Sheet Pan Soup

This Sheet Pan Soup is a delightful mix of roasted vegetables that come together effortlessly for a perfect weeknight meal. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or looking for a cozy dinner, this soup will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. The combination of flavors from roasted red peppers, carrots, and tomatoes creates a rich and comforting dish that’s ideal for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Simply roast the vegetables on one sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze.
• Rich Flavor: The roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of the veggies, creating a deeply flavored soup.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or herbs based on what’s in season or available.
• Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and low in calories, it’s a guilt-free choice.
• Perfect Pairing: Serve with grilled cheese croutons for a deliciously satisfying meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Sheet Pan Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large sheet pan
• Blender
• Small saucepan
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large sheet pan: This allows you to roast all your veggies at once, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor.
• Blender: A high-speed blender will help achieve that smooth, creamy texture for your soup without hassle.
• Small saucepan: Ideal for heating up broth quickly before blending it into your soup.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for prepping your ingredients accurately and safely.

Ingredients

This roasted red pepper, carrot, and tomato sheet pan soup is the perfect easy, hands-off dinner!

Vegetables

• 1 head of garlic
• 3 red bell peppers, halved and deseeded
• 10 oz carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces (~5 large carrots)
• 1/2 of a small head of cauliflower, roughly chopped
• 3 small tomatoes, quartered
• 1 small yellow onion, cut into wedges

Seasoning and Oils

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin

Broth and Acidity

• 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Juice from 1 lemon (~2 tbsp)

Accompaniments

• 2 slices of bread (we used sourdough)
• 2-3 slices cheddar or American cheese
• 1-2 tablespoons butter

How to Make Sheet Pan Soup

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400˚F. This temperature is perfect for roasting the vegetables until they are tender and flavorful.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic

Slice off the top of the head of garlic to expose the cloves. You will only use half of these cloves in this recipe but roast the whole head. Save the remaining cloves for another dish!

Step 3: Roast the Vegetables

Place the bell pepper (skin side up), carrots, cauliflower, tomatoes, garlic, and onion on a large sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with salt, smoked paprika, cayenne, and cumin. Roast for 40-45 minutes until all vegetables are fork-tender.

Step 4: Heat the Broth

About 10 minutes before the vegetables finish roasting, heat the broth in a small saucepan over medium heat or microwave until hot.

Step 5: Blend Everything Together

Once roasted veggies are done, transfer them to a blender. Squeeze out garlic cloves from half of the head you roasted. Add hot broth and lemon juice to the blender. Blend until smooth. Taste and add remaining salt if needed based on your broth’s saltiness.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Serve your delicious soup hot with grilled cheese sandwiches or grilled cheese croutons.

Step 7: Make Grilled Cheese Croutons

In a pan over medium-low heat, add butter. Toast bread until golden brown on one side. Flip one piece over; add cheese slices on top of this side. Place another slice on top (cooked side down). Cover with a lid. Cook until both sides are crispy and cheese is melted. Remove from heat and slice into cubes to serve as croutons!

How to Serve Sheet Pan Soup

Serving Sheet Pan Soup is an enjoyable experience that can be customized to suit your taste. With its rich flavors and smooth texture, you can pair it with a variety of sides and toppings.

Grilled Cheese Croutons

• These delicious croutons are made by toasting buttered bread and melting cheese in between. They add a crispy texture and savory flavor to your soup.

Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top of the soup for a burst of color and freshness.

Crusty Bread

• A slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping. It complements the warm soup and adds a satisfying crunch.

Lemon Wedge

• Serve with a lemon wedge on the side. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice enhances the soup’s flavor and brightness.

Avocado Slices

• Adding avocado slices provides creaminess and healthy fats, making your meal more filling and nutritious.

Olive Oil Drizzle

• A drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving adds richness and depth to the flavor profile.

How to Perfect Sheet Pan Soup

To achieve the best results with your Sheet Pan Soup, consider these handy tips that will enhance your cooking process.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables lead to better flavor. Choose vibrant red bell peppers and ripe tomatoes for the best taste.

• Don’t Skip Roasting: Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness. Ensure all veggies are fork-tender for optimal blending.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup after blending. Adjust salt or spices according to your preference, especially based on the broth used.

• Blend Until Smooth: For a velvety texture, blend until completely smooth. This will ensure every spoonful is creamy without any chunks.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices like thyme or oregano to personalize your flavor profile.

• Store Leftovers Correctly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Best Side Dishes for Sheet Pan Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Sheet Pan Soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some tasty options that complement its flavors well.

1. Garlic Bread
   The rich garlic flavor pairs perfectly with the soup, providing a crunchy contrast.

2. Simple Salad
   A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette offers a fresh balance to the hearty soup.

3. Stuffed Peppers
   These can be filled with rice, beans, or quinoa for added protein and nutrients alongside your soup.

4. Roasted Vegetables
   Extra roasted veggies like zucchini or asparagus not only match the theme but also enhance nutrition.

5. Cheesy Quesadillas
   Quick to prepare, these add cheesy goodness that melds beautifully with the warm soup.

6. Potato Wedges
   Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide a crispy side that complements the soft texture of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making sheet pan soup can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to keep in mind to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the Roasting Time: Not roasting the vegetables long enough can lead to a bland soup. Make sure to roast for the full 40-45 minutes to enhance flavors.
• Ignoring the Broth Temperature: Adding cold broth can shock the blended soup, affecting texture. Heat your broth before blending for a smoother consistency.
• Overlooking Seasoning Adjustments: The saltiness of broth can vary. Always taste before adding additional salt to avoid over-seasoning.
• Not Saving Extra Garlic Cloves: If you don’t save the remaining roasted garlic, you miss out on flavor opportunities for other dishes. Use them in pasta or spreads!
• Choosing Low-Quality Ingredients: Using subpar vegetables can result in a less flavorful soup. Select fresh, vibrant produce for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Will last up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Sheet Pan Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Best used within 3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Sheet Pan Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Simmer over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making sheet pan soup.

What is Sheet Pan Soup?

Sheet pan soup is a simple, hands-off dish made by roasting vegetables on a sheet pan and blending them into a creamy soup.

Can I customize my Sheet Pan Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preferences or what’s in season.

How can I make my Sheet Pan Soup thicker?

To thicken your soup, consider adding cooked rice or legumes before blending. This will give it more body.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit any dairy-based toppings like cheese.

Final Thoughts

This roasted red pepper, carrot, and tomato sheet pan soup is not only simple but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different vegetables or spices according to your taste. We encourage you to try this delightful recipe; it’s perfect for any weeknight dinner!