Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup Recipe
Introduction
Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines the heat of fresh jalapeños with the richness of cream cheese and bacon. Perfectly comforting and packed with cheesy goodness, this soup is a delicious twist on the classic jalapeño popper appetizer.
Ingredients
- 4 fresh jalapeños, diced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy; remove bacon from the pot and leave the drippings.
- Step 2: Sauté diced onions and jalapeños in the bacon drippings until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the softened cream cheese and chicken broth to the pot; stir until the cream cheese has melted and the mixture is well combined.
- Step 4: Stir in the cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted throughout the soup.
- Step 5: Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 6: Serve the soup hot, optionally topped with extra shredded cheese or bacon bits. Enjoy it alongside crusty bread or tortilla chips for added crunch.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder soup, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before dicing.
- Add a splash of lime juice or a handful of chopped cilantro for a fresh finish.
- Use smoked paprika or chipotle powder to deepen the smoky flavor.
- Substitute turkey bacon or omit bacon for a lighter version.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much when chilled, add a splash of broth or water to reach desired consistency when reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You might add smoked paprika or a bit of liquid smoke to retain some smoky flavor.
How spicy is this soup?
The soup has a moderate heat level from the jalapeños, but you can reduce the spiciness by removing the seeds and membranes or increase it by adding extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Print
Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup is a creamy, flavorful soup that combines the heat of fresh jalapeños with the richness of cream cheese, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese. This comforting soup is perfect for warming up on a chilly day and makes a delicious appetizer or main dish served with crusty bread or tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 fresh jalapeños, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Toppings & Mix-ins
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until it is crispy. Once done, remove the bacon pieces and set them aside, leaving the rendered bacon drippings in the pot.
- Sauté Onion and Jalapeños: Add the diced onions and jalapeños to the pot with the bacon drippings. Sauté them over medium heat until they become softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add Cream Cheese and Broth: Stir in the softened cream cheese until it begins to melt, then pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Mix well until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the soup base is creamy and smooth.
- Incorporate Bacon and Cheddar: Add the cooked bacon pieces back into the pot along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continually until the cheese melts and the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to deepen the flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheese or bacon bits if desired. Enjoy the soup alongside crusty bread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
Notes
- Remove seeds from jalapeños for a milder heat, or leave them in for extra spice.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level.
- Substitute cream cheese with a lighter cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter soup.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions for added freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: jalapeño popper soup, spicy soup, bacon cheese soup, creamy jalapeño soup, appetizer soup, comfort food
