This Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup with Goat Cheese Recipe is a brilliant celebration of bold, bright flavors mingled with a subtle smoky charm. It’s one of those dishes that feels both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for warming up cool evenings or impressing friends at a casual dinner. The sweetness from caramelized onions, the tang from roasted red peppers and fire-roasted tomatoes, and the creamy tanginess from crumbled goat cheese come together in a harmonious bowl of pure joy. Whether you’re serving it for a simple lunch or a special gathering, this soup delivers warmth, color, and incredible depth with every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black cast-iron pot filled with a thick, chunky red tomato stew sits on a white marbled surface. The stew has visible pieces of red and orange bell peppers and diced tomatoes, giving it a rich, vibrant mix of red and orange colors. In the center of the stew, there is a noticeable greenish pile of dried herbs or seasoning, adding texture contrast. The pot has two handles on each side, and the stew shows a mix of liquid and soft vegetable pieces, creating a hearty and rustic look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the soup truly sing. From the rich caramelized onions that bring natural sweetness to the fire-roasted tomatoes that deepen the smokiness, these simple but essential ingredients come together beautifully in this Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup with Goat Cheese Recipe.

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: The perfect base to gently caramelize onions and garlic, adding richness to the soup.
1 small yellow onion, chopped: Slowly caramelized to bring out natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
2 teaspoons light brown sugar: Helps to enhance the sweetness of the onions while balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
2 garlic cloves, chopped: Adds aromatic warmth and a savory punch.
1 (16-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained: These deliver a smoky, sweet foundation that is central to the soup’s vibrant taste.
3 (14.5-ounce) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Bringing a subtle charred flavor that elevates the freshness of the soup.
2 cups chicken or vegetable stock: Adds body and helps meld the ingredients into a smooth, comforting broth.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar: Introduces a bright acidity that cuts through the richness.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that layers in herbal notes for complexity.
¼ teaspoon paprika: Adds mild smokiness and a warm color tone.
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Gives the soup a gentle kick that awakens the palate.
For serving (optional): Basil pesto, crumbled goat cheese, and crispy croutons—these elevate texture and fresh flavors when served.

How to Make Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup with Goat Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by heating the extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until it’s shimmering. Add the chopped onion and brown sugar, stirring occasionally. This slow caramelizing process takes about 20 minutes and transforms the onions into golden, sweet little nuggets that create a rich base for the soup. When the onions have reached that perfect caramelized state, toss in the chopped garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant. This step really develops a deep foundation of flavor you won’t want to skip.

Step 2: Add the Roasted Peppers and Tomatoes

Next, stir in the drained roasted red peppers along with the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and their juices. Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, then bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes. This simmer allows all those bright, smoky flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 3: Season and Blend

After simmering, add the kosher salt, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes. These seasonings truly enhance the soup’s character. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until completely smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Blending creates that luxuriously creamy texture that’s ideal for this soup.

Step 4: Final Taste and Adjustments

Give your blended soup a taste. This is the moment to adjust seasoning if it’s needed—maybe a pinch more salt, a touch more vinegar for brightness, or an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat. Then, ladle the soup into bowls and it’s ready for the finishing touches.

How to Serve Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup with Goat Cheese Recipe

A bowl shows three main layers: the bottom layer is a smooth, thick, bright red soup that fills most of the bowl; the second layer is scattered chunks of golden brown toasted bread pieces placed in the center; the top layer has dollops of white cream and small, bright green pesto drops evenly spread around and over the bread pieces, with thin slices of fresh green basil leaves sprinkled on top. The bowl is white and set on a white marbled surface. A spoon is resting inside the bowl near the bread pieces, and a woman's hand is holding the spoon. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To take this soup from tasty to tantalizing, top it with a drizzle of fresh basil pesto. The herbaceous flavor pairs beautifully with roasted ingredients. Crumbled goat cheese adds a luscious, tangy creaminess that melts slightly into the warm soup. For added crunch, sprinkle some homemade or store-bought croutons on top. These garnishes make every bite a delightful textural experience.

Side Dishes

This soup is wonderful served alongside a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or a crusty artisan bread for dunking. Grilled cheese sandwiches, especially with sharp cheddar or Gruyère, make a match made in heaven. For a lighter pairing, a simple roasted vegetable platter complements the richness of the soup perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in elegant white bowls or rustic stoneware to highlight its vibrant color. Consider swirling a bit of pesto or a tiny dab of cream in a pretty pattern on the surface. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a pop of green. If you’re entertaining, serve it in small cups as a delightful appetizer that impresses instantly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making leftovers even better the next day.

Freezing

If you want to store your Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup with Goat Cheese Recipe for longer, it freezes wonderfully. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its delicious flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of stock or water to loosen it up. Avoid boiling to keep the flavors bright and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned fire-roasted tomatoes?

Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes can work well, but keep in mind that fire-roasted canned tomatoes add a unique smoky flavor that’s central to this soup’s character. If using fresh, consider roasting them beforehand to mimic that smokiness.

Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! Just swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version that still bursts with flavor.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Definitely. Use vegetable stock and skip the goat cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative or a swirl of coconut cream for creaminess without dairy.

How spicy is this soup?

It has just a subtle, gentle heat from the red pepper flakes that you can easily adjust up or down depending on your preference.

What can I substitute for goat cheese if I’m not a fan?

Crumbled feta or mascarpone also work wonderfully if you want a creamy, tangy garnish. Even a dollop of sour cream adds a lovely richness.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly satisfying about this Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup with Goat Cheese Recipe that makes it feel like a warm hug in a bowl. Its bold colors, rich yet balanced flavors, and velvety texture are sure to make it a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re craving something wholesome for yourself or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this soup has your back. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup with Goat Cheese Recipe