Creamy Pizza Soup

If you love pizza but want a warm, comforting twist on this classic, creamy pizza soup is the perfect answer. This soup combines all the flavors of a traditional pizza – like tangy tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and savory pepperoni – but in a rich, creamy broth. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s great for a cozy night in or for serving at a casual gathering. Feel free to customize it with your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, sausage, or olives to truly make it your own.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, cut in halves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh basil for garnish
• Croutons or toasted baguette slices (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add tomatoes and broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Blend the soup: For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until slightly chunky or smooth, depending on your preference.
4. Add the cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. Cook on low heat, stirring continuously, until the cheeses have fully melted into the soup.
5. Add pepperoni: Toss in the pepperoni slices and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors blend.
6. Season and serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil and croutons or baguette slices, if desired.

Enjoy your rich and comforting bowl of creamy pizza soup!