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Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup with Grilled Cheese Dippers


  • Author: Diana Carrozza
  • 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

Scale

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

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.

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