Sheet Pan Soup

This Sheet Pan Soup is a delightful and simple dish, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. With its vibrant flavors from roasted vegetables, this hands-off recipe brings together roasted red peppers, carrots, and tomatoes to create a rich and satisfying soup. Enjoy it as a hearty main course or a comforting starter, making it suitable for various occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Simply chop the veggies, toss them on a sheet pan, and let the oven do the work.
• Flavorful Fusion: The roasting process intensifies the sweetness of the vegetables, creating a deliciously rich soup.
• Versatile Pairing Options: Serve with grilled cheese or croutons for added texture and comfort.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables, this soup is both wholesome and satisfying.
• Minimal Cleanup: One pan means less mess and more time to enjoy your meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Sheet Pan Soup, gather your kitchen essentials. Having the right tools will ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large sheet pan
• Blender
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Small saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Large sheet pan: Provides ample space for roasting all the vegetables evenly without overcrowding.
• Blender: Essential for achieving that perfectly smooth soup texture after roasting.
• Knife: A good sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy.
• Cutting board: Keeps your workspace organized while prepping ingredients.

Ingredients

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

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 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

Seasonings & Broth

• 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 step is crucial for roasting the vegetables evenly.

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 whole head. Save any 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. 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, heat the broth in a small saucepan over medium heat or microwave until hot.

Step 5: Blend It All Together

Once roasted, add all vegetables to a blender. Squeeze out garlic cloves from half of the head you roasted. Discard unused cloves. Pour in hot broth and lemon juice; blend until smooth. Taste and adjust salt if necessary based on your broth’s saltiness.

Step 6: Serve Hot

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

Step 7: Make Grilled Cheese Croutons

To make croutons, melt butter in a pan over medium-low heat. Toast bread until golden brown on one side. Flip one piece over; add cheese slices to that side. Cover with another slice (cooked side down) on top of cheese. Cook until both sides are crispy and cheese melts completely. 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 fit your tastes. This hearty dish pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and textures.

With Grilled Cheese Croutons

• Add a crispy twist to your soup with grilled cheese croutons. Simply prepare grilled cheese and cut it into cubes for a crunchy topping.

With Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top of the soup just before serving. This adds a burst of freshness and color.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve the soup alongside slices of crusty bread for dipping. It complements the rich flavors and makes each bite satisfying.

With a Side Salad

• A light side salad with greens, tomatoes, and vinaigrette balances the warmth of the soup while adding a refreshing crunch.

With Lemon Wedges

• Offer lemon wedges on the side for those who enjoy an extra zesty kick. A squeeze of lemon can elevate the flavor profile significantly.

How to Perfect Sheet Pan Soup

To ensure your sheet pan soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables provide the best flavor and texture. Avoid using wilted or overly ripe produce.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your soup before serving; you may want to add more salt or spices depending on your broth’s flavor.
• Blend thoroughly: For a smooth consistency, blend until all ingredients are well combined and creamy.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels by adding more cayenne or trying different herbs to customize the flavor.
• Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave.
• Make it ahead: Prepare your roasted vegetables in advance and store them separately. Combine with broth when ready to serve for quick meal prep.

Best Side Dishes for Sheet Pan Soup

Pairing side dishes with sheet pan soup enhances its appeal while providing variety to your meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread
   Perfect for dipping, garlic bread’s buttery flavors complement the warm soup beautifully.

2. Caesar Salad
   A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and richness, balancing the smoothness of the soup.

3. Roasted Vegetables
   Enjoy additional roasted veggies seasoned simply with olive oil and herbs for extra nutrition and flavor.

4. Cheesy Biscuits
   Fluffy, cheesy biscuits are perfect for sopping up every last drop of delicious soup.

5. Stuffed Bell Peppers
   Stuffed bell peppers filled with rice, beans, or quinoa make a satisfying pairing alongside your main dish.

6. Potato Wedges
   Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs bring extra texture and heartiness to your meal.

7. Cornbread Muffins
   Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful contrast to savory flavors and are great for dipping as well.

8. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad adds freshness at the end of your meal, offering a sweet note after the savory soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a delicious Sheet Pan Soup is easy, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the Garlic Roasting: Not roasting the garlic can lead to a less flavorful soup. Always roast the garlic for a sweeter, richer taste.
• Overcrowding the Pan: If you cram too many vegetables on the sheet pan, they will steam instead of roast. Ensure there’s enough space for even cooking.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Failing to preheat your oven can result in uneven cooking. Make sure your oven is at 400˚F before placing the pan inside.
• Ignoring Vegetable Sizes: Cutting vegetables into different sizes affects cooking times. Chop them uniformly to ensure even tenderness.
• Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: Each broth has a different salt level. Always taste and adjust seasoning after blending for optimal flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Sheet Pan Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Sheet Pan Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350˚F and heat in a covered dish for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sheet Pan Soup?

Sheet Pan Soup is a convenient and flavorful way to prepare soup by roasting vegetables on a sheet pan before blending them into a creamy base.

Can I customize my Sheet Pan Soup?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables or spices based on your preference. Consider adding zucchini, sweet potatoes, or herbs like thyme.

How long does it take to make Sheet Pan Soup?

The total time is approximately 55 minutes, with about 10 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of cooking.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes! This Sheet Pan Soup includes plenty of vegetables and can be tailored to be low in calories while being rich in nutrients.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Definitely! Vegetable broth works perfectly fine and keeps this dish vegetarian-friendly while still bringing great flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Sheet Pan Soup combines simplicity with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have at home. Try it out and enjoy a warm bowl today!