If you’ve ever wished your favorite pizza flavors could come together in a cozy, comforting bowl, you’ll absolutely love this Slow Cooker Pizza Soup Recipe. It’s like having a slice of Italy simmering away all day in your kitchen, blending savory Italian sausage, zesty pepperoni, and rich tomato goodness into a luscious, creamy soup. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave something hearty yet effortlessly simple, this recipe turns classic pizza into a warm, spoonable hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one is essential for building the flavors and textures that make this soup irresistible. From the spicy sausage to the creamy chive cream cheese, every element plays a key role in creating a balanced and vibrant dish.
- Italian sausage (1½ lb): Use a flavorful mild or spicy sausage to form the meaty base of the soup with plenty of savory depth.
- Mini pepperonis (5 oz): These add a delightful pop of classic pizza meatiness in every bite.
- Minced garlic (1 Tbsp): Freshness and aroma that awaken the whole dish.
- Dried minced onion (1 Tbsp): A subtle sweetness that enhances the tomato base.
- Italian seasoning (1 Tbsp): A blend of herbs like oregano and basil that screams ‘pizza night’.
- Sugar (1 Tbsp): Just enough to balance the acidity of the tomatoes without being sweet.
- Tomato paste (6 oz): Concentrated tomato flavor forming the soup’s rich core.
- Tomato sauce (8 oz): Adds smooth, saucy texture and deep color.
- Diced tomatoes (15 oz): Touches of juiciness and natural tomato chunks.
- Beef broth (2 cans, 14.5 oz each): Builds body and richness while keeping the soup hearty.
- Spaghetti sauce (24 oz jar): Brings in those classic pasta sauce flavors and spices.
- Onion and chive cream cheese (8 oz): Softened and stirred in at the end, this adds a creamy, tangy finish worthy of any pizza topping.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pizza Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
Start by cooking the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. This step builds essential flavor through caramelization, so don’t rush it. Once browned, transfer the sausage directly to your slow cooker to begin the magic.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Next, add the mini pepperonis, minced garlic, dried onion, Italian seasoning, sugar, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and the jar of spaghetti sauce to the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to blend the flavors evenly before the slow cooking begins—this mix captures the essence of classic pizza toppings in a soup form.
Step 3: Slow Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and set it to LOW for 6 to 8 hours. This slow simmer allows the flavors to deepen and meld wonderfully, creating a rich, comforting broth packed with rounded tomato and herb notes. The long cooking time also tenderizes the sausage and lets the pepperonis infuse their signature spice.
Step 4: Finish With Creaminess
After the slow cook is complete, stir in the softened onion and chive cream cheese until fully combined. This will give the soup an irresistibly creamy texture and a touch of tang that balances the robust tomato and meat flavors perfectly, elevating the dish to seriously comforting levels.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Pizza Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To turn this soup into an inviting masterpiece, think about toppings that highlight its pizza roots. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top while it’s hot so it melts deliciously. Fresh basil or chopped parsley adds color and a fresh herbal note. A few crunchy croutons or toasted garlic bread on the side adds the perfect textural contrast.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with simple, hearty sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness, while garlic knots or a warm baguette perfect for dipping add an authentic Italian touch. You could even serve it alongside a small antipasto plate to make the meal feel special and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in bread bowls to echo pizza dough, making every spoonful even more indulgent. Layer the soup with your favorite pizza toppings like olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a customizable experience. And don’t hesitate to drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or chili flakes when serving if you like a bit of flair or heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer the soup into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will only deepen and meld further overnight. Just make sure to give it a good stir before reheating as the cream cheese can naturally thicken the soup in the fridge.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze leftover pizza soup to enjoy later. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that cream cheese can alter texture slightly upon thawing, but a good stir after reheating will bring it back beautifully.
Reheating
For the best results, gently reheat the soup over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring regularly until warmed through. This helps preserve the creamy texture and prevents it from separating. If you’re in a hurry, microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative and works well in this recipe. Just make sure it is well seasoned or use Italian-style turkey sausage for a flavor that stays true to the soup’s character.
Is this soup spicy?
The spiciness depends on the sausage and pepperonis you choose. Mild sausage and regular pepperoni keep it on the milder side, but if you like heat, go for spicy sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes during cooking.
Can I make this soup without the slow cooker?
Yes, you can simmer everything on the stovetop over low heat for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The slow cooker just makes it easier and lets the flavors develop slowly without any babysitting required!
What can I substitute for onion and chive cream cheese?
If you don’t have onion and chive cream cheese, plain cream cheese works great too. You could also use sour cream or mascarpone for a slightly different but still creamy finish.
Is this soup gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check the labels on your sausage, broth, and spaghetti sauce to ensure no hidden gluten. It’s a great hearty option for those avoiding gluten!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something warm, satisfying, and packed with all the flavors of your favorite pizza but in soup form, this Slow Cooker Pizza Soup Recipe is just the ticket. It’s easy to prep, lets your slow cooker do all the work, and turns everyday ingredients into something truly special. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to make again and again, especially when comfort food calls.
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Slow Cooker Pizza Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Slow Cooker Pizza Soup combines all the delightful flavors of pizza into a warm, comforting soup. Featuring Italian sausage, pepperoni, tomato sauces, and a creamy touch of onion and chive cream cheese, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a cozy family meal or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Cheese
- 1½ lb Italian sausage
- 1 (5-oz) bag mini pepperonis
- 1 (8-oz) container onion and chive cream cheese, softened
Vegetables and Sauces
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion
- 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 (14.5-oz) cans beef broth
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 Tbsp sugar
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until it is browned thoroughly and no longer pink. This ensures the meat is properly cooked and flavorful. Then transfer the cooked sausage to the slow cooker.
- Add remaining ingredients: Into the slow cooker with the sausage, add the mini pepperoni, minced garlic, dried minced onion, Italian seasoning, sugar, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and spaghetti sauce. Stir everything to combine well, distributing the flavors evenly.
- Slow cook the soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the soup to develop depth.
- Incorporate the cream cheese: After the cooking time is complete, add the softened onion and chive cream cheese to the soup. Stir thoroughly until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, giving the soup a rich, creamy texture.
Notes
- Use lean Italian sausage to reduce fat content if preferred.
- You can adjust the amount of pepperoni according to taste or omit for a milder flavor.
- For a thicker soup, let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
- Serve with crusty bread or over cooked pasta for a complete meal.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.
