If you are craving a comforting, silky soup that bursts with smoky, sweet flavor, look no further than this Roasted Red Pepper and Gouda Soup Recipe. It’s a heartwarming bowl of goodness where the natural sweetness of slow-roasted red peppers melds beautifully with creamy, melting gouda cheese. This soup is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a treat for the eyes with its vibrant color. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you want a delicious meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating the magic in this soup. Each component is simple yet works harmoniously to deliver depth of flavor, richness in texture, and that irresistible warmth that makes this recipe stand out.
- 3 red bell peppers, seeded and roughly chopped: Roasting these brings out their sweet and smoky character, the star of the soup.
- 1 yellow onion, peeled and roughly chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when roasted alongside the peppers.
- 1 large carrot, scrubbed and roughly chopped: Provides natural sweetness and a lovely orange color.
- 1 bulb garlic, top trimmed off: Roasted whole to impart mellow, buttery garlic flavor without overpowering the soup.
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil: Helps roast the vegetables perfectly and adds a smooth mouthfeel.
- 2 teaspoons herbes de provence: Introduces delicate herbal notes reminiscent of sun-soaked Mediterranean gardens.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Intensifies the smokiness complementing the roasted peppers beautifully.
- 2 cups broth: The base that ties it all together, infusing the soup with savory richness.
- 4 ounces gouda cheese, shredded and at room temperature: Use a young gouda for the best melt and creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice: Adds a little tang to brighten all the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing the soup perfectly.
- Toppings such as additional shredded gouda and fresh herbs: For a final touch of indulgence and freshness.
How to Make Roasted Red Pepper and Gouda Soup Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Vegetables
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Arrange the red peppers, onion, carrot, and whole garlic bulb on a sheet pan. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with herbes de provence, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything so the flavors evenly coat the vegetables. Spread them out in a single layer to ensure each piece roasts beautifully. Pop the pan in the oven for about 30 to 40 minutes, letting the veggies soften and develop that slight char which carries so much depth.
Step 2: Prepare the Roasted Peppers
Once roasted, allow the peppers to cool enough to handle. The cooling makes peeling off the charred skins a breeze, leaving you with tender, smoky pepper flesh that’s ready to add amazing flavor. Discard the skins and place the peeled peppers, along with the roasted carrots and onions, into a large pot. Then carefully squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of the bulb and join them in the pot for a mellow garlic infusion.
Step 3: Heat and Blend
Pour in your broth and warm the mixture over medium heat for just a few minutes to loosen all those rich flavors. Using an immersion blender, gently puree the soup until silky smooth. This step transforms all those lovely roasted veggies into a luxurious base just waiting for the star ingredient.
Step 4: Melt in the Gouda
Gradually add your shredded young gouda cheese to the hot soup, stirring continuously until it fully melts and creates that creamy, velvety texture that sets this dish apart. The cheese adds a subtle nuttiness and richness that’s utterly irresistible.
Step 5: Add Brightness and Season
A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice is the secret weapon for balancing the sweet and smoky notes with a fresh, tangy lift. Finish off by adjusting salt and pepper to your personal taste, and your soup is ready to serve!
How to Serve Roasted Red Pepper and Gouda Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your presentation by sprinkling more shredded gouda cheese for an extra cheesy hit and adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a pop of color and aroma. These simple touches make every spoonful feel like a gourmet experience.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a crispy baguette or warm crusty bread to soak up every drop. For something heartier, a side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette brightens the meal and adds refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Roasted Red Pepper and Gouda Soup Recipe in rustic bowls to complement the vibrant color. For a cozy touch, drizzle a swirl of cream or a dash of smoked paprika on top. You might even serve it in mini bread bowls for a crowd-pleasing party starter, turning an everyday dinner into something extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the soup even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, making it a perfect prepared meal. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion. It can be frozen up to 3 months without losing its lovely texture or flavor.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and ensure the gouda melts back into creamy perfection. Avoid boiling to keep the texture smooth and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use aged gouda instead of young gouda?
Aged gouda is firmer and doesn’t melt as smoothly as young gouda. If you only have aged gouda, you can omit adding it to the soup and instead grate it on top when serving for a wonderful flavor boost without affecting the creamy texture.
What if I don’t have herbes de provence?
No worries! You can substitute with a mix of dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano to maintain that lovely herbal note.
Is it possible to make this soup vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely. Replace the gouda with a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well or blend in cashew cream for richness. Use vegetable broth to keep it vegan-friendly.
Can I roast the vegetables ahead of time?
Yes! Roasting the vegetables a day in advance can save time. Store them covered in the fridge and proceed with blending and cooking when ready to serve.
What type of broth works best?
Chicken broth adds extra depth, but vegetable broth works perfectly for a lighter, vegetarian version. Choose a low-sodium broth so you can control the seasoning.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Red Pepper and Gouda Soup Recipe is truly a gem to keep in your recipe repertoire. It’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, perfect for when you want to treat yourself or impress guests with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try it, this cozy, cheesy soup will become a go-to favorite that you’ll want to share again and again.
PrintRoasted Red Pepper and Gouda Soup Recipe
This Roasted Red Pepper and Gouda Soup is a creamy, flavorful blend of roasted vegetables and smooth gouda cheese. Perfectly roasted red bell peppers, carrots, onions, and garlic come together with herbs and smoked paprika for a comforting soup, finished with a touch of apple cider vinegar for brightness. Ideal as a warming meal on chilly days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 red bell peppers, seeded and roughly chopped
- 1 yellow onion, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 large carrot or 2 small, scrubbed and roughly chopped
- 1 bulb garlic, top trimmed off
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 2 teaspoons herbes de provence
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups broth (vegetable or chicken)
- 4 ounces gouda cheese, shredded, room temperature (young gouda, not aged)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- Additional shredded gouda
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a sheet pan. Combine the roughly chopped red bell peppers, yellow onion, carrots, and the whole garlic bulb on the pan. Drizzle with avocado or olive oil, sprinkle with herbes de provence, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together to coat evenly.
- Roast the Vegetables: Spread the vegetables evenly on the sheet pan. Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the red peppers have a slight char on their skins. This process brings a deep, smoky flavor to the soup.
- Peel Peppers and Prepare Soup Base: Let the roasted peppers cool just enough to handle. Peel off and discard the charred skins from the bell peppers. Place the peeled peppers, roasted carrots, onions, and squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves from the bulb into a pot.
- Add Broth and Heat: Pour in 2 cups of broth and warm over medium heat just until heated through — do not boil.
- Blend Smooth: Use an immersion blender to carefully puree the soup until smooth and creamy. This step ensures the roasted flavors meld perfectly with the broth.
- Melt Gouda: Stir in the shredded young gouda cheese until it melts completely, creating a luscious, velvety texture in your soup.
- Finish and Season: Add the apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded gouda and fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Use young gouda cheese aged less than 9 months for best melting results. Aged gouda will not melt well and should be served grated on top instead.
- You can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or chicken broth for a meatier flavor.
- If you prefer a thinner soup, add more broth when blending or heating.
- Omitting cheese will still yield a creamy soup thanks to the pureed roasted vegetables.
