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If you’re searching for a meal that’s both cozy and comforting, look no further than this Sheet Pan Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons.
This dish is packed with flavor and incredibly easy to prepare.
It’s perfect for a chilly evening or when you need something warm and satisfying with minimal effort.
With a delightful mix of roasted vegetables and crispy grilled cheese croutons, this meal is a comforting hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 head of garlic
- 3 red bell peppers, halved and deseeded
- 10 oz carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ of a small head of cauliflower, roughly chopped
- 3 small tomatoes, quartered
- 1 small yellow onion, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp cumin
- 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Juice from 1 lemon
For the Topping:
- Grilled cheese croutons
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400˚F.
This high temperature is key to achieving the caramelized flavors that will make your soup so delicious.
While the oven heats up, prepare the vegetables. Slice off the top of the head of garlic to expose the cloves.
This will make it easier to roast.
Step 2: Arrange and Season
On a large sheet pan, place the red bell peppers (skin side up), carrots, cauliflower, tomatoes, garlic, and onion.
Drizzle everything with olive oil, ensuring each piece is lightly coated.
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and cumin over the vegetables.
These seasonings will bring out the rich, roasted flavors.
Step 3: Roast the Vegetables
Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes.
You want them to be fork-tender and beautifully caramelized.
This roasting time allows the natural sugars in the vegetables to concentrate, resulting in a sweet and savory base for your soup.
About 10 minutes before the vegetables are done, heat the chicken or vegetable broth in a separate pot.
This step ensures the broth is ready to blend with the roasted vegetables.
Step 4: Blend to Perfection
Once the vegetables are roasted, remove them from the oven.
Let them cool slightly before transferring them to a blender.
Add the roasted vegetables to the blender along with half of the roasted garlic cloves.
Pour in the heated broth and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
The blending process will create a velvety texture that’s perfect for a comforting soup.
Step 5: Final Touches
After blending, stir in the juice from one lemon to add a bright, zesty note to your soup.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with the remaining kosher salt, if necessary.
Serve your soup hot, garnished with grilled cheese croutons for an added touch of crunch and indulgence.
These croutons, with their gooey cheese and crispy bread, are the perfect complement to the rich, velvety soup.
The Ultimate Comfort Food
This Sheet Pan Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons is more than just a meal; it’s an experience.
The roasted vegetables provide a deep, caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy soup base.
The grilled cheese croutons add a delightful texture and extra flavor, making each spoonful a delightful blend of comfort and satisfaction.
Whether you’re cooking for family or enjoying a cozy night in, this soup is sure to be a hit.
It’s simple to prepare, yet full of complex flavors that will warm you from the inside out.
Plus, the use of a sheet pan makes cleanup a breeze, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pots and pans.
Why This Recipe Works
One of the reasons this recipe is so fantastic is its simplicity.
By using a single sheet pan to roast all the vegetables, you save time and reduce cleanup.
The high oven temperature ensures that the vegetables become wonderfully caramelized, which adds depth and richness to the soup.
The blending process transforms these roasted veggies into a smooth and creamy concoction that’s incredibly satisfying.
The addition of grilled cheese croutons is a stroke of genius.
They not only enhance the flavor of the soup but also provide a satisfying crunch.
The gooey, melted cheese paired with crispy bread creates a delicious contrast to the smooth soup, making each bite a true pleasure.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
To make your meal even more delightful, consider pairing the soup with a simple side salad or some crusty bread.
A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the soup, while a slice of fresh, crusty bread is perfect for dipping.
This soup also makes excellent leftovers.
The flavors often deepen and improve after a day in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep.
Just be sure to store the soup and croutons separately to keep the croutons crispy until you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion
The Sheet Pan Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons is a meal that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat.
It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients and minimal effort can create a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.
So the next time you’re in need of a cozy, flavorful meal, give this recipe a try.
You might just find that it becomes a new favorite in your household!