Roasted red pepper sauce is smooth, creamy, and slightly smoky. It can make any dish feel special. This sauce is full of flavor. You can drizzle it over pasta, grilled meats, or roasted veggies. It also works great as a dip. Plus, it’s easy to make!
In this guide, you’ll learn all about making the perfect roasted red pepper sauce. We’ll go over picking the best peppers and how to adjust the flavor to match your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Sauce
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Rich and smoky flavor – Roasting the peppers adds depth and sweetness.
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Super versatile – Use it on pasta, chicken, fish, vegetables, or as a dip.
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Healthy and nutritious – Made with simple, wholesome ingredients.
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Easy to make – Comes together in less than 30 minutes.
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Customizable – Adjust the spice level, add herbs, or make it creamy.
Ingredients List
Basic Ingredients
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3 large red bell peppers (roasted, peeled, and chopped)
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3 cloves garlic (minced)
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1 small onion (diced)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for extra smokiness)
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
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½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
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1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (adds a subtle tang)
Optional Add-Ins
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½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for a creamy version)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for extra richness)
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Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme (for added freshness)
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1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (to balance acidity)
Timing
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Roast Red Peppers
Oven Roasting Method
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Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
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Place the whole red peppers on a baking sheet.
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Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is blackened and blistered.
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Transfer the peppers to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let them steam for 10 minutes.
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Peel off the skins, remove the seeds, and chop the peppers.
Stovetop Roasting Method
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Place the peppers directly over a gas flame on medium heat.
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Turn occasionally until all sides are charred.
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Place in a covered bowl and let them steam before peeling.
Grill Roasting Method
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Preheat the grill to high heat.
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Place the peppers on the grates and grill for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.
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Let them steam in a bowl, then peel and chop.
How to Make Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
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Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
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Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft.
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Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Blend the Sauce
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Add the roasted red peppers, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and broth to a blender.
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Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
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Pour the blended sauce back into the pan.
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Stir in balsamic vinegar and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
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If using, add cream, Parmesan cheese, or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
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Use immediately or store for later use.
Ways to Use Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
As a Pasta Sauce
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Toss with spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine for a creamy, smoky pasta dish.
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Add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein.
As a Dip
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Serve with crusty bread, pita chips, or fresh veggies.
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Mix with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
As a Pizza Sauce
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Use instead of tomato sauce for a unique pizza flavor.
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Top with mozzarella, goat cheese, or feta.
For Grilled Meats and Fish
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Drizzle over grilled chicken, steak, or salmon.
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Use as a marinade for an extra punch of flavor.
For Vegetables
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Toss roasted or grilled veggies in the sauce.
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Serve with roasted potatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Tips for the Best Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
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Roast the peppers until charred – This deepens the smoky flavor.
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Use a high-powered blender – For a silky smooth consistency.
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Adjust the consistency – Add more broth if too thick.
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For extra creaminess – Stir in heavy cream, coconut milk, or cashew cream.
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Balance the flavors – Add a bit of honey or lemon juice if the sauce tastes too tangy.
Variations
Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
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Add an extra teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
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Stir in a spoonful of harissa or sriracha.
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
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Blend in ½ cup heavy cream, coconut milk, or ricotta cheese.
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Stir in extra Parmesan for more richness.
Vegan Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
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Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
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Swap heavy cream for cashew cream or coconut milk.
Herb-Infused Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
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Add fresh basil, oregano, or thyme for extra freshness.
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Stir in pesto for an herby twist.
What to Serve with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
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Pasta dishes – Works well with spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni.
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Grilled meats – A great sauce for chicken, steak, or shrimp.
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Vegetables – Drizzle over roasted cauliflower, asparagus, or carrots.
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Rice and quinoa bowls – A perfect topping for grain bowls.
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
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Reheat: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to thin it out.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: ~100
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Protein: ~2g
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Carbohydrates: ~8g
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Fat: ~7g
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Fiber: ~2g
FAQs
Can I Use Jarred Roasted Red Peppers?
Yes! Use one 12-ounce jar of drained roasted red peppers instead of fresh.
How Do I Make This Sauce Thicker?
Let it simmer longer or stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste.
Can I Use Different Peppers?
Yes! Try using orange or yellow bell peppers for a slightly different sweetness.
How Long Does This Sauce Last?
It lasts 5 days in the fridge and 3 months in the freezer.
Conclusion
Roasted red pepper sauce is a must-have recipe that adds bold flavor to any meal. Whether you use it for pasta, meats, or veggies, this creamy, smoky sauce will elevate your dishes. Try it today and enjoy a homemade sauce that’s bursting with flavor.