California Pizza Kitchen Sedona White Corn Tortilla Soup

Name: California Pizza Kitchen Sedona White Corn Tortilla Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 3 tablespoon olive oil; 7 corn tortillas (cut into squares); 1 1/2 tablespoon garlic (minced); 2 tablespoon white onion (minced); 1 1/2 teaspoon jalapeno pepper (minced); 1 pound white corn kernels; 1 1/2 pounds tomatoes (chopped); 1/3 cup tomato paste; 2 1/2 teaspoons cumin; 1 tablespoon kosher salt; 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1 1/2 cup water; 1 quart chicken stock; 24 blue corn tortilla chips ( (optional garnish)); 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup cilantro (chopped)

By Stephanie Manley Published February 6, 2024

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A hearty, flavor-packed favorite from the vast menu of California Pizza Kitchen, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to replicate the Sedona tortilla soup at home.

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California Pizza Kitchen Sedona Tortilla Soup

If you think of soup as a boring appetizer or accompaniment to a “real” meal, California Pizza Kitchen wants you to think again. Among the popular chain’s tasty soups is Sedona White Corn Tortilla soup, sometimes just shortened to Sedona Tortilla.

It’s been part of CPK’s menu since the 1990s, giving it plenty of time to acquire a dedicated fan base. Now, there’s no need to spend the time or money on a trip to the restaurant, thanks to this incredible copycat recipe that anyone can make at home in less than half an hour.

What makes California Pizza Kitchen Sedona White Corn Tortilla Soup so good?

One taste of this white corn tortilla soup, and you’ll find yourself shocked at how much flavor can be integrated into a simple soup. It’s the result of robust flavor from onions, garlic, and jalapenos, combined with a Southwestern-inspired spice blend heavy on the cumin and chili powder.

And there are no worries about a thin broth here, as using a blender breaks down the ingredients to thicken the soup, while additional corn provides perfect texture.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Sure, you could always open a can of soup, but why settle for that when you can have freshly prepared Sedona Tortilla soup with only a few more minutes of work? In addition to its quick cooking time (just about 20 minutes in most cases), it keeps well for enjoying leftovers over the next few days. It’s also made from affordable, easy-to-find ingredients, perfect for thrifty home cooks who don’t want to sacrifice flavor.

Ingredients

This list of ingredients for this soup might seem long, but you may have many of them already sitting in your pantry or on your spice rack!

Olive Oil
Corn tortillas
Garlic
White onion
Jalapeno pepper
Frozen white corn kernels
Chicken stock
Water
Tomatoes
Tomato paste
Kosher salt
Chili powder
Ground cumin
Ground white pepper
Blue corn tortilla chips (optional, for garnish)
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for garnish)
Fresh Cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient notes and substitutions

While the recipe is most authentic with corn tortillas, it’s OK to substitute flour tortillas if that’s all you have on hand. However, keep in mind this will create a soup that’s no longer suitable for those with celiac disease or who are avoiding wheat.

It can also be made fully vegetarian by swapping in vegetable stock for the chicken stock.

Regular tortilla chips can also be subbed in for blue corn ones, while specific taco or Mexican cheese blends can add some additional flavor beyond the traditional cheddar cheese.

What is masa?

Masa (literally translated as “dough”) is a crucial ingredient in traditional Central American and Mexican food, which wouldn’t exist without it! It’s the basic building block of tortillas, tamales, and other delicious dishes. Masa is made from ground corn kernels that have been treated through a process known as nixtamalization, which cooks and soaks them in limewater. This alkaline solution imparts corn tortillas and tamales with their distinctively pleasing flavor.

Most home cooks use masa in the form of masa harina, a very soft corn flour made from dried masa. It’s then rehydrated before being used in a variety of dishes.

How to make California Pizza Kitchen Sedona White Corn Tortilla Soup

This delicious soup is filling, fast, and simple, without the need for any fancy cooking techniques. However, you will need a handheld immersion blender for the most consistent results, though a traditional blender can also work.

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven, then fry tortilla squares until golden yellow and crisp.
Add the onion and jalapeno, followed by the garlic. Cook until the onion turns translucent.
Add half the corn, along with the rest of the ingredients (except the chips, cheese, and cilantro.)
Bring the soup to a low boil for about five minutes, then remove from heat.
Use the blender to process the soup into a coarse puree.
Return the soup to the heat, and add the remaining corn.
Bring to a boil again, stirring constantly to avoid scorching.
Serve the soup in a bowl garnished with tortilla chips or tortilla strips, cheese, and chopped cilantro.

What to serve with this dish

California Pizza Kitchen Sedona White Corn Tortilla Soup is as versatile as it is tasty and goes well with a variety of pairings. It’s a hearty complement to a green salad for those looking for a lighter, healthier meal.

Meanwhile, it can also serve as a delicious starter for a Mexican feast, served before or alongside tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and others. Finally, tossing in a bit of precooked chicken, beef, or pork can make this soup filling enough to enjoy on its own.

How to store

This white corn tortilla soup is easy to store, making it an excellent choice for meal preppers and others who want to have a tasty meal on hand all week long. Just allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then package it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months.

What’s the best way to reheat California Pizza Kitchen Sedona Tortilla Soup?

If you’ve frozen your soup, first defrost it overnight in the fridge. Refrigerated white corn tortilla soup can be easily reheated in the microwave in 30-second to one-minute bursts, stirring to ensure the soup is evenly heated through. You can also heat it up on the stove on medium-low heat for larger batches, again stirring frequently.

About California Pizza Kitchen (CPK)

California Pizza Kitchen has become a casual dining institution in the nearly four decades since it opened its doors in Beverly Hills in 1985. To start, the chain focused on its namesake pizza, including unique varieties like its Original BBQ Chicken pizza or Thai Chicken pizza, cooked in an open kitchen.

Over time, the menu expanded to include the massive selection of diverse and delicious items it’s known for. Today, you can find more than 250 CPK locations in over 30 states and 11 countries.

If you’re interested in other CPK recipes, you can pick up a copy of The California Pizza Kitchen Cookbook. All of the proceeds from the cookbooks are donated to children’s charities across the country.

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