Pizza is one of the most beloved comfort foods around the world. Its warm, cheesy, and crispy combination of dough, sauce, and toppings is irresistible to many. But what happens when you want to take your pizza experience to the next level? Combining pizza with soup is an unexpected yet delightful pairing that can enhance your meal. Whether you’re looking for a light starter or a hearty dish, pairing the right soup with your pizza can create a balanced and satisfying meal.
In this article, we will explore what types of soups go well with pizza. From classic choices like tomato soup to more adventurous options such as minestrone and creamy bisques, we will break down the best soup pairings for various types of pizza. The aim is to provide you with both traditional and innovative ideas to elevate your next pizza night.
The Classic Tomato Soup Pairing
One of the most common and beloved soups to pair with pizza is tomato soup. The combination of tomato-based pizza sauce and creamy, tangy tomato soup feels familiar and comforting. The flavors of the tomato soup complement the richness of the cheese and sauce on your pizza, providing a smooth contrast to the texture of the crust.
Why Tomato Soup Works Well
Tomato soup and pizza share a similar base flavor profile, which makes them an ideal pairing. The acidity and slight sweetness of the tomatoes in the soup balance out the rich and savory elements of the pizza. This makes it particularly well-suited for pizzas with classic toppings such as Margherita, pepperoni, or sausage. The smoothness of the soup also helps to cut through the heaviness of a cheese-heavy pizza, providing a refreshing counterpoint to each bite.
Ideal Pizza Pairings
Tomato soup pairs especially well with pizzas like:
Margherita Pizza: A simple pizza with fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato sauce is a natural match with the bright, tangy notes of tomato soup.
Pepperoni Pizza: The spicy and salty pepperoni benefits from the subtle sweetness and acidity of tomato soup.
Vegetable Pizza: For a vegetarian pizza with toppings like mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers, tomato soup enhances the freshness of the vegetables and balances the cheese.
Creamy Soups for Rich Pizza Toppings
When you’re indulging in a pizza with richer, heavier toppings, such as creamy alfredo sauce or meat-laden options, a creamy soup can be a great complement. The smooth and velvety texture of creamy soups adds an extra layer of richness to the meal while balancing the strong flavors of the pizza.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
A creamy, earthy mushroom soup pairs beautifully with pizza, particularly those with mushrooms as a topping. The combination of the umami flavor from the mushrooms in both the soup and the pizza creates a satisfying harmony. The creaminess of the soup also helps balance the saltiness of ingredients like ham or bacon.
Ideal Pizza Pairings
Cream of mushroom soup works well with pizzas like:
White Pizza (Bianca Pizza): A white pizza with ricotta, mozzarella, and garlic is complemented by the rich and creamy texture of mushroom soup.
Mushroom Pizza: This pairing enhances the earthy flavor of the mushrooms on both the pizza and in the soup.
Bacon or Ham Pizza: The creaminess of the mushroom soup balances out the saltiness of bacon or ham on a pizza.
Cream of Potato Soup
For a hearty, filling pairing, cream of potato soup is another excellent choice. The smooth texture and mild flavors of the potato soup make it a versatile match for a variety of pizza types. It is especially good with pizzas that feature bold flavors or unique combinations of toppings.
Ideal Pizza Pairings
Cream of potato soup works well with pizzas like:
BBQ Chicken Pizza: The mildness of potato soup pairs well with the smoky and spicy BBQ chicken pizza, providing a gentle contrast to the boldness of the toppings.
Four-Cheese Pizza: A rich, cheesy pizza is balanced out by the comforting creaminess of potato soup.
Meat Lover’s Pizza: The savory, hearty elements of a meat lover’s pizza are softened by the mildness of potato soup.
Brothy Soups for a Light Pairing
If you prefer a lighter, more refreshing soup to go with your pizza, a brothy soup can be the perfect option. Broth-based soups tend to be less heavy, allowing the flavors of the pizza to shine through while still providing warmth and comfort. These soups can be especially effective when paired with pizza varieties that are on the lighter side.
Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup, with its hearty vegetables, beans, and pasta in a light tomato broth, is a great choice to serve with pizza. The earthy flavors of the vegetables and the slight acidity of the tomato broth complement the savory flavors of the pizza without overwhelming them. This pairing works particularly well with vegetarian pizzas or pizzas with fresh, lighter toppings.
Ideal Pizza Pairings
Minestrone soup pairs well with:
Vegetarian Pizza: The fresh, vibrant vegetables in minestrone complement the toppings like tomatoes, bell peppers, and olives on a vegetarian pizza.
