If you’re a fan of bold, comforting flavors, this Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup will be your new favorite cozy meal. Inspired by the popular appetizer, jalapeño poppers, this creamy soup packs a punch with diced jalapeños, smoky paprika, rich cream cheese, and sharp cheddar. Paired with crispy grilled cheese dippers, it becomes the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights, game days, or anytime you need a satisfying, cheesy bite.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—minimal ingredients, quick preparation, and big flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish brings warmth and delicious spice to your table.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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2 cups cream cheese, softened
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Grilled Cheese Dippers:
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Sandwich bread
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Butter
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Melty cheese of your choice (cheddar, mozzarella, or American)
Preparation
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Step 2: Add Broth & Simmer
Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the pot. Increase the heat slightly and bring the broth to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors of the onion and garlic to infuse into the liquid.
Step 3: Melt in the Cream Cheese
Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese, stirring constantly to prevent clumping. Continue stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the broth, creating a rich and creamy base.
Step 4: Add Cheese & Jalapeños
Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, and smoked paprika. Stir until the cheddar is melted and the soup becomes thick and velvety. Let the soup simmer gently for another 5–10 minutes to deepen the flavors.
Step 5: Blend (Optional)
For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup to your preferred texture. Alternatively, leave the soup chunky to enjoy bites of jalapeños and onions for more texture and flavor.
Variations
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Milder Version: Use fewer jalapeños or substitute with mild green chilies for less heat.
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Extra Smoky: Add a pinch of chipotle powder or roasted jalapeños.
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Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and add diced roasted vegetables like bell peppers or corn.
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Protein Boost: Stir in cooked, shredded chicken for a hearty, meal-in-one soup.
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Bacon Addition: Top the soup with crispy crumbled bacon for an extra savory twist.
Cooking Note
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Use softened cream cheese to ensure it melts smoothly into the broth.
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For an ultra-creamy finish, blend half of the soup and leave the rest chunky.
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Fresh jalapeños offer a brighter flavor, while pickled jalapeños add tang—both work wonderfully depending on your taste preference.
Serving Suggestions
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Grilled Cheese Dippers: Prepare classic grilled cheese sandwiches, slice them into strips, and serve alongside for the perfect dipper.
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Toppings: Sprinkle extra shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips on top for added flavor and crunch.
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Side Salad: Pair the soup with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
Tips
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Control the Heat: Taste your jalapeños before adding—some can be milder or hotter than others.
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Cream Cheese Shortcut: If short on time, microwave cream cheese slightly before stirring it into the soup to speed up melting.
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Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat on the stove over low heat.
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Freezing: This soup can be frozen without the grilled cheese. Let it cool completely, then freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approximate)
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Calories: 420
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Protein: 14g
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Sodium: 780mg
Note: Nutritional values can vary depending on the exact brands and ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I make this soup less spicy?
Absolutely. Use fewer jalapeños or substitute with mild chilies if you prefer a milder flavor.
What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a cheese blend for different flavor profiles.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat slowly over low heat, stirring often to maintain creaminess.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes. Let the soup cool completely, then freeze it without the grilled cheese dippers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can I add meat to this soup?
Yes! Cooked, shredded chicken or crispy bacon bits make excellent additions if you want a heartier meal.
Conclusion
This Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup with Grilled Cheese Dippers is the perfect combination of creamy, spicy, cheesy goodness. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that feels both comforting and a little exciting, thanks to the jalapeños. Serve it up on a cold night, for game day, or whenever you need a bowl of something hearty and warming. With easy variations and quick prep time, this recipe will become a staple whenever you crave a comforting, flavor-packed soup.
Print
Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup with Grilled Cheese Dippers
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
If you’re a fan of bold, comforting flavors, this Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup will be your new favorite cozy meal. Inspired by the popular appetizer, jalapeño poppers, this creamy soup packs a punch with diced jalapeños, smoky paprika, rich cream cheese, and sharp cheddar. Paired with crispy grilled cheese dippers, it becomes the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights, game days, or anytime you need a satisfying, cheesy bite.
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
-
Butter
-
Melty cheese of your choice (cheddar, mozzarella, or American)
Instructions
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the pot. Increase the heat slightly and bring the broth to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors of the onion and garlic to infuse into the liquid.
Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese, stirring constantly to prevent clumping. Continue stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the broth, creating a rich and creamy base.
Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, and smoked paprika. Stir until the cheddar is melted and the soup becomes thick and velvety. Let the soup simmer gently for another 5–10 minutes to deepen the flavors.
For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup to your preferred texture. Alternatively, leave the soup chunky to enjoy bites of jalapeños and onions for more texture and flavor.
Notes
-
Use softened cream cheese to ensure it melts smoothly into the broth.
-
For an ultra-creamy finish, blend half of the soup and leave the rest chunky.
-
Fresh jalapeños offer a brighter flavor, while pickled jalapeños add tang—both work wonderfully depending on your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sodium: 780mg
- Protein: 14g