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Creamy Roasted Red Pepper and Smoked Gouda Bisque

creamy roasted red pepper and smoked gouda bisque - featured image

A comforting and indulgent bisque featuring roasted red peppers and smoky gouda cheese, perfect for cozy nights and quick dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large red bell peppers, roasted and peeled (or jarred roasted peppers)
  • 8 ounces smoked gouda cheese, shredded
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Place whole red bell peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until skins are blistered and charred.
  2. Transfer roasted peppers to a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Let steam for 15 minutes to loosen skins.
  3. Peel off skins, remove stems, seeds, and membranes. Roughly chop the pepper flesh and set aside.
  4. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 6-8 minutes until soft and translucent.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Stir in chopped roasted peppers, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
  8. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, blend in batches in a blender and return to pot.
  9. Lower heat to medium-low. Gradually stir in shredded smoked gouda until melted.
  10. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Heat gently without boiling to prevent curdling.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or smoked paprika as desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Do not rush roasting the peppers; blistered skin and caramelized flesh add essential flavor. Use quality smoked gouda for best melt and smoky taste. Blend while warm but avoid boiling after adding cream to prevent curdling. Adjust seasoning gradually. For dairy-free version, substitute smoked gouda with smoked vegan cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted red pepper bisque, smoked gouda soup, creamy bisque, easy soup recipe, comforting soup, gluten-free soup, vegetarian bisque