Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup with Grilled Cheese Dippers Recipe

Introduction

This Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup brings the bold flavors of jalapeño poppers into a creamy, comforting bowl. Paired with crispy grilled cheese dippers, it’s a fun and satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low and add the cream cheese in small chunks, whisking continuously until smooth.
5. Step 5: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
6. Step 6: Add the diced jalapeños and smoked paprika. Let the soup simmer gently for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
7. Step 7: While the soup simmers, prepare grilled cheese sandwiches and cut them into strips for dipping.
8. Step 8: Serve the soup hot with grilled cheese dippers on the side for a delicious, interactive meal.

Tips & Variations

• For less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeños or substitute with mild green chilies.
• Add cooked bacon or smoked sausage for extra smoky flavor.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicier twist.
• For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth and add extra cheese for richness.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the cheese smooth. Grilled cheese dippers are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a toaster oven for a few minutes to regain crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegan?

You can make a vegan version by using dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese alternatives along with vegetable broth. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will vary slightly.

How spicy is this soup?

The soup has a noticeable kick from the jalapeños and smoked paprika. Adjust the amount of jalapeños or use milder peppers to suit your heat preference.

Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup with Grilled Cheese Dippers Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 221 reviews

This Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup with Grilled Cheese Dippers combines creamy, cheesy soup with a spicy kick from jalapeños, perfectly paired with crispy grilled cheese strips for dipping. It’s a comforting and flavorful meal that brings the classic jalapeño popper flavor into a cozy bowl, ideal for chilly days or whenever you crave a deliciously hearty soup with a spicy twist.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Soup Ingredients

• 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

Grilled Cheese Dippers

• Bread slices (quantity as needed, typically 4 slices for 2 sandwiches)
• Butter or margarine (for grilling bread)
• Additional shredded cheddar cheese (for sandwiches, about 1 cup)

Instructions

1. Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
2. Add Garlic: Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
3. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Incorporate Cream Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Gradually add softened cream cheese in small chunks, whisking continuously to create a smooth texture without lumps.
5. Melt Cheddar Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese gradually until fully melted and incorporated into the soup, making it creamy and cheesy.
6. Add Jalapeños and Paprika: Add diced jalapeños and smoked paprika to the soup. Let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld flavors and enhance the spicy kick.
7. Prepare Grilled Cheese Dippers: While the soup simmers, make grilled cheese sandwiches by buttering bread slices, adding cheddar cheese, and grilling in a skillet until golden brown and cheese has melted. Cut sandwiches into strips for dipping.
8. Serve: Ladle the spicy jalapeño popper soup into bowls and serve with the warm grilled cheese dippers on the side for dipping and enjoying.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of jalapeños to control the spiciness of the soup according to your preference.
• Use either fresh or pickled jalapeños depending on flavor preference; pickled adds a tangy note.
• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• To make grilled cheese dippers crispier, grill on medium heat until golden and avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Jalapeño Popper Soup, Spicy Soup, Creamy Soup, Grilled Cheese Dippers, Comfort Food, Cheesy Soup, Jalapeño Soup, Easy Dinner