Description
Enjoy a creamy and spicy twist on a classic jalapeño popper with this hearty soup. Packed with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh jalapeños, this comforting bowl delivers bold flavors and a satisfying kick, perfect for chilly days or whenever you’re craving a flavorful, cheesy soup.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4–5 fresh jalapeños, seeded and diced (reserve 1 for garnish)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnishes
- Chopped green onions
- Extra crispy bacon
- Sliced reserved jalapeño
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot for added flavor.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and diced jalapeños to the pot and sauté for 4–5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Add Cream Cheese: Lower the heat slightly and add the softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the mixture becomes smooth.
- Pour in Chicken Broth: Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring to blend all ingredients smoothly. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Add Dairy & Spices: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese fully melts and the soup attains a creamy, uniform texture.
- Simmer to Thicken: Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5–10 minutes, so it thickens slightly and flavors meld perfectly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve & Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra crispy bacon, sliced reserved jalapeños, and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- For extra heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeños or sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper into the soup.
- To boost protein, stir in a handful of cooked, shredded chicken before serving.
- This soup can easily be adjusted to be spicier or milder depending on your jalapeño quantity and seed usage.
