One evening, my son came home from school craving something cozy and filling. He specifically asked for my Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup, the one I learned to make after a few trial runs in the kitchen. When I served it, his eyes lit up, and my picky eater actually went back for seconds. That moment reminded me why this Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup has become a staple in our family’s meal rotation. It’s not just about the creamy roasted red pepper soup on the table—it’s about the stories, the laughs, and the comfort that come with it.
Over time, this Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup has proven itself a family pleaser. Its smoky gouda cheese soup flavor melts into the roasted red peppers creating a vegetable soup with gouda that feels both rich and wholesome. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to bring everyone around the dinner table without fuss. If you haven’t tried a homemade roasted pepper soup like this, you’re in for a treat that goes beyond just dinner—it’s a way to bring your family closer with every spoonful.
I invite you to give this Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup a shot for your own family meals. Whether it’s a chilly night or you’re craving something comforting, this smoky gouda cheese soup version has your back. Plus, it’s a great way to feel confident in the kitchen and have a delicious meal ready without stress. If you want another recipe that warms up the family table, you might also enjoy the creamy reuben soup on MomsGate.
What You’ll Need
To make a Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup that tastes like a cozy hug in a bowl, here’s what you need:
- 3 large red bell peppers, roasted and chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (for a great homemade roasted pepper soup base)
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half, for creaminess
- 8 ounces smoked gouda cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of cayenne for a little kick

For the best Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup, I recommend roasting your own peppers—it gives that fresh smoky flavor you just can’t beat from a jar. But if you’re short on time, jarred roasted red peppers work great too. You’ll find everything for this Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup at your regular grocery store, including smoked gouda which usually is near the deli or specialty cheese section.
This Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup is forgiving if you need to swap something out. If you don’t have smoked gouda, try sharp white cheddar for a different but tasty twist. Coconut milk or cashew cream makes a nice non-dairy alternative to regular milk. Also, if you don’t have vegetable broth, chicken broth works fine unless you want a vegetarian option.
Here’s a Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup secret that makes all the difference: use high-quality cheese and shred it yourself rather than buying pre-shredded. It melts more smoothly and avoids that grainy texture that can happen with pre-shredded blends. My family prefers when I use smoked gouda for our Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup because it gives the soup that deep, rich flavor everyone asks for again and again.
How to Make It
Making this Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup is easier than it looks, and with a little guidance, you’ll whip it up confidently every time.
- Start by roasting your red peppers. Place whole peppers on a baking sheet under the broiler or directly on a gas stove flame, turning until all sides are blackened. Put them in a bowl covered with plastic wrap for 15 minutes to steam. The skins will slide off easily. Chop the peeled peppers and set aside. If you’re pressed for time, jarred roasted peppers work here.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook another minute until fragrant. This builds the flavor base for our creamy roasted red pepper soup.
- Add roasted peppers to the pot along with smoked paprika and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to heat everything together. Your kitchen will smell amazing while this Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup cooks.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook slowly for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the flavors meld into a smooth roasted red pepper and cheese soup.
- Use an immersion blender right in the pot or carefully transfer to a blender in batches. Blend until smooth. Don’t worry if your Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup looks a little thick—this is perfect for the next step.
- Return the soup to low heat and stir in the milk or half-and-half. Slowly add the shredded smoked gouda cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Avoid boiling once cheese is added; this keeps your smoky gouda cheese soup silky, not grainy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. If you want more spice, add cayenne a pinch at a time. This Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup typically takes me about 45 minutes from start to finish, including roasting time.
Here’s where I used to mess up my Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup—adding the gouda too fast or boiling the soup made the cheese separate. Now I always remember to melt it in gently. While your Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup is cooking, you’ll have time to set the table or prep a simple salad.
Serving Ideas

When it comes to serving Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup, my family’s favorites are simple and satisfying.
Everyone reaches for seconds when this Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup comes out with crispy grilled cheese sandwiches. The contrast between the smoky gouda cheese soup and the crunchy bread makes for an unbeatable combo.
This Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup is perfect for those nights when you want something really satisfying but fast. Serve it with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a swirl of cream on top to make it look extra special. A side of crusty bread or even soft pretzel bites is a big hit in our house.
For leftovers, let your Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to keep that creamy roasted red pepper soup texture. You can also freeze portions in zip-top bags or containers for up to 2 months. I’ve found that this homemade roasted pepper soup tastes just as good after freezing and thawing.
My family has also tried some tasty variations of this vegetable soup with gouda. Adding roasted tomatoes or a splash of sherry in the pot creates a slightly different but delicious profile. We also enjoy topping it with crispy bacon bits for extra savory fun.
This Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup reminds me of another family favorite—the creamy reuben soup over at MomsGate. If your family loves this, they’ll also enjoy white lasagna soup recipe and chicken alfredo soup for your next weeknight wins.
Your Questions Answered
Can I make Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently so the gouda stays smooth.
What if I don’t have smoked gouda for my Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup?
Try sharp cheddar or fontina cheese. It won’t have quite the smoky flavor, but it will still be creamy and comforting. Another option is to add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to boost that smoky note.
How do I store leftover Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup?
Cool completely before placing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze in portions for longer storage.
Can I use canned roasted red peppers instead of roasting my own?
Yes, you can. Jarred roasted peppers are a convenient shortcut and still delicious. Just drain them well to prevent thinning the soup too much.
Is this Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you use vegetable broth and avoid adding bacon or other meats.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, swap the milk for coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast to keep that creamy texture.
How spicy is the soup?
The base recipe is mild. You can add cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes if you want a bit of a kick.
If you want more tips for perfect meals, I really like this Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Gouda on Peel with Zeal and the version at Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup on Tipps in the Kitch—both have great takes on this classic.
The Final Word
This Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup has earned a permanent spot in our recipe collection because it balances comfort and flavor without complicated steps. My Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup Tips include always roasting fresh peppers when I have time, shredding real gouda for smooth melting, and stirring cheese in slowly over low heat to avoid graininess. These little things turned a good soup into a family favorite.
I’ve made this soup with a handful of variations that everyone enjoyed. Adding caramelized onions makes it sweeter, swapping in smoked mozzarella gives a richer taste, and a swirl of basil pesto on top adds a fresh pop. My kids love it plain with grilled cheese, my husband likes it with bacon bits sprinkled, and I enjoy it custom spiced with extra smoked paprika.
I hope you’ll find as much joy making this Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup as I do. It’s one of those recipes that makes weeknights easier and mealtime warmer. Your family deserves a recipe that’s creamy roasted red pepper soup comfort in a bowl.
For more inspiration, check out the full collection of soups at MomsGate, including creamy reuben soup, white lasagna soup recipe, and chicken alfredo soup. Also take a peek at this Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup from Superheroes and Spatulas for a fun variation.
Here’s to many happy meals and family smiles around your table with this delicious Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup. You’ve got this in your kitchen!
Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup
This creamy Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup blends smoky roasted peppers with rich Gouda cheese for a comforting and flavorful bowl perfect for any season.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasted
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 large red bell peppers, roasted and peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Roast the red bell peppers directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet, turning occasionally, until skin is charred and blistered, about 20 minutes.
- Place roasted peppers in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap to steam for 10 minutes; then peel off skins, remove seeds, and roughly chop.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped roasted peppers, smoked paprika, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer to a blender and puree in batches.
- Return soup to pot (if using blender), stir in heavy cream and shredded Gouda cheese. Heat gently, stirring frequently, until cheese is melted and soup is warmed through. Do not boil.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh thyme if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
For added texture and flavor, serve with crusty bread or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts on top.