Pesto Pizza: The herbal, basil-based pesto sauce on a pizza pairs well with the vegetable-heavy minestrone soup.
Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza: The light broth of the minestrone enhances the delicate flavors of prosciutto and peppery arugula.
Chicken and Rice Soup
For something light yet filling, a chicken and rice soup can be a great complement to pizza. The savory, tender chicken and light broth create a subtle balance to more complex or robust pizza flavors, making it a good pairing for pizzas with stronger sauces like barbecue or buffalo.
Ideal Pizza Pairings
Chicken and rice soup works well with:
Buffalo Chicken Pizza: The mild, savory chicken soup provides a counterpoint to the spicy buffalo sauce on the pizza.
Chicken Alfredo Pizza: The gentle chicken and rice soup enhances the creamy flavors of a chicken alfredo pizza without overpowering it.
BBQ Chicken Pizza: The soup balances the smoky, tangy flavors of the BBQ sauce and chicken.
Spicy Soups to Match Bold Pizza Flavors
If you enjoy bold flavors and a bit of spice, pairing your pizza with a spicy soup can elevate the meal even further. Spicy soups introduce an element of heat and complexity, which pairs perfectly with pizzas that have bold, spicy toppings like jalapeños or spicy sausage.
Spicy Tomato Basil Soup
This variation of the classic tomato soup incorporates fresh basil and a bit of heat from spices like red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. The soup maintains the familiar taste of tomato soup but adds a bit of a kick, making it a great match for pizzas that feature spicy toppings.
Ideal Pizza Pairings
Spicy tomato basil soup pairs well with:
Spicy Pepperoni Pizza: The spiciness of the soup enhances the heat from the pepperoni, creating a harmonious pairing.
Jalapeño Pizza: The soup’s heat and freshness from the basil enhance the boldness of the jalapeños on the pizza.
Sausage and Peppers Pizza: The combination of spicy sausage and peppers is complemented by the warm, spicy soup.
Thai Hot and Sour Soup
For a more adventurous pairing, consider serving pizza with Thai hot and sour soup, which combines the sharpness of lime, the heat of chili peppers, and the freshness of herbs. The tangy and spicy broth pairs surprisingly well with pizzas that have rich or bold toppings.
Ideal Pizza Pairings
Thai hot and sour soup works well with:
Hawaiian Pizza: The sweetness of pineapple is balanced by the tangy and spicy elements in the Thai soup.
Pepperoni or Sausage Pizza: The heat of the soup complements the spicy and savory sausage or pepperoni.
BBQ Chicken Pizza: The sweet and spicy broth of the soup pairs well with the smoky, tangy BBQ sauce.
Pairing Pizza with Soup for Special Occasions
Pizza and soup can also be a great choice for more formal or celebratory occasions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, having a cozy family meal, or just wanting to try something new, pairing the right soup with your pizza can make the meal feel special.
Lobster Bisque
For a luxurious and rich pairing, a lobster bisque is a fantastic choice. The creamy texture and delicate lobster flavor elevate the pizza experience, making it perfect for a special occasion. It pairs well with pizzas that feature seafood or light ingredients.
Ideal Pizza Pairings
Lobster bisque works well with:
Seafood Pizza: The rich, buttery bisque enhances the flavors of shrimp, scallops, and other seafood on the pizza.
White Pizza: A light, garlic-infused white pizza pairs beautifully with the delicate richness of lobster bisque.
Vegetarian Pizza: The bisque complements the freshness of vegetables like spinach, artichokes, and mushrooms.
Butternut Squash Soup
Another seasonal soup option, butternut squash soup offers a smooth, sweet flavor that pairs well with savory pizzas. The natural sweetness of the squash contrasts nicely with the saltiness of meats like prosciutto or bacon.
Ideal Pizza Pairings
Butternut squash soup works well with:
Prosciutto Pizza: The sweetness of the soup contrasts with the salty, rich prosciutto.
Bacon Pizza: The natural sweetness of the soup helps to balance the smokiness of the bacon.
Spinach and Ricotta Pizza: The mild, creamy soup complements the creamy ricotta cheese and fresh spinach.
Conclusion
Pairing pizza with soup is a great way to enhance your meal, creating a satisfying and balanced dining experience. From the classic tomato soup to creamy mushroom and spicy broths, there are endless possibilities for combining these two comfort foods. Whether you prefer something light and refreshing or hearty and rich, there’s a soup that complements your pizza choice. Experiment with different pairings to find the perfect combination for your taste buds, and you’ll soon discover why soup and pizza are a match made in culinary heaven.
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