Camp Cooking - Pizza Soup Recipe
Camp Cooking - Pizza Soup Recipe is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Feral Woodcraft on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 40 min
Cost: $12.33 total, $3.08 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Condensed Tomato Soup (store brand, unsalted)
- 1/2 cup Water (adjust for desired thickness)
- 1 cup Pepperoni (sliced, about 100 g)
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 1 large Green Bell Pepper (diced)
- 1 cup Mushrooms (sliced button mushrooms)
- 1 tsp Roasted Garlic Powder
- 2 tsp Italian Herb Seasoning (blend of basil, oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme)
- 8 oz Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (torn into chunks)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parmesan Cheese (finely grated)
- 4 sticks Sourdough Pretzel Sticks (for crust, broken into bite‑size pieces)
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice (optional, to cut sweetness if needed)
Instructions
Prep Ingredients
Dice the onion and green bell pepper, slice the mushrooms, slice the pepperoni, and tear the mozzarella into bite‑size chunks. Grate the Parmesan and set all ingredients within easy reach.
Time: PT5M
Render Pepperoni Fat
Place the pot over medium heat and add the sliced pepperoni. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pepperoni releases its grease and begins to crisp.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium heat
Sauté Vegetables
Add the diced onion, green pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Add Seasonings
Sprinkle the roasted garlic powder and Italian herb seasoning over the vegetables. Stir to combine and release the aromas.
Time: PT1M
Incorporate Tomato Soup
Pour the condensed tomato soup into the pot followed by 1/2 cup water (or half the water called for on the can). Stir well to blend everything together.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium heat
Simmer
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes so the flavors meld.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: simmer
Add Mozzarella
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the torn mozzarella chunks until they begin to melt and become stringy.
Time: PT2M
Finish with Parmesan and Rest
Stir in the grated Parmesan, replace the lid, and let the soup sit for 5 minutes. This allows the cheese to fully melt and the soup to cool slightly for easier eating.
Time: PT5M
Serve with Pretzel Crust
Place 1‑2 pretzel sticks into each serving bowl, ladle the hot soup over them, and enjoy immediately while the cheese is still stringy.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, Contains pork, Not vegan, Not vegetarian
Allergens: Milk, Gluten, Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Condensed Tomato Soup: Campbell's Condensed Tomato Soup, any other brand of condensed tomato soup
- Instead of Water: low‑sodium broth
- Instead of Pepperoni: chorizo, salami
- Instead of Onion: shallot, leek
- Instead of Green Bell Pepper: red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper
- Instead of Mushrooms: cremini mushrooms, baby bella mushrooms
- Instead of Roasted Garlic Powder: regular garlic powder
- Instead of Italian Herb Seasoning: store‑bought Italian seasoning
- Instead of Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: low‑moisture mozzarella, string cheese
- Instead of Fresh Parmesan Cheese: aged Parmesan, Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Sourdough Pretzel Sticks: pretzel rods, crusty bread cubes
- Instead of Lemon Juice: vinegar (white or apple cider)
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon or Ladle
- Measuring Spoons (optional)
- Can Opener
- Microplane Grater
- Serving Bowls (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Render Pepperoni Fat
- Incorporate Tomato Soup
- Add Mozzarella
- Serve with Pretzel Crust
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh low‑moisture mozzarella for the best stretch.
- Sourdough pretzel sticks add a salty crunch that mimics pizza crust.
- If you like extra heat, sprinkle a pinch of red‑pepper flakes with the herbs.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too sweet.
Add a teaspoon of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar to balance the flavor.
Soup is too thick.
Stir in additional water or low‑sodium broth a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Cheese does not melt or become stringy.
Remove the pot from heat before adding mozzarella and let the residual heat melt the cheese; alternatively, add a splash more broth to lower temperature slightly.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add fresh mozzarella if desired.
Freezer: Freezing is optional; freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator and add fresh cheese after reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to the meat and dairy.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Dice vegetables and store them in a zip‑top bag in the fridge.
- Pre‑measure spices and keep them in a small container.
- The soup base (tomato soup + water + spices) can be prepared ahead and reheated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Pizza Soup in American campfire cuisine?
Pizza Soup is a modern adaptation of classic pizza flavors for the outdoors, allowing campers to enjoy a comforting, pizza‑like meal without the time‑intensive dough preparation. It reflects the American tradition of simplifying beloved dishes for quick, portable cooking around a fire.
How does Pizza Soup fit into the broader American outdoor cooking tradition?
American outdoor cooking often emphasizes one‑pot meals that are hearty, easy to transport, and quick to prepare. Pizza Soup follows this tradition by combining pantry staples—canned tomato soup, cured meats, and pretzel sticks—into a flavorful, family‑friendly dish.
What are the traditional regional variations of pizza‑style soups in the United States?
While Pizza Soup itself is a recent invention, regional twists include adding chili peppers in the Southwest, using cheddar and jalapeño for a Tex‑Mex spin, or incorporating Italian sausage and fresh basil for a New‑York style flavor.
What occasions or celebrations is Pizza Soup traditionally associated with in American camping culture?
Pizza Soup is popular for weekend camping trips, family reunions at cabins, and quick weeknight meals when time is limited. Its ease of preparation makes it a go‑to comfort food after a day of hiking or fishing.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Pizza Soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Core ingredients are condensed tomato soup, pepperoni, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian herb seasoning. Substitutes can include any cured sausage (salami, chorizo), other melting cheeses (provolone, cheddar), and different herb blends, but the combination of tomato base, cured meat, and stretchy cheese defines the dish.
What other American campfire dishes pair well with Pizza Soup?
Pizza Soup pairs nicely with grilled corn on the cob, a simple mixed greens salad, or a side of baked beans. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside foil‑wrapped potatoes or a crusty loaf of campfire‑toasted bread.
How has Pizza Soup evolved over time in modern outdoor cooking?
Originally a quick hack for pizza cravings, Pizza Soup has evolved to include more gourmet touches like fresh herbs, premium mozzarella, and sourdough pretzel sticks, reflecting a trend toward elevated camp cuisine while still keeping preparation simple.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Pizza Soup at home or in the woods?
Common errors include adding too much water, which dilutes the flavor; overcooking the mozzarella, causing it to become rubbery; and neglecting to render the pepperoni fat, which provides essential richness. Follow the timing steps and add cheese off the heat for best results.
Why does this Pizza Soup recipe use roasted garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Roasted garlic powder offers a deep, mellow flavor without adding extra moisture, which is important for maintaining the soup’s thick, creamy consistency, especially when cooking over a campfire where fresh garlic can burn quickly.
What does the YouTube channel Feral Woodcraft specialize in?
The YouTube channel Feral Woodcraft specializes in practical outdoor cooking tutorials, gear reviews, and wilderness survival tips, focusing on simple, delicious recipes that can be made with minimal equipment in the woods.
How does the YouTube channel Feral Woodcraft's approach to camp cooking differ from other outdoor cooking channels?
Feral Woodcraft emphasizes ultra‑simple ingredient lists, real‑world testing in remote settings, and a focus on flavor over gimmickry, whereas many other channels showcase elaborate setups or heavily processed convenience foods.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
