Warm, velvety, and packed with layers of flavor, this Roasted Vegetable Soup with Parmesan Recipe is exactly what comfort food dreams are made of. Roasting the veggies first boosts their natural sweetness, while the parmesan adds a rich, creamy touch that makes every spoonful feel special.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I first made this soup on a chilly autumn evening, and it instantly became one of my go-tos. There’s something magical about roasting your veggies before blending—they develop this caramelized depth that soup just can’t get from boiling alone. Plus, the parmesan melts in perfectly, balancing earthiness with a gentle cheesy tang.
- Deep, roasted flavors: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and richness of each vegetable, creating a flavorful base.
- Creamy without cream: Parmesan cheese adds luscious creaminess without needing heavy cream, making it lighter but still indulgent.
- Simple ingredient prep: The vegetables are straightforward and easy to prep, perfect for a weekday meal or meal prep.
- Comfort food with a healthy twist: This soup feels like a hug in a bowl but is packed with nutrients and fiber from the veggies.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Roasted Vegetable Soup with Parmesan Recipe starts with the vegetables you choose. Each one brings its own flavor and texture, and together they create a perfect harmony. Here’s why I love these ingredients — and tips to pick the best at the market.
- Sweet potato: Its natural sweetness and creamy texture when cooked give the soup body and a subtle earthy flavor.
- Red and yellow bell peppers: They add vibrant color and a mild sweetness that lightens the richness.
- Carrots: Carrots bring a gentle sweetness and a bit of texture after roasting.
- Garlic: Roasting with the skins on softens the garlic’s sharpness, turning it mellow and buttery once squeezed out.
- Olive oil: This helps develop those caramelized edges on veggies and enriches the soup’s mouthfeel.
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, cumin, paprika): A pinch of spice and warmth that highlights the roasted flavors.
- Red onion: Adds subtle sweetness and a lovely roasted aroma.
- Vegetable stock: The flavorful base that ties everything together—make sure yours is good quality or homemade for best results.
- Parmesan cheese: The secret to creamy richness and a savory punch that finishes the soup beautifully.
- Fresh thyme: A few sprigs for garnishing add aroma and a herbal brightness.
Make It Your Way
One thing I love about this Roasted Vegetable Soup with Parmesan Recipe is how much you can tailor it to suit your pantry or cravings. I’ve swapped in butternut squash for sweet potato or added a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat. Feel free to get creative—you really can’t go wrong here.
- Variation: When basil is in season, I sometimes stir in a handful of fresh basil leaves at the end to brighten the soup with herbal notes.
- Dietary tweaks: This soup is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free stock and Parmesan (some brands are). It’s also easy to make vegan by swapping Parmesan for nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.
- Seasonal swaps: Winter calls for roasted parsnips and butternut squash instead of bell peppers, keeping things cozy and hearty.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Roasted Vegetable Soup with Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Vegetables Until Golden and Tender
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C/400°F (fan). Spread out your sweet potato chunks, red and yellow peppers, carrots, and garlic cloves—with the skin still on—on a large baking tray. Drizzle on olive oil, sprinkle salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika, then toss everything with your hands. Trust me, nothing connects you to a recipe quite like getting in there and mixing with your fingers. Roast for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through so every side gets that gorgeous caramelized color.
Step 2: Add Red Onion and Roast a Little More
After the first 20 minutes, toss in the chopped red onion wedges and coat them in the remaining oil and spices. Pop it back in the oven for another 10-12 minutes. This step is key for layering sweetness and texture. You want your vegetables tender but still holding their shape, with those slightly charred edges that hint at smoky depth.
Step 3: Blend Into Soup Perfection
Reserve a couple of tablespoons of the roasted veggies for garnish (they make the soup look incredible!). Squeeze the soft garlic from its skins into the rest of the vegetables in a large saucepan, and pour in your vegetable stock. Bring this to a boil and then let it simmer gently for 5 minutes. This helps everything marry together nicely. Then, blend the mixture with a hand blender until smooth and silky. Stir in the parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Serve with a Sprinkle of Cheese and Thyme
Ladle the soup into bowls and scatter the reserved roasted veggies on top. Add a little extra grated Parmesan and a few fresh thyme sprigs for that fresh, herbal aroma. Pour yourself a glass of your favorite wine or prepare some crusty bread, and dig in!
Top Tip
Through many kitchen experiments, I realized that roasting the vegetables separately first, and then blending, makes all the difference in flavor. Here are some key tricks I’ve learned the hard way so your Roasted Vegetable Soup with Parmesan Recipe turns out amazing every time.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Make sure your vegetables have enough space on the tray to roast, not steam. Crowding means soggy veggies, not caramelized goodness.
