drained but keep juices for soup base)
- 240 milliliters Tomato Puree (adds thickness and richness)
- 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste (tube or can, concentrated flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Honey (balances acidity with subtle sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (blend of oregano, basil, thyme)
- ½ teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste; pepperoni is already salty)
- 200 grams Fresh Mozzarella (shredded or torn into bite‑size pieces)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 4 slices Crusty Bread (serve on the side for dipping)
Instructions
Heat Oil
Add olive oil to a large pot and heat over medium‑high until shimmering.
Time: PT2M
Sauté Garlic
Press the garlic through a garlic press and add to the hot oil. Cook, stirring, until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Time: PT1M
Render Pepperoni
Add the sliced pepperoni to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat begins to melt and the edges curl, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Add Tomatoes
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the tomato puree. Mix well.
Time: PT2M
Season & Sweeten
Add honey, Italian seasoning, and salt. Stir to combine.
Time: PT1M
Simmer
Reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook, uncovered, for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the soup thickens.
Time: PT12M
Add Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes to intensify the flavor.
Time: PT2M
Prepare for Broiling
Ladle the hot soup into oven‑safe bowls, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top.
Time: PT2M
Add Cheese & Garnish
Top each bowl with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella and sprinkle chopped parsley over the cheese.
Time: PT2M
Broil
Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil on high until the mozzarella is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned, about 1–2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Broil (high)
Serve
Remove the bowls carefully (they will be hot), let cool for a minute, then serve with crusty bread on the side.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 12g
- Carbohydrates
- 20g
- Fat
- 22g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free
Allergens: Dairy, Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Pepperoni: salami slices, chorizo
- Instead of Canned Diced Tomatoes: fresh diced tomatoes (about 2 cups)
- Instead of Tomato Puree: crushed tomatoes
- Instead of Tomato Paste: sun‑dried tomato puree (1 tsp)
- Instead of Honey: maple syrup (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: dried oregano + dried basil (½ tsp each)
- Instead of Salt: sea salt, kosher salt
- Instead of Fresh Mozzarella: low‑moisture mozzarella, provolone
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: fresh basil, cilantro
- Instead of Crusty Bread: garlic bread, sourdough
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Garlic Press
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Spoons
- Oven‑Safe Bowls or Casserole Dishes
- Broiler Pan or Baking Sheet (optional)
- Grater or Hand Shredder
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sauté garlic without burning.
- Render pepperoni fat fully before adding liquids.
- Simmer long enough for the soup to thicken but not evaporate completely.
- Use oven‑safe bowls for broiling; regular glass will shatter.
- Watch the broiler closely to prevent burnt cheese.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑smoke‑point olive oil to prevent burning when sautéing garlic.
- For extra depth, splash a tablespoon of dry red wine after the pepperoni renders.
- If you like a spicier soup, add a pinch of red‑pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thin.
Simmer longer uncovered to reduce liquid, or add an extra tablespoon of tomato paste.
Cheese burns during broiling.
Broil for a shorter time (30‑45 seconds) and keep the oven door slightly open to monitor.
Garlic tastes bitter.
Make sure garlic is added after the oil is hot but before it starts to brown; lower heat if needed.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store the soup base (without cheese) in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat and add fresh mozzarella before broiling.
Freezer: Freeze the soup base in freezer‑safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the soup base up to step 7 and refrigerate; add cheese and broil just before serving.
- Freeze the soup base in portioned containers for quick weeknight meals.
- Pre‑shred mozzarella and store in a sealed bag for faster assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Pizza Soup in Italian‑American cuisine?
Pizza Soup originated in American coffee‑shop kitchens as a playful way to capture the beloved flavors of pizza in a comforting bowl. It reflects the Italian‑American tradition of adapting classic dishes into quick, handheld meals for busy diners.
What are the traditional regional variations of Pizza Soup in the United States?
In the Midwest, cooks often add cheddar and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. In the Southwest, jalapeños and corn are tossed in for a spicy twist. The basic version, like Bear Kitchen’s, stays true to classic pizza toppings—pepperoni, mozzarella, and tomato.
How is Pizza Soup traditionally served in Italian‑American households?
It is typically ladled into oven‑safe bowls, topped with shredded mozzarella, and finished under the broiler until bubbly. It is served hot with a side of crusty bread or a small garlic‑butter roll for dipping.
What occasions or celebrations is Pizza Soup associated with in Italian‑American culture?
Pizza Soup is popular at casual gatherings, game nights, and as a comforting late‑night snack after a night out. Its quick preparation makes it a favorite for pot‑luck parties and family movie evenings.
What authentic ingredients define Pizza Soup versus a regular tomato soup?
Key authentic ingredients are pepperoni slices, mozzarella cheese, a touch of honey for sweet‑savory balance, and Italian seasoning. These give the soup its unmistakable pizza flavor profile.
What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with Pizza Soup?
Serve it alongside a simple Caesar salad, garlic knots, or a side of roasted vegetables. A crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio also complements the rich tomato base.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Pizza Soup?
Common errors include burning the garlic, over‑reducing the soup so it becomes paste‑like, and broiling the cheese too long, which can cause a burnt flavor. Also, be careful not to add too much salt because the pepperoni is already salty.
Why does this Pizza Soup recipe use honey instead of sugar?
Honey caramelizes quickly in the hot pan, adding a richer, more complex sweetness that mimics the subtle sugar notes found in traditional pizza sauce, whereas granulated sugar would dissolve without that depth.
Can I make Pizza Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare the soup base up to step 7, let it cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat, add fresh mozzarella, and broil just before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Bear Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Bear Kitchen focuses on creative, comfort‑food recipes that blend familiar flavors with unexpected twists, often using minimal equipment and pantry staples.
How does the YouTube channel Bear Kitchen's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Bear Kitchen emphasizes quick, single‑pot meals and playful presentations—like turning pizza into soup—while other channels may stick to traditional plating. The host also shares personal anecdotes from his coffee‑shop chef background, adding a unique, relatable perspective.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
