How To Make Pizza Soup
How To Make Pizza Soup is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 260 calories per serving. Recipe by Richard Jaramillo on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 30 min
Cost: $3.62 total, $0.90 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Croutons (plain or garlic‑flavored, adds thickness and crunch)
- 1 cup Stewed Tomatoes (canned, with juices)
- 2 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth (low‑sodium preferred)
- 0.5 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded; add a little now and more when serving)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for sautéing optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (optional, adds classic pizza flavor)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
Heat the broth and tomatoes
Add the chicken or vegetable broth and the stewed tomatoes to a large pot. Bring to a gentle boil over medium‑high heat, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium‑high
Add croutons to thicken
Stir in about 1 cup of croutons, break them up with the spoon, and let the soup continue to simmer for 5‑10 minutes until the croutons have softened and thickened the broth.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: medium
Incorporate mozzarella
Add ½ cup shredded mozzarella to the soup, stirring gently. Add only a little at first to avoid clumping; the cheese will melt and give the soup a creamy, pizza‑like texture.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: low
Season and serve
Taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning. Ladle into bowls and top each serving with extra mozzarella if desired.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 260
- Protein
- 12g
- Carbohydrates
- 28g
- Fat
- 10g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Croutons: tortilla chips, bread cubes
- Instead of Stewed Tomatoes: diced tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- Instead of Chicken or Vegetable Broth: water with bouillon cube, stock
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: provolone, cheddar
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: dried oregano and basil blend
- Instead of Salt: soy sauce (use sparingly)
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Measuring Cup
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle (optional)
- Serving Bowls
- Grater (if shredding mozzarella) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Adding croutons to thicken the broth
- Adding mozzarella gradually to prevent clumping
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra pizza flavor, stir in a handful of sliced pepperoni or cooked sausage just before serving.
- Use homemade croutons made from stale bread for a fresher taste and better thickening power.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thin after adding croutons
Add a few more croutons or let the soup simmer a couple more minutes to allow further thickening.
Cheese becomes clumpy
Reduce the heat, add the cheese in small batches, and stir continuously until fully melted.
Soup tastes bland
Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a pinch of Italian seasoning; a splash of Worcestershire sauce can add depth.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently; add a splash of broth if the soup thickens too much.
Freezer: Not recommended because cheese can become grainy after freezing.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the broth and stewed tomatoes ahead of time and refrigerate; add croutons and mozzarella just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Pizza Soup in American cuisine?
Pizza Soup is a modern American comfort food that emerged as a kid‑friendly way to capture the beloved flavors of pizza in a quick, one‑pot meal. It reflects the American trend of turning classic fast‑food flavors into healthier, home‑cooked versions.
What are the traditional regional variations of Pizza Soup in the United States?
While the basic concept stays the same, some regions add local toppings—like Chicago‑style deep‑dish cheese blends or New York‑style pepperoni slices. Southwest versions may incorporate jalapeños or corn for a spicy twist.
What occasions or celebrations is Pizza Soup traditionally associated with in American families?
Pizza Soup is popular for quick weeknight dinners, after‑school snacks, and casual gatherings where kids want pizza flavor without the mess of ordering a whole pie. It’s also a go‑to for potlucks because it’s easy to transport and serve.
How does Pizza Soup fit into the broader American comfort‑food tradition?
It combines two staple comfort foods—tomato‑based soup and pizza—into a single dish, embodying the American love for hearty, flavorful, and convenient meals that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Pizza Soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional Pizza Soup uses tomato broth or stewed tomatoes, croutons for thickness, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning. Acceptable substitutes include using chicken broth instead of vegetable broth, shredded provolone for cheese, or toasted bread cubes in place of croutons.
What other American dishes pair well with Pizza Soup?
Serve Pizza Soup alongside a simple Caesar salad, garlic bread, or a side of roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, add a grilled cheese sandwich or a slice of homemade focaccia.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Pizza Soup?
Common mistakes include adding too much mozzarella at once, which creates clumps, and not allowing the croutons enough time to soften, resulting in a thin broth. Also, over‑boiling after the cheese is added can cause the cheese to separate.
Why does this Pizza Soup recipe add croutons instead of flour as a thickener?
Croutons not only thicken the broth but also add a subtle toasted‑bread flavor that mimics a pizza crust, keeping the dish gluten‑friendly for those who can tolerate wheat, whereas flour can make the soup cloudy and change the texture.
Can I make Pizza Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the broth and tomato base up to two days ahead and keep it refrigerated. Add the croutons and mozzarella just before reheating to preserve texture; store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Pizza Soup?
The soup should be a bright red, slightly creamy consistency with softened croutons fully incorporated. Small melted mozzarella strings should be visible, and the surface should be glossy, not grainy.
What does the YouTube channel Richard Jaramillo specialize in?
The YouTube channel Richard Jaramillo focuses on quick, family‑friendly recipes that emphasize healthy twists on classic comfort foods, often presented with a casual "cook like a dad" style.
How does the YouTube channel Richard Jaramillo's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Richard Jaramillo prioritizes speed, simplicity, and nutritional tweaks—like using croutons for thickening instead of heavy cream—while maintaining bold flavors, setting his channel apart from others that may focus on gourmet techniques or elaborate plating.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