- Roast garlic in skin: This softens the garlic into a spreadable, sweet paste that blends beautifully without overpowering.
- Hold back some veggies: Reserving a few roasted pieces for garnish adds texture and a lovely visual touch—it makes all the difference when serving.
- Use a hand blender: I prefer a hand blender for control and ease. It lets you blend directly in the pot, minimizing mess and helping you stop when it reaches your perfect texture.
How to Serve Roasted Vegetable Soup with Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
I always keep it simple and rustic—scattered roasted veggies saved from before, a handful of grated parmesan freshly shaved or grated, and a couple of sprigs of fresh thyme for brightness. Sometimes a drizzle of good olive oil or a few chili flakes jazz things up nicely.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty baguette or garlic bread for dipping. On days when I want it heartier, I'll serve it alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette—adds a peppery freshness that complements the soup’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special meals, I like serving the soup in small cups as a starter or in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or squash for an autumn vibe. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a touch of elegance that guests always comment on.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always let it cool completely before refrigerating to avoid soggy vegetables or condensation. Just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this soup multiple times with excellent results. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headroom since liquids expand. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture, or gently reheat from frozen on the stove.
Reheating
Use a low heat on the stove, stirring gently to warm it evenly and prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of vegetable stock or water and stir to loosen it right up, bringing back that silky texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Parmesan adds a unique salty umami flavor and creamy texture to this soup. If you want to substitute, choose a hard, aged cheese like Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano for similar results. For a milder option, a mild cheddar can work, but it will change the flavor profile somewhat.
Absolutely! To make this Roasted Vegetable Soup with Parmesan Recipe vegan, simply replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative that melts well. Make sure to use a vegetable stock that contains no animal products. The soup will still be rich and flavorful.
Leftover soup will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. After that, it’s best to freeze it to maintain freshness. Always smell and check the soup before reheating to ensure it’s still good.
Yes, you can chop and even roast the vegetables a day ahead. Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container, then finish the soup by blending and heating on the day you want to serve. This saves time on busy evenings without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Vegetable Soup with Parmesan Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I want something cozy but nourishing. The slow-roasted vegetables combined with the savory parmesan results in a soup that feels both honest and indulgent. I hope you give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat like I do. Trust me, once you experience those comforting roasted flavors, you won’t look back!
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Roasted Vegetable Soup with Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Roasted Vegetable Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring caramelized sweet potato, bell peppers, carrots, and garlic, blended into a creamy soup with parmesan cheese and fresh thyme. Perfect for a cozy meal, the roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables, providing a rich and satisfying flavor.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large sweet potato (peeled and chopped into chunks)
- 1 red bell pepper (deseeded and chopped into chunks)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (deseeded and chopped into chunks)
- 2 medium carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (left in the skin)
- 1 red onion (peeled and chopped into wedges)
Seasonings & Oils
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Liquids & Cheese
- 1 litre (4 ¼ cups) vegetable stock (use vegetable bouillon for gluten-free option)
- 35 g (⅓ cup) grated parmesan
- 2 tablespoon grated parmesan
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 200C/400F (fan).
- Prepare Vegetables: Place chunks of sweet potato, red and yellow bell peppers, carrots, and garlic cloves (skin on) on a large baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika. Toss well using your hands to coat.
- Roast Initial Vegetables: Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, turning everything over after 10 minutes for even caramelization.
- Add Onion and Continue Roasting: After 20 minutes, add red onion wedges to the tray and toss everything again to coat with oil. Roast for an additional 12 minutes until all vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. Remove from oven.
- Set Aside Some Vegetables: Reserve a couple of tablespoons of the roasted vegetables for garnish. Place the remaining vegetables in a large saucepan. Squeeze the roasted garlic out of the skins into the pan.
- Simmer Soup: Pour in the vegetable stock, bring to a boil, then simmer for five minutes to combine flavors.
- Blend Soup: Turn off the heat and use a hand blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
- Finish with Parmesan: Stir in the grated parmesan and season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve the soup topped with the reserved roasted vegetables, extra grated parmesan, and fresh thyme sprigs for garnish.
Notes
- Roasting vegetables until golden enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor to the soup.
- Leaving garlic in the skin while roasting mellows its flavor; squeezing it out after roasting adds a creamy garlic taste.
- Use vegetable bouillon for a gluten-free version of this soup.
- Parmesan cheese adds richness and a creamy texture, but can be omitted or replaced with a vegan cheese alternative for dietary needs.
- For a smoother soup, strain after blending or blend longer until desired texture is reached.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 228 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 1505 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 9 mg
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