Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Pizza Delight Soup?
Savory Pizza Delight Soup is a warm, comforting dish that captures the flavors of pizza using Italian tomatoes, smoked sausage, vegetables, and melted cheese.
What are the main ingredients for this soup?
The main ingredients include Italian-style tomatoes, beef broth, onion, peppers, mushrooms, smoked link sausage, fresh oregano, and shredded cheese.
How long does it take to cook in a crock pot?
The soup should be cooked on the low setting for 7 to 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld together properly.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, while mozzarella or cheddar are recommended for their melting qualities, you can use any cheese you prefer.
What kind of tomatoes should I buy?
The recipe specifically calls for 28 ounces of canned, crushed Italian-style tomatoes.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
With 150 calories and 9 grams of protein per serving, it is a relatively balanced and hearty meal option.
Can I substitute the beef broth?
Yes, you can substitute beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth depending on your flavor preference.
What type of sausage is best?
The recipe suggests 1/2 lb of thinly sliced smoked link sausage for the best savory flavor.
How do I prepare the vegetables?
The onion should be thinly sliced, the peppers seeded and chopped, and the mushrooms should be sliced.
Can I use green or red peppers?
Either red or green peppers work well in this recipe; you can even use a mix of both.
Is fresh oregano required?
The recipe calls for one teaspoon of fresh chopped oregano, but you can use 1/3 teaspoon of dried oregano if fresh is unavailable.
Do I need to brown the sausage before adding it to the crock pot?
The instructions do not require browning, but you can brown the sliced sausage in a pan first for extra texture and flavor.
How many servings does this recipe make?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, the ingredient volume typically serves 4 to 6 people.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 7.5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this soup?
There are 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you should check the labels on your beef broth and sausage to be certain.
Can I add other pizza toppings?
Absolutely! You can customize the soup by adding pepperoni, black olives, or even cooked bacon.
Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Yes, you can simmer the ingredients in a large pot over medium-low heat for about 45 to 60 minutes.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftover soup should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can this soup be frozen?
Yes, the soup base freezes well. It is recommended to freeze it without the cheese topping for up to 3 months.
Is this soup spicy?
The soup is savory rather than spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.
What should I serve with this soup?
Garlic bread, breadsticks, or a simple green salad make excellent side dishes.
Does the cheese go inside the crock pot?
No, the cheese is added to individual bowls just before serving so it melts perfectly.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen sliced peppers or onions can be used if fresh ones are not available.
What makes it 'Italian-style' tomatoes?
Italian-style tomatoes are usually canned with seasonings like basil, oregano, and garlic already included.
Is there a lot of sodium in this recipe?
The sodium content depends on the specific broth and sausage used; look for low-sodium broth to reduce the total.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as your crock pot is large enough, you can easily double the ingredients.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Ground Italian sausage or even shredded chicken can be used as alternatives to smoked link sausage.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
With 10g of carbs, it fits many low-carb diets, though you should check the sugar content of the canned tomatoes.
Can I cook this on high in the crock pot?
Yes, you can cook it on high for about 3 to 4 hours if you are short on time.