Sheet Pan Soup

This Sheet Pan Soup is a delightful blend of roasted veggies, making it the perfect easy, hands-off dinner for any occasion. With vibrant flavors from red peppers and tomatoes, this soup stands out not only for its taste but also for its simplicity. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With just one sheet pan needed, cleanup is a breeze!
• Rich Flavor: Roasting the vegetables enhances their natural sweetness, giving your soup a deep, satisfying taste.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand, making it adaptable to your pantry.
• Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients from fresh veggies, this soup is both nourishing and filling.
• Perfect Pairing: Enjoy it with grilled cheese or croutons for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delicious Sheet Pan Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will simplify your cooking experience and help you achieve the best results.

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, ensuring they cook perfectly.
• Blender: Helps create a smooth and creamy soup without any chunks.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
• Cutting board: Protects your countertop while providing a stable surface for cutting.

Ingredients

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

Ingredients:
– 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)
– 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 oven to 400˚F.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic

Slice off the top of the head of garlic, exposing the cloves. You’ll only use half of the cloves in this recipe but roast the whole head and save the remaining cloves for another dish!

Step 3: Roast the Vegetables

Place the bell peppers (skin side up), carrots, cauliflower, tomatoes, garlic, and onion on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and evenly sprinkle 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 are done roasting, heat the broth in a small pan over medium heat or in the microwave until hot.

Step 5: Blend It All Together

Once the vegetables are done roasting, add them immediately to a blender. Squeeze out half of the roasted garlic cloves into the blender. Save the other half for another recipe. Add in the hot broth and lemon juice; blend until smooth. Taste and add remaining salt if necessary.

Step 6: Serve Your Soup

Serve hot with grilled cheese sandwiches or grilled cheese croutons for added crunch.

Step 7: Make Grilled Cheese Croutons (Optional)

To make grilled cheese croutons, add butter to a pan over medium-low heat. Begin to toast bread until golden brown. Flip one piece over and add cheese slices on top of it. Place another slice of bread on top (cooked side down). Cover with a lid until both sides are crispy and cheese melts completely. Remove from heat and slice into small cubes.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Sheet Pan Soup!

How to Serve Sheet Pan Soup

This roasted red pepper, carrot, and tomato sheet pan soup is not just delicious; it’s also versatile when it comes to serving options. Here are some ways to enjoy your soup for a comforting meal.

With Grilled Cheese Croutons

• Add buttery grilled cheese croutons for a delightful crunch. Simply toast bread with cheese until golden brown and cut into cubes.

Accompanied by Fresh Herbs

• Garnish the soup with fresh herbs like basil or parsley to enhance its flavor. A sprinkle of herbs adds freshness and color.

Pair with a Side Salad

• Serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. This adds a light contrast to the hearty soup.

Enjoy with Whole Grain Bread

• Pair the soup with slices of whole grain bread for dipping. This adds texture and makes the meal more filling.

Topped with Avocado

• Add sliced or diced avocado on top of the soup for creaminess. The rich texture complements the flavors beautifully.

How to Perfect Sheet Pan Soup

To achieve the ultimate sheet pan soup experience, follow these handy tips that make a difference in taste and texture.

• Use fresh vegetables: Fresh ingredients elevate the flavor of your soup. Opt for seasonal produce when possible.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt or spices as needed. Each broth varies in saltiness, so this step is crucial.
• Blend thoroughly: Ensure all vegetables are well-blended for a smooth consistency. This enhances the overall mouthfeel.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other spices like thyme or oregano for additional depth. Customizing flavors can make it unique.
• Serve hot: For the best experience, serve immediately after blending while it’s still warm. Cold soup can lose its appeal.
• Storage tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Best Side Dishes for Sheet Pan Soup

Pairing side dishes with your sheet pan soup can elevate your meal further. Here are some great options:

1. Cheese Toasts: Crisp up cheesy bread under the broiler for a quick side that complements the soup beautifully.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Choose seasonal veggies like zucchini or asparagus, roast them lightly, and enjoy their natural sweetness alongside your soup.
3. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers and cherry tomatoes offers a light contrast to the warm soup.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers: These can be made ahead of time using rice and veggies, and they pair perfectly with tomato-based soups.
5. Baked Potatoes: Simple baked potatoes topped with sour cream or chives provide heartiness that pairs well with lighter soups.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful sweetness that balances out savory soups nicely.
7. Hummus and Veggies: A colorful platter of hummus served with raw veggies makes a healthy and crunchy addition.
8. Crispy Chickpeas: Roasted chickpeas seasoned with spices create an addictive, crunchy snack that works well as a side dish too.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Sheet Pan Soup, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcrowding the Pan: If you add too many vegetables at once, they may steam instead of roast. Ensure there’s enough space for even cooking.
• Ignoring Vegetable Size: Chopping vegetables into uneven sizes can lead to inconsistent cooking. Cut them into similar sizes for uniform tenderness.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Forgetting to season the vegetables before roasting can result in bland soup. Always sprinkle with salt and spices for flavor.
• Using Cold Broth: Adding cold broth to hot roasted vegetables can lower the temperature of your soup. Warm the broth beforehand for a smooth blend.
• Not Adjusting Consistency: If the soup is too thick after blending, you can add more broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing it in containers.

Freezing Sheet Pan Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Sheet Pan Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350˚F, place soup in a covered dish, and heat for 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing and enjoying Sheet Pan Soup.

Can I customize my Sheet Pan Soup?

Yes! Feel free to add other veggies like zucchini or sweet potatoes based on your preference.

How do I enhance the flavor of Sheet Pan Soup?

Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme after blending for an extra flavor boost.

What can I serve with Sheet Pan Soup?

Grilled cheese croutons are fantastic, but you can also pair it with a simple green salad or crusty bread.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well and is perfect for making ahead of time for quick meals throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Sheet Pan Soup is a delightful option that combines ease with flavor. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences. Try experimenting with different vegetables or spices to make it your own!