Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup with Grilled Cheese Dippers

 

Ingredients

For the Soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Grilled Cheese Dippers

• Sandwich bread (your choice)
• Butter, softened
• Melty cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or American)

Step-by-Step Instructions

 

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes more, just until fragrant.

2. Add the Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

3. Melt in the Cream Cheese

Lower the heat. Add the softened cream cheese gradually, stirring continuously until it fully melts and blends into the broth. Take your time here — patience creates that silky texture.

4. Add Cheese and Jalapeños

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, and smoked paprika. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes thick, smooth, and rich. Let it simmer gently for 5–10 minutes so the flavors can truly come together.

5. Blend (Optional)

For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend until you reach your preferred consistency. If you enjoy texture and bites of jalapeño, feel free to leave it slightly chunky.

6. Prepare the Grilled Cheese Dippers

Butter the bread slices, add cheese, and grill in a skillet over medium heat until golden and melty. Cut into strips for easy dipping.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with grilled cheese dippers on the side. Garnish with extra cheese, sliced jalapeños, or crumbled bacon if desired.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth finish.
• For deeper flavor, shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded.
• If the soup feels too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it.
• Taste before serving — jalapeños vary in heat, so adjust as needed.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

• Milder version: Remove jalapeño seeds or use fewer peppers.
• Extra spicy: Add cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
• Smoky twist: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon.
• Protein boost: Add shredded chicken for a heartier meal.
• Vegetarian upgrade: Add roasted corn or diced bell peppers.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently over low heat on the stove, stirring often. Add a little broth or milk if the soup thickens.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as cream cheese-based soups may separate.