Italian pizza soup
Italian pizza 🍕 soup 🥣 is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Food Dudes on YouTube.
Prep: 6 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 28 min
Cost: $7.48 total, $1.87 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 piece Frozen Pizza (any flavor, broken in half)
- 5.5 cups Water (heated to about 180°F (just below boiling))
- 0.25 cup Fresh Basil Leaves (torn roughly)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Oregano Leaves (torn roughly)
- 1 teaspoon Granulated Garlic (also called garlic powder)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground, or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Hot Pepper Flakes (add at serving, adjust for heat)
Instructions
Break the Pizza
Place the frozen pizza on a cutting board and break it in half using a knife or kitchen scissors.
Time: PT2M
Heat Initial Water
Measure 3½ cups of water and heat it on the stove until it reaches about 180°F (just below boiling).
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 180°F
Combine Pizza and Water
Add the hot water to the pot, then place the broken pizza pieces into the pot. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Time: PT3M
Add Fresh Herbs and Seasonings
Tear the basil and oregano, then add them to the pot along with granulated garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix briefly.
Time: PT1M
First Simmer
Cover the pot with a lid and let the soup simmer for 5 minutes on medium‑low heat.
Time: PT5M
Add Remaining Water
Turn the burner down to medium‑low, pour the remaining 2 cups of hot water into the pot, and stir to combine.
Time: PT2M
Second Simmer
Allow the soup to cook for another 5 minutes, uncovered, until the flavors meld and the pizza pieces are soft.
Time: PT5M
Serve and Finish
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle hot pepper flakes on top to taste. Serve immediately.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 10 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Frozen Pizza: Fresh pizza, Homemade pizza crust
- Instead of Water: Low‑sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- Instead of Fresh Basil Leaves: Dried basil (1 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Oregano Leaves: Dried oregano (1 tsp)
- Instead of Granulated Garlic: Fresh minced garlic (1 clove)
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Hot Pepper Flakes: Crushed red pepper, Cayenne pepper (pinch)
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Ladle
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Measuring Cup
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Step 3 – Bring the pizza and water to a rolling boil.
- Step 5 – First simmer for 5 minutes with lid on.
- Step 7 – Second simmer for 5 minutes uncovered.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality pizza with plenty of cheese for a richer broth.
- For extra creaminess, swirl in a tablespoon of heavy cream just before serving.
- Garnish with a fresh basil leaf or a drizzle of olive oil for added aroma.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thick or clumpy.
Add additional hot water or broth a few ounces at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Flavor is bland.
Taste and add more salt, pepper, or a pinch more garlic powder. Fresh basil added at the end brightens the flavor.
Cheese separates and becomes oily.
Stir gently and keep the heat at medium‑low after boiling; avoid a hard boil for too long.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe containers for up to 2 months; reheat gently on the stove.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the herb‑spice mixture in advance and store in a small jar.
- The soup base can be made a day ahead; reheat and add fresh basil before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Pizza Soup in Italian cuisine?
Pizza Soup is a modern, frugal Italian‑style dish that grew out of the tradition of using leftover pizza or bread in soups, similar to the classic Tuscan ribollita. It reflects Italy’s resourceful home‑cooking culture where nothing goes to waste.
What are the traditional regional variations of pizza‑style soups in Italy?
In central Italy, soups often incorporate stale focaccia or pizza dough with beans and kale, while in the south, tomato‑based broths with mozzarella are common. The Food Dudes version focuses on a quick broth made with a frozen pizza and fresh herbs.
How is Pizza Soup traditionally served in Italy?
Traditionally, the soup is served hot in shallow bowls, topped with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of grated Pecorino, and a few fresh basil leaves. It is usually enjoyed as a first course or a light lunch.
What occasions or celebrations is Pizza Soup associated with in Italian culture?
Pizza Soup is not tied to a specific holiday, but it is popular as a comforting winter dish and as a quick meal after large family gatherings when leftover pizza is abundant.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Pizza Soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include a real Italian pizza with mozzarella, fresh basil, and oregano. Acceptable substitutes are any good-quality frozen pizza, dried herbs (in smaller amounts), and hot water or low‑sodium broth.
What other Italian dishes pair well with Pizza Soup?
Pizza Soup pairs nicely with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon, a slice of crusty Italian bread, or a light antipasto platter featuring olives and cured meats.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Pizza Soup?
Common mistakes include letting the soup boil vigorously (which can cause the cheese to separate), adding too much water which dilutes flavor, and forgetting to season with salt and pepper after the pizza crust softens.
Why does this Pizza Soup recipe use hot water instead of broth?
Hot water lets the flavor of the pizza itself shine without competing with a strong broth taste. It also keeps the recipe simple, inexpensive, and quick—perfect for a pantry‑based soup.
Can I make Pizza Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the soup base a day ahead, refrigerate it in an airtight container, and reheat gently on the stove. Add fresh basil and hot pepper flakes just before serving for maximum freshness.
What does the YouTube channel Food Dudes specialize in?
The YouTube channel Food Dudes specializes in easy, budget‑friendly recipes that transform everyday leftovers into tasty meals, often with a focus on quick weeknight cooking and creative twists on classic dishes.
How does the YouTube channel Food Dudes' approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?
Food Dudes emphasizes simplicity, speed, and using pantry staples like frozen pizza, whereas many traditional Italian channels focus on fresh, made‑from‑scratch ingredients and longer cooking techniques. Their style is geared toward busy home cooks looking for fast comfort food.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
