Sheet Pan Soup

This Sheet Pan Soup is a delightful blend of roasted red peppers, carrots, and tomatoes, making it an easy and hands-off dinner option. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this soup is not only flavorful but also versatile. You can enjoy it as a standalone dish or pair it with grilled cheese croutons for a heartier meal. The roasted vegetables bring out the natural sweetness and depth of flavor, making every spoonful comforting and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With minimal chopping and just one baking sheet to clean, you’ll love how simple this soup is to make.
• Rich Flavor: Roasting the vegetables enhances their natural sweetness, resulting in a flavorful base that shines through in every bowl.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a soup or blend it into a smooth puree; either way, it’s delicious!
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious vegetables and low in calories, this soup is a guilt-free treat that everyone will enjoy.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here are some must-haves for preparing this delicious Sheet Pan Soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large sheet pan
• Blender
• Medium saucepan
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large sheet pan: Ideal for roasting all the vegetables at once, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor.
• Blender: Crucial for achieving that smooth, creamy texture without any lumps in your soup.
• Medium saucepan: Used to heat the broth quickly, making sure your soup comes together effortlessly.

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 your oven to 400˚F. This temperature will help roast your vegetables perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic

Slice off the top of the head of garlic to expose the cloves. You’ll only use half of these cloves in the recipe; roast the whole head and save the remaining cloves for another delicious dish later!

Step 3: Arrange Vegetables on Sheet Pan

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

Step 4: Roast Vegetables

Roast everything in the oven for about 40–45 minutes until all vegetables are fork tender.

Step 5: Heat Broth

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

Step 6: Blend Ingredients

Once your vegetables are roasted, immediately transfer them to a blender. Squeeze out the garlic cloves from half of the roasted head. Add them along with the hot broth and lemon juice to the blender. Blend until smooth. Taste and add more salt if needed.

Step 7: Serve Your Soup

Serve hot with grilled cheese sandwiches or try making grilled cheese croutons for added crunch!

Step 8: Make Grilled Cheese Croutons (Optional)

To prepare grilled cheese croutons:
1. Heat butter in a pan over medium-low heat.
2. Toast bread until golden brown on both sides.
3. When flipping one piece over, add cheese slices to it.
4. Place another slice (cooked side down) on top of cheese.
5. Cover with a lid until both sides are crispy and cheese melts.
6. Remove from heat and slice into small cubes to garnish your soup.

Enjoy this comforting Sheet Pan Soup with your favorite sides!

How to Serve Sheet Pan Soup

Serving Sheet Pan Soup can elevate your dining experience. This versatile dish pairs beautifully with various accompaniments, making it perfect for any occasion.

With Grilled Cheese Croutons

• Add a crunch factor by topping your soup with grilled cheese croutons. Simply toast bread with cheese until crispy and golden.

Fresh Herbs

• Garnish your soup with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. This adds a pop of color and enhances flavor.

Drizzle of Olive Oil

• A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil can enrich the taste and provide a lovely sheen to the soup.

Lemon Zest

• For an extra zing, sprinkle some lemon zest over the top. It brightens up the flavors and adds freshness.

Crusty Bread

• Serve with slices of crusty bread on the side. It’s perfect for dipping and soaking up every bit of delicious soup.

Side Salad

• Pair your soup with a light side salad. A mix of greens with a simple vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.

How to Perfect Sheet Pan Soup

Perfecting your Sheet Pan Soup is all about technique and ingredient quality. Follow these tips for a delightful result each time.

• Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh produce will enhance the flavors and textures in your soup.
• Roast Until Tender: Make sure to roast the vegetables until they are fork-tender for optimal flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving; adjust salt and spices according to your preference.
• Blend Thoroughly: Blend until completely smooth to create a velvety texture that’s pleasing to the palate.
• Experiment with Broths: Try different types of broth (chicken or vegetable) for varied flavor profiles.
• Add Creaminess: For creamier soup, incorporate coconut milk or a dollop of plant-based yogurt after blending.

Best Side Dishes for Sheet Pan Soup

Pairing side dishes with Sheet Pan Soup can round out your meal nicely. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic choice; garlic bread adds a savory touch that complements the soup beautifully.

2. Caesar Salad
   The crispness of romaine lettuce paired with creamy dressing makes it a refreshing side option.

3. Stuffed Peppers
   These can be filled with grains, veggies, and spices, offering a hearty addition to your meal.

4. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers and tomatoes provides a healthy contrast to the rich soup.

5. Roasted Vegetables
   Extra roasted veggies on the side can enhance the overall experience while keeping things wholesome.

6. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses served alongside crackers adds variety and indulgence to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can improve your Sheet Pan Soup experience. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

• Overcooking vegetables: Cooking the vegetables for too long can make them mushy. Keep an eye on the time and check for fork tenderness.
• Not seasoning enough: Failing to season your soup properly can result in bland flavors. Taste as you go and adjust the salt and spices as needed.
• Skipping the blending step: Blending is crucial for a smooth texture. Don’t skip this step unless you prefer a chunky soup.
• Using cold broth: Adding cold broth can cool down the roasted veggies, affecting the final texture. Always use hot broth for better results.
• Forgetting about leftovers: Leaving soups out too long can lead to spoilage. Store any leftovers promptly in the refrigerator.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing the container.

Freezing Sheet Pan Soup

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

Reheating Sheet Pan Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot and heat over medium until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sheet Pan Soup?

Sheet Pan Soup is a convenient, one-pan dish made with roasted vegetables that are blended into a creamy soup.

Can I customize my Sheet Pan Soup?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables or spices according to your taste preferences.

How do I make my Sheet Pan Soup thicker?

To thicken your soup, blend in more vegetables or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water while reheating.

How long does it take to prepare Sheet Pan Soup?

The total time for preparation and cooking is about 55 minutes from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

This Sheet Pan Soup is not only easy to make but also deliciously versatile. You can customize it with various vegetables and spices based on what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for cozy dinners!