Description
Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup is a rich and creamy comfort food that combines the smoky flavor of crispy bacon with the heat of jalapeños and the smoothness of melted cheeses. This American-inspired stovetop soup features a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and savory goodness, making it an ideal warming meal for chilly days.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3–4 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (leave seeds for extra heat)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Dairy
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Liquids & Broth
- 2 cups chicken broth
Spices & Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Thickening Agent (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Garnish
- Extra crispy bacon
- Extra shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot for flavor.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and jalapeños to the pot and cook for 3–4 minutes until they soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese to the pot. Stir continually until the cream cheese melts smoothly into the vegetables.
- Add Broth and Milk: Pour in the chicken broth and whole milk, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to combine the flavors.
- Incorporate Cheeses and Seasonings: Stir in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the soup simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Thicken Soup (Optional): If you prefer a thicker consistency, stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue simmering for 2–3 more minutes until the soup thickens.
- Final Adjustments and Serve: Remove the pot from heat, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crispy bacon, chopped green onions, and extra shredded cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a milder heat, reduce the number of jalapeños used and remove all seeds completely.
- Blend part or all of the soup for a smoother, creamier texture.
- Use gluten-free chicken broth to maintain gluten-free compatibility.
- Adjust the thickness with cornstarch slurry to preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
