Why You’ll Love This roasted red pepper soup
- Ease of preparation: This roasted red pepper soup recipe is straightforward and quick to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and easy cooking steps. With just roasting, sautéing, and blending, you can have a flavorful soup ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Health benefits: Rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber from fresh roasted red peppers and vegetables, this soup supports immune health and digestion. It’s naturally low in calories and fat, making it a nutritious and light option suitable for wellness-conscious eating.
- Versatility: The roasted red pepper soup adapts easily to various dietary needs, whether vegan, gluten-free, or low-calorie. Substitutions like plant-based milk or alternative herbs enhance the soup while accommodating preferences without compromising taste or texture.
- Distinctive flavor: The smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers combined with fresh herbs like basil and thyme creates a rich, bold flavor profile that sets this soup apart from ordinary vegetable soups. The subtle heat from optional red pepper flakes adds depth and warmth, offering a comforting taste experience.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This roasted red pepper soup
- 2. Essential Ingredients for roasted red pepper soup
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect roasted red pepper soup: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your roasted red pepper soup
- 5. Mastering roasted red pepper soup: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store roasted red pepper soup: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About roasted red pepper soup
- 8. roasted red pepper soup
Essential Ingredients for roasted red pepper soup
- 6 red bell or pointed peppers (about 750g) – provide the base flavor and natural sweetness
- 1 large yellow onion, diced – adds savory depth and texture
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled and whole – enhances aroma and complexity
- 5 jarred sun-dried tomatoes – contribute richness and umami
- 2.5 cups (600 ml) vegetable stock – creates smooth, rich soup consistency
- Olive oil – used for roasting and sautéing, adds healthy fats
- Salt and pepper – to season
- About 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice – brightens and balances flavors
- Optional: creme fraiche – for creamy topping
- Optional: homemade or store-bought basil pesto – for garnish
Special Dietary Options:
- Vegan: Use vegetable stock and replace any dairy cream with unsweetened plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
- Gluten-free: Confirm all stock and seasonings are gluten-free; this soup is naturally gluten-free.
- Low-calorie: Limit olive oil amount and omit cream toppings or substitute with low-fat versions.
How to Prepare the Perfect roasted red pepper soup: Step-by-Step Guide
First Step: Prepare and roast peppers
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roughly chop the red peppers and place them on a large baking tray along with peeled whole garlic cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for about 40 minutes until slightly charred. To ease peeling, halve the peppers and place them in a sealed plastic bag right after roasting to let skins loosen.
Second Step: Sauté aromatics
While roasting, finely chop the onion (and carrots if using). Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the vegetables until soft and translucent, roughly 5-6 minutes. Add garlic, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes if using, cooking an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Third Step: Combine and simmer
Add the peeled roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and vegetable stock to the pot. Stir in fresh basil and thyme if available, plus optional crushed tomatoes or white wine/apple cider vinegar for an extra tang. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
Fourth Step: Blend the soup
Turn off heat and blend the soup using an immersion blender or transfer carefully to a stand blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Return the soup to the pot.
Final Step: Finish and serve
Stir in cream, milk, or plant-based milk if desired, warming gently over medium-low heat without boiling to prevent curdling. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve hot, topped with a drizzle of creme fraiche and a spoonful of basil pesto if using. Pair with crusty bread or toasted sandwiches for a complete meal.
Tip: Roasting the peppers with garlic and optionally fresh tomatoes enhances sweetness and smoky flavor key to this soup’s distinctive taste.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your roasted red pepper soup
Protein and Main Component Alternatives
- Add chickpeas or white beans for extra plant protein and texture.
- For non-vegan versions, stir in shredded chicken or a splash of cream for richness.
Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications
- Replace roasted red peppers with fire-roasted tomatoes for a different flavor base.
- Use coconut milk instead of dairy cream for a creamy, dairy-free soup.
- Spice up with smoked paprika, cumin, or chili flakes to create new aromatic profiles.
Mastering roasted red pepper soup: Advanced Tips and Variations
- Pro cooking techniques: Roast peppers over an open flame or grill for authentic smoky aroma and flavor. Peel carefully to avoid bitterness from charred skin.
- Flavor variations: Experiment with addition of fresh herbs like basil or thyme, or a touch of heat using crushed red pepper. Incorporate roasted tomatoes or caramelized onions for depth.
- Presentation tips: Serve in warmed bowls with swirls of herb-infused olive oil or a dollop of vegan cream. Garnish with microgreens or fresh basil leaves for elegant appearance.
