If you love the spicy kick of jalapeño poppers, this soup is for you! Creamy and cheesy with a hint of heat, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
Honestly, I can’t help but sneak in extra cheese! This soup is so easy to make, perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with friends. Enjoy it with some crunchy tortilla chips for a tasty twist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: I love using thick-cut bacon for its crispy texture and rich flavor. You can swap it for turkey bacon or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian option.
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños bring great heat. If you want less spice, use poblano peppers instead. For more intensity, try serrano peppers!
Cheeses: Sharp cheddar gives a nice bite. You can mix it up with pepper jack for extra spice or use a dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan twist.
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream adds richness, you can use half-and-half or coconut cream if you want a lighter soup. Adjust the thickness by using less liquid.
How Do I Make Sure My Soup is Smooth and Creamy?
A smooth soup relies on a good blending of ingredients, especially cheeses. When adding the cream cheese, make sure it’s softened so it blends easily.
- Cook vegetables until soft, which helps them break down and mix better.
- Add broth slowly while whisking to prevent lumps from the flour.
- When you stir in the cheeses, keep stirring until melted to maintain creaminess.
Simmering for at least 10 minutes helps meld all those flavors beautifully! Enjoy the process!
Jalapeno Popper Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 4 jalapeño peppers, seeds removed and diced (reserve a few slices for garnish)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For Thickening:
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
For Creaminess:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for garnish
Seasoning:
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Jalapeno Popper Soup will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 20 minutes to cook. In just 35 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, comforting bowl of goodness to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and let it drain on paper towels while keeping the bacon fat in the pot. This will add fantastic flavor to your soup!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the diced jalapeños, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the bacon fat. Sauté everything together until they are soft and fragrant, which should take about 5 minutes. Get those aromas going!
3. Add the Flour:
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir constantly for about 2 minutes. This helps to cook the flour, which will thicken your soup later.
4. Whisk in the Broth:
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring that you mix it well with the flour mixture to avoid lumps. This step is crucial for getting a smooth soup!
5. Simmer the Base:
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, about 5 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture start to bubble—this is when the magic happens!
6. Make it Creamy:
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, oregano, smoked paprika (if using), and some salt and black pepper. Keep stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the soup is completely smooth.
7. Let It Simmer:
Allow the soup to gently simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows all the flavors to come together beautifully.
8. Taste and Adjust:
Give the soup a taste and adjust any seasoning if needed. This is your chance to make it just right!
9. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the soup hot in bowls and top with the crispy bacon pieces, sliced jalapeños, extra shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions for that added crunch and freshness.
10. Enjoy!
For an extra bite, consider serving it alongside toasted bread or tortilla chips. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy soup that brings all the joys of jalapeño poppers to your table!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is ideal for flavor, you can mix in pepper jack for extra heat or use a combination of mozzarella and parmesan for a different taste. For a dairy-free option, try using vegan cream cheese and non-dairy shredded cheese.
How Spicy is This Soup?
The heat level depends on the type and amount of jalapeños you use. If you prefer a milder soup, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños, or use fewer peppers. You can also add a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream to tone down the heat after cooking.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead! Just cook up to step 6, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving, adding a little extra cream or broth to restore the consistency if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating, and stir well since some separation may occur.
