This Jalapeno Popper Soup is creamy, spicy, and super comforting! With bits of jalapenos and cheesy goodness, it’s like your favorite appetizer in a bowl.
Honestly, who wouldn’t want a bowl of cheesy soup? I like topping mine with crispy bacon and extra cheese. Just a little kick in every spoonful makes it a real treat! 🌶️🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: This adds a great smoky flavor. If you’re trying to avoid meat, crispy fried shallots or smoked paprika can give a similar taste without the bacon.
Jalapenos: Fresh jalapenos are perfect for that kick! If you prefer less heat, use pickled jalapenos or mini sweet peppers for a milder taste.
Cream Cheese: The creaminess comes from cream cheese. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try Greek yogurt, but be careful with the heat—add it last off the heat to avoid curdling.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. You can swap it for Monterey Jack or pepper jack if you want an extra kick.
How Do You Get Your Soup Extra Creamy?
To create that creamy consistency, incorporating cream cheese and cheddar cheese is key. Here’s a little tip for success:
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before adding it; this will help it blend smoothly.
- When you whisk in the chicken broth and milk, do so gradually to prevent lumps.
- Simmering the soup gently will allow flavors to meld without separating the ingredients.
Following these steps will give you that rich, comforting texture that makes this soup so irresistible!
Jalapeno Popper Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Soup:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3-4 fresh jalapenos, seeded and diced (keep some slices for garnish)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy Jalapeno Popper Soup will take around 30-35 minutes in total. With about 10-15 minutes of prep time and another 20 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a delicious, comforting soup on the table in no time!
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 nice and crispy. Once it’s done, remove it with a slotted spoon and let it drain on paper towels. Do not throw away the bacon drippings; we’ll use those for flavor!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Next, add the butter to the pot with the bacon drippings and let it melt over medium heat. Then, toss in the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
3. Add Garlic and Jalapenos:
Now, stir in the minced garlic along with the diced jalapenos. Cook everything together for another 2 minutes. This will fill your kitchen with an amazing smell!
4. Make the Roux:
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to mix everything together. Cook this for about 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly; this helps to cook out that raw flour taste.
5. Incorporate the Liquids:
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk. Make sure you do this gradually to avoid lumps. Increase the heat to medium-high and let the mixture come to a gentle boil while stirring.
6. Add the Cream Cheese:
Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese, stirring until it’s fully melted and smooth throughout the soup.
7. Mix in the Cheddar and Seasonings:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese is all melted and the soup gets that creamy texture we love!
8. Simmer Away:
Let the soup simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
9. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust any seasonings if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce if you like it spicier!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with your crispy bacon pieces, jalapeno slices, extra cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives if you’d like. Enjoy your hearty and delicious Jalapeno Popper Soup!
Can I Use Frozen Jalapenos?
Yes, using frozen jalapenos is totally fine! Just make sure to thaw them first before adding them to the soup for best flavor and texture. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly in the microwave.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can enhance the flavor by adding a little liquid smoke or smoked paprika for a smoky taste.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Absolutely! Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if it thickens up too much.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you want to reduce the spice, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos, as these parts contain most of the heat. For even milder soup, you can also use fewer jalapenos or substitute with bell peppers.