- Make-ahead options: Prepare the soup a day ahead and refrigerate or freeze in portions. Reheat gently to maintain freshness ideal for busy schedules.
How to Store roasted red pepper soup: Best Practices
Storage Method | Guidelines | Duration |
---|---|---|
Refrigeration | Keep soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain flavor and freshness. | Up to 3 days |
Freezing | Freeze soup in portioned, freezer-safe containers or bags for convenient meals. | Up to 3 months |
Reheating | Warm soup gently on low heat, stirring occasionally to preserve creamy texture. | As needed |
Meal prep considerations | Make large batches and freeze single servings to enjoy quick, nutritious meals later. | Varies |

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About roasted red pepper soup
Do I need to peel the skin off roasted red peppers for this soup?
Peeling the skin off roasted red peppers is optional. If you roast the peppers until they are very soft, the skin blends smoothly into the soup. However, if you prefer a smoother texture without any skins, peel them by placing the hot roasted peppers in a sealed bag for 5-10 minutes; this loosens the skin, making it easier to remove. Cutting the peppers in half before roasting also helps with peeling.
Can I use fresh red peppers instead of jarred roasted peppers for this soup?
Yes, fresh red peppers can be roasted at home to substitute jarred peppers. Roast them whole or halved with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper at 450°F (230°C) for 20-30 minutes until the skins are charred. Then, peel the skins if desired. This method gives a fresher flavor but requires extra time compared to using jarred roasted peppers.
Is this roasted red pepper soup suitable for a vegan or dairy-free diet?
Absolutely. You can make the soup vegan or dairy-free by replacing dairy milk or cream with unsweetened plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or coconut milk. These alternatives provide creaminess without changing the soup’s flavor significantly.
How long can I store roasted red pepper soup, and can it be frozen?
You can store roasted red pepper soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. It also freezes well; if you plan to freeze it, feel free to add cream or plant-based milk before freezing. Thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.
Can I prepare ingredients for roasted red pepper soup ahead of time to save cooking time?
Yes, you can dice onions, carrots, and other vegetables up to five days in advance and keep them sealed in the refrigerator. Pre-roasting or peeling the peppers ahead of time also saves steps on cooking day, making your meal prep faster and easier.

roasted red pepper soup
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
🌶️ Roasted Red Pepper Soup is a vibrant, nutrient-rich dish bursting with natural sweetness and depth from roasted peppers and sun-dried tomatoes.
🍲 This comforting and creamy soup is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a flavorful meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
6 red bell or pointed peppers
1 large yellow onion, diced
4 garlic cloves
5 jarred sun-dried tomatoes
2.5 cups vegetable stock
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
creme fraiche
basil pesto
Instructions
1-First Step: Prepare and roast peppers. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roughly chop the red peppers and place them on a large baking tray along with peeled whole garlic cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for about 40 minutes until slightly charred. To ease peeling, halve the peppers and place them in a sealed plastic bag right after roasting to let skins loosen.
2-Second Step: Sauté aromatics. While roasting, finely chop the onion (and carrots if using). Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the vegetables until soft and translucent, roughly 5-6 minutes. Add garlic, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes if using, cooking an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3-Third Step: Combine and simmer. Add the peeled roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and vegetable stock to the pot. Stir in fresh basil and thyme if available, plus optional crushed tomatoes or white wine/apple cider vinegar for an extra tang. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
4-Fourth Step: Blend the soup. Turn off heat and blend the soup using an immersion blender or transfer carefully to a stand blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Return the soup to the pot.
5-Final Step: Finish and serve. Stir in cream, milk, or plant-based milk if desired, warming gently over medium-low heat without boiling to prevent curdling. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve hot, topped with a drizzle of creme fraiche and a spoonful of basil pesto if using. Pair with crusty bread or toasted sandwiches for a complete meal.
Notes
🔥 Use a large baking tray to avoid overcrowding peppers for better roasting.
🌿 Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick tailored to your taste.
🥄 Reheat gently to prevent dairy from curdling when adding cream or plant-based milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Roasting and simmering time: 50 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting and blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 107 kcal
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
Keywords: roasted red pepper soup, creamy pepper soup, quick vegetable soup, Mediterranean soup
I made this soup last night for my family, and it was a huge hit! 🤩 The smoky flavor from the roasted peppers is just incredible. I added a dash of smoked paprika and a splash of cream at the end, and it turned out perfect. Can’t wait to make it again!
★★★★★