Chef Mitchell - Professional Chef
👨‍🍳 Professional Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary Institute Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"As a chef, I always seek ways to elevate classic comfort foods. This roasted red pepper gouda soup captures nostalgia while offering a modern twist. It’s a recipe inspired by my childhood memories of warm, hearty soups shared with family during the colder months."

With over a decade of culinary experience, I specialize in creating approachable yet gourmet recipes. My passion lies in making home cooking exciting and enjoyable for everyone, whether you're a novice or a seasoned cook.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
A bowl of creamy roasted red pepper gouda soup garnished with fresh basil and red pepper flakes.

Why This Soup is a Must-Try

This roasted red pepper gouda soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the roasted red peppers complements the creaminess of gouda, creating a luscious soup that warms the soul. The addition of smoked paprika and fresh basil elevates this dish, making it a standout on any menu.

Cooking this soup is straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of any skill level. With the option to use jarred roasted peppers, it’s not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor. Pair it with a crusty bread for a complete meal or serve it as a starter at your next gathering.

💡 Professional Tip

For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving. This will enhance the sweetness of the roasted peppers and balance the richness of the gouda.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! This soup can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more delicious.

If gouda isn't available, you can substitute with other creamy cheeses like fontina or even sharp cheddar. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will alter slightly, but it will still be tasty.

Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

You'll need a large pot for cooking, a blender or immersion blender for smoothing out the soup, and basic kitchen utensils like a chopping board and knife. A ladle is also handy for serving.

The soup is ready when it is heated through and the cheese is melted, creating a smooth texture. You'll know it's done when the flavors are well combined and it reaches a simmer.

This soup pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread for dipping. You can also serve it with a fresh salad or grilled cheese sandwich for a complete meal.

Certainly! You could add diced carrots, celery, or even spinach for added nutrition. Just sauté them along with the onions and garlic before adding the broth.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Soup Too Thick

Problem: If your soup ends up thicker than desired, it may be hard to ladle.

Solution: Simply stir in additional vegetable broth or cream until you reach the desired consistency. Heat gently after adding liquid for even distribution.

✅

Soup Lacks Flavor

Problem: Sometimes soups can turn out bland.

Solution: Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar. Fresh herbs can also enhance flavor significantly.

✅

Too Spicy

Problem: If the soup is spicier than expected from the red pepper flakes.

Prevention: Add a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream to mellow the heat. You can also add more broth to dilute the spiciness.

✅

Curdled Cream

Problem: Sometimes dairy can curdle if heated too quickly.

Recovery: To prevent this, always add cream at low heat and stir continuously. If it has curdled, blend the soup to smooth it out.

✅

Burnt Bottom

Problem: If your soup sticks to the bottom of the pot.

Prevention: Be sure to stir frequently and keep the heat to medium-low. If you notice any burnt bits, carefully scrape them out before blending.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: If the soup is too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

Too Salty: If the soup is too salty, adding more cream or potatoes can help absorb some of the saltiness.

Bland: For bland soup, enhance the flavor with fresh herbs, lemon juice, or additional spices.

Fresh ingredients for roasted red pepper gouda soup including red peppers, onions, garlic, and gouda cheese.

Quality Ingredients Matter

The quality of your ingredients directly affects the flavor of this soup. Fresh vegetables and high-quality cheese will elevate the dish significantly. Opt for organic peppers and freshly shredded gouda whenever possible for the best results.

Preparing your vegetables properly is key. Chop them uniformly to ensure even cooking, and always use fresh herbs for garnish to brighten the dish. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Roasted Red Peppers: If using jarred, ensure they’re packed in water or oil for maximum flavor. For homemade, roast until charred for a deeper taste.
  • Gouda Cheese: Choose a good quality gouda for the best melting properties. Smoked gouda adds an extra layer of flavor that’s delightful.
  • Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or coconut cream, but the texture will differ slightly.
A close-up of the creamy roasted red pepper gouda soup being blended to a smooth consistency.

Blending for Perfection

Blending the soup is crucial for achieving a smooth and creamy texture. Using an immersion blender is convenient and easy, allowing you to blend directly in the pot without transferring the hot soup.

If you prefer a chunkier texture, just blend half of the soup, leaving some bits for added texture. Always allow the soup to cool slightly before transferring to a traditional blender to prevent splatters.

Using an Immersion Blender

An immersion blender is a versatile kitchen tool that simplifies the blending process. It provides more control, allowing you to blend directly in the pot, reducing cleanup time.

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup

Prep 15 min
Cook 30 min
Serves 4 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Soup Base Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    Use high quality for best flavor
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
    About 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    Fresh garlic recommended
  • 1 teaspoon salt
    Adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    Freshly ground preferred
  • 2 cups roasted red peppers
    Use jarred or homemade for best flavor
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
    Low-sodium works best

Cheese and Seasoning Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy cream
    For rich creaminess
  • 8 ounces gouda cheese, shredded
    Use smoked gouda for extra flavor
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    Adds depth of flavor
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
    Enhances freshness
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
    For a bit of heat, optional

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Start by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the onion and mince the garlic, ensuring everything is ready for cooking.

  2. Sauté Aromatics

    In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

  3. Blend Roasted Peppers

    Add the roasted red peppers to the pot and stir to combine. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.

  4. Simmer the Soup

    Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

  5. Incorporate Cream

    Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, mixing well. Allow it to heat through for about 5 minutes.

  6. Add Gouda and Season

    Gradually add the shredded gouda cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.

  7. Blend for Smoothness

    For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a blender in batches.

  8. Serve and Garnish

    Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.

Variations

Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients.