Easy Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup Recipe | Creamy Soup with Grilled Cheese Dippers
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with a fiery kick — this Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup is the ultimate comfort food with a twist. Loaded with jalapeños, cream cheese, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar, it’s served with golden grilled cheese dippers for the perfect cozy pairing.
Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- immersion blender (optional)
- Cutting board & knife
- Skillet (for bacon and grilled cheese)
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4–5 fresh jalapeños, chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional protein: 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- For dippers: sourdough bread, butter, and cheddar for grilled cheese sandwiches
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and jalapeños. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add broth & bacon: Pour in chicken broth and stir in crumbled bacon. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add creaminess: Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until melted, then add cheddar and heavy cream. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Blend lightly: Use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup for a smoother texture, leaving some chunks.
- Prepare dippers: Make grilled cheese sandwiches with sourdough bread and cheddar. Slice into strips.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with bacon crumbles and jalapeño slices, and serve hot with grilled cheese dippers.
- Tip: Add cream after reheating frozen soup to avoid separation.
Notes
- Make‑ahead: Store soup in an airtight container for 3 days. Freeze without cream for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop; add cream after reheating frozen batches.
- Common mistakes: Adding cream too early (curdles), overcooking jalapeños (loses flavor), or using pre‑shredded cheese (grainy texture).
- Variations: Add chicken for protein, swap cheddar for pepper jack, or top with cilantro for freshness.
- Pairings: Serve with tortilla chips, crusty bread, or grilled cheese dippers; pair with lager or iced tea.