Sheet Pan Soup

This Sheet Pan Soup is a delicious and simple way to create a comforting meal with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this roasted red pepper, carrot, and tomato soup promises rich flavors and satisfying textures. The hands-off approach makes it an ideal choice for family dinners or meal prep. Plus, the vibrant colors of the vegetables make it visually appealing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Just chop the vegetables, toss them on a sheet pan, and let the oven do the work.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of roasted garlic, sweet bell peppers, and aromatic spices creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile: Serve it as is or pair it with grilled cheese for a classic comfort food experience.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Blender
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides ample space for roasting vegetables evenly, enhancing their flavor.
• Blender: Ensures a smooth texture that blends all those delicious flavors into one creamy soup.

Ingredients

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

For the Soup

• 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
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Juice from 1 lemon (~2 tbsp)

For Grilled Cheese Croutons

• 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 will help roast the vegetables to perfection.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic

Slice off the top of the head of garlic to expose the cloves. You’ll only use half in this recipe but roast the entire head so you can save extra cloves for another dish.

Step 3: Arrange Your Vegetables

Place the bell peppers (skin side up), carrots, cauliflower, tomatoes, garlic, and onion on a large baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and cumin.

Step 4: Roast Until Tender

Roast in your preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes until all vegetables are fork-tender.

Step 5: Heat Your Broth

About 10 minutes before your vegetables finish roasting, add your chicken or vegetable broth to a small pan over medium heat or microwave until hot.

Step 6: Blend It All Together

Once your veggies are done roasting, combine them in a blender with half of the roasted garlic cloves (save the other half). Add in the hot broth and lemon juice. Blend until you reach a smooth consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with remaining salt if needed.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Enjoy your soup hot! Pair it with grilled cheese or turn it into croutons by following these steps.

Step 8: Make Grilled Cheese Croutons

To prepare grilled cheese croutons:
1. Heat butter in a pan over medium-low heat.
2. Toast bread until golden brown on one side.
3. Flip one slice over; add cheese slices on top.
4. Place the other slice on top (cooked side down), cover with a lid.
5. Cook until both sides are crispy and cheese melts completely.
6. Remove from heat and cut into small cubes for topping your soup!

How to Serve Sheet Pan Soup

Serving Sheet Pan Soup is a delightful experience that can be customized to suit your taste. This versatile dish pairs well with various sides and toppings, allowing you to enjoy it in different ways.

Classic Grilled Cheese

• A warm, gooey grilled cheese sandwich complements the soup perfectly. Use your favorite bread and cheese for a comforting classic.

Croutons

• Transform leftover grilled cheese into croutons by cutting them into cubes. They add a delicious crunch to each bowl of soup.

Fresh Herbs

• Garnish your soup with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. They enhance the flavor and add a pop of color to your dish.

Avocado Slices

• Creamy avocado slices provide a rich texture that balances the soup’s flavors. Consider adding a squeeze of lime for extra zest.

Sour Cream or Yogurt

• A dollop of sour cream or yogurt adds creaminess and tang. It’s an excellent way to elevate your soup experience.

Lemon Zest

• A sprinkle of lemon zest brightens the flavors of the soup. It adds freshness that contrasts beautifully with the roasted vegetables.

How to Perfect Sheet Pan Soup

Perfecting Sheet Pan Soup involves attention to detail and a few helpful tips. By following these suggestions, you’ll create an even more flavorful and satisfying dish.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables will enhance the flavor and texture of your soup significantly.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt or spices as needed for optimal flavor.
• Blend until smooth: Ensure you blend the roasted vegetables thoroughly for a velvety consistency.
• Experiment with broth: Try different types of chicken or vegetable broth to find your preferred flavor profile.
• Add protein: For an extra heartiness, consider adding shredded chicken, beef, or turkey before serving.
• Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove when ready to enjoy again.

Best Side Dishes for Sheet Pan Soup

Pairing side dishes with Sheet Pan Soup can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement this delicious soup.

1. Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread from your oven adds a savory touch that pairs beautifully with the soup.
2. Salad – A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette offers freshness and crunch alongside the hearty soup.
3. Quinoa Salad – A protein-packed quinoa salad can serve as a filling side dish, providing additional nutrients.
4. Roasted Vegetables – Extra roasted veggies can echo the flavors in your soup and make for a vibrant plate.
5. Stuffed Peppers – Stuffed peppers filled with rice and veggies create a deliciously cohesive meal alongside the soup.
6. Pita Chips – Crunchy pita chips provide a fun texture contrast; consider dipping them right into your bowl!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Sheet Pan Soup is fun and easy, but some common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping the Preheating: Not preheating your oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat before roasting your vegetables for the best texture.
• Overcrowding the Pan: If you pile too many veggies on the sheet pan, they will steam instead of roast. Give each ingredient enough space to caramelize properly.
• Not Seasoning Properly: Failing to season adequately can result in bland soup. Use the recommended spices and taste before serving to adjust seasoning as needed.
• Ignoring the Blending Step: Skipping blending will leave your soup chunky instead of smooth. Blend thoroughly for a creamy texture that enhances flavor.
• Using Cold Broth: Adding cold broth to hot vegetables can cool down the mixture. Heat your broth first to maintain the desired temperature of the soup.
• Forgetting About Leftovers: Leaving soup out at room temperature too long can lead to spoilage. Store leftover soup promptly for future meals.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it tightly.

Freezing Sheet Pan Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion.

Reheating Sheet Pan Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour soup into an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, reheating until warmed through (about 20-25 minutes).
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through (about 5-10 minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Sheet Pan Soup:

Can I customize my Sheet Pan Soup?

Yes! You can add different vegetables like zucchini or sweet potatoes based on what you have on hand.

How do I make a vegetarian version of Sheet Pan Soup?

Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and feel free to include more vegetable varieties.

What are good side dishes for Sheet Pan Soup?

Grilled cheese is a classic pairing, but you can also serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

How do I store leftover Sheet Pan Soup?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This roasted red pepper, carrot, and tomato Sheet Pan Soup offers a simple yet delicious dinner option. Its versatility makes it easy to customize based on seasonal veggies or personal preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and ingredients; you’ll find new favorites every time!