Nyla here from Grill Drip, and I’m SO excited to share one of my all-time favorite comfort food recipes with you. Get ready for a flavor explosion in a bowl because we’re diving headfirst into the creamy, dreamy world of Jalapeno Popper Soup! This isn’t your average soup, friends.
This Jalapeno Popper Soup turns ordinary meals into something truly special. It’s the kind of dish that has everyone asking for seconds (and maybe the recipe, too 😉). So, grab your favorite apron, and let’s make some kitchen magic together!
Let me tell you how this Jalapeno Popper Soup came to be. It all started late one night. I was craving something comforting but with a serious kick.
I started throwing things into a pot, thinking, “What if I could turn my favorite jalapeno poppers into a soup?” The anticipation was real! I didn’t know if it would be a total disaster or a flavor sensation.
The result? Pure gold! This Jalapeno Popper Soup was a happy accident that quickly became a staple in my kitchen. The creamy texture combined with the spicy bite of jalapenos and the richness of cheddar? Seriously next level!
The best part is how customizable this Jalapeno Popper Soup is! You can adjust the spice level to your liking, or add in different cheeses.
I knew I had to share this incredible creation with all of you. It’s too good to keep a secret. So, fellow food lovers, prepare to be amazed!
This Jalapeno Popper Soup is a warm hug in a bowl, guaranteed to make your taste buds dance. It’s a flavor adventure you don’t want to miss. Come on – let’s get cooking!
INGREDIENTS You Need
Alright, let’s gather the ingredients for this incredible Jalapeno Popper Soup. Don’t worry, most of these are probably already in your fridge or pantry!
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Adds a smoky depth that’s just irresistible.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Forms the flavorful base of our soup.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better!
- 2 jalapenos, seeded and minced: Adjust to your spice preference! I love using fresh jalapeños.
- 4 cups chicken broth: You can use low-sodium to control the salt.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: This is KEY for that creamy texture!
- 1 cup milk: Adds a little extra creaminess without being too heavy.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor.
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds to the cheesy goodness.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Adds a pop of freshness and flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is everything!
No worries if you don’t have Monterey Jack. I use mozzarella all the time in my Jalapeno Popper Soup. It melts great too!
This Jalapeno Popper Soup ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! And you can grab these ingredients during your normal shopping trip.
This Jalapeno Popper Soup gets its amazing taste from the combination of spicy jalapenos and creamy cheeses. It’s the perfect balance!
For a weeknight shortcut, buy pre-cooked bacon. It saves so much time! Store any leftover cheese in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Here’s my Jalapeno Popper Soup secret that takes it from good to incredible: a pinch of smoked paprika! It adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the bacon and jalapenos perfectly.
I love adding extra cheddar to my Jalapeno Popper Soup for that extra kick! Feel free to adjust the cheese ratios to your liking.
Let’s Make Some!
Okay, fellow food lovers, let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps. You’ll be diving into a bowl of Jalapeno Popper Soup in no time.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Crumble it once it’s cooled down.This step is important for building that smoky base. Don’t skip it!
- Sauté the Veggies: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the bacon grease. Cook until softened. Usually, this takes about 5-7 minutes.This is where the magic starts happening! Sautéing the onions and garlic in bacon grease creates a flavor base that’s out of this world.
- Add Jalapenos: Stir in the minced jalapenos and cook for another minute.Add more jalapenos if you like things extra spicy. Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away!
- Pour in the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.While your Jalapeno Popper Soup is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas! The broth will start to absorb all the flavors from the bacon, onions, garlic, and jalapenos.
- Stir in Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth.This is my favorite part of making Jalapeno Popper Soup – watch the magic happen! The cream cheese transforms the broth into a luscious, creamy base.
- Add Cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.Don’t add all the cheese at once. Adding it gradually ensures it melts evenly.
- Stir in Milk: Stir in the milk to reach your desired consistency.Your Jalapeno Popper Soup should smell absolutely incredible right now. If you want a thinner soup, add a bit more milk. For a thicker soup, simmer it for a few more minutes.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.Taste, taste, taste! Seasoning is key to a perfect Jalapeno Popper Soup.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon and fresh cilantro.This is where you get to show off your presentation skills. A sprinkle of bacon and cilantro makes all the difference.
- Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Jalapeno Popper Soup!
In my kitchen, this Jalapeno Popper Soup usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner that doesn’t sacrifice on flavor. Don’t worry if your Jalapeno Popper Soup looks a little lumpy at first. Just keep stirring! The cream cheese and cheese will eventually melt and create a smooth, creamy texture.
This is my favorite part of making Jalapeno Popper Soup – watch the magic happen! The creamy texture and cheesy goodness will make you want to do a happy dance!
How to Serve Up This!
Okay, so you’ve made this amazing Jalapeno Popper Soup. Now, how do you serve it up to really wow everyone? Let me share some of my favorite serving suggestions!
I love to enjoy this Jalapeno Popper Soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping. It’s perfect for soaking up all that cheesy, creamy goodness!
Bold flavor pairings? How about a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato? The acidity of the tomato cuts through the richness of the soup. It’s perfection!
This Jalapeno Popper Soup is perfect for game nights, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners. It’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
For a presentation that wows, try serving the soup in individual bread bowls. Top with extra cheese, bacon, and cilantro for a show-stopping effect.
Got leftovers? Transform them into Jalapeno Popper Soup baked potatoes! Just top baked potatoes with the soup and your favorite toppings. So delicious!
I’ve experimented with adding shredded chicken to this soup for extra protein. It’s a delicious and hearty addition!
People literally do happy dances when this Jalapeno Popper Soup hits the table with crispy bacon bits, and fresh cilantro. It’s so good!
This Jalapeno Popper Soup is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! It’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to make.
FAQs:
Okay, fellow food lovers, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions about this Jalapeno Popper Soup! I want to make sure you feel confident and ready to create some delicious magic in your kitchen.
Q: Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Jalapeno Popper Soup?
Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward. The instructions are easy to follow. Even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll nail it!
Q: Can I make this Jalapeno Popper Soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup is great for meal prepping. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: What if I mess up my Jalapeno Popper Soup? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
Don’t sweat it! Even if you add too much spice or not enough cheese, it will still be delicious. Cooking is all about experimenting!
Q: How can I prep this Jalapeno Popper Soup for busy weeknights?
Chop the onions, garlic, and jalapenos ahead of time. Cook the bacon on the weekend and store it in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to cook, it’s just a matter of throwing everything together!
Q: Can I freeze this Jalapeno Popper Soup?
While you can freeze it, the texture might change slightly due to the dairy content. It’s best enjoyed fresh. However, if you do freeze it, thaw it slowly in the fridge and reheat gently.
Q: What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can substitute it with Neufchâtel cheese. It has a similar texture but with a slightly lower fat content.
Q: Can I make this Jalapeno Popper Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor of the bacon.
Q: How do I adjust the spice level of this Jalapeno Popper Soup?
For less spice, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos. For more spice, leave them in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
I’ve found that adding a squeeze of lime juice at the end brightens up the flavors. My taste testing revealed that this simple addition makes a big difference!
One reader asked if they could use canned jalapenos. I have experimented with those and while they work, fresh jalapenos definitely deliver the best flavor and texture!
CONCLUSION:
This Jalapeno Popper Soup brings me so much joy because it’s a flavor explosion in every spoonful! It’s the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and spicy. I love how it warms me from the inside out.
My Jalapeno Popper Soup Flavor Secrets:
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the bacon and jalapenos perfectly.
- Fresh Cilantro: A pop of freshness that balances the richness of the soup.
- Lime Juice: A squeeze of lime juice at the end brightens up all the flavors.
Here are a few delicious Jalapeno Popper Soup variations I’ve tested.
- Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup: Add shredded cooked chicken for a heartier soup. Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup
- Instant Pot Creamy Jalapeno Soup: Use an Instant Pot for a super quick weeknight meal. Easy Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Jalapeno Soup {+ Stove Top …
- Spicy Jalapeno Popper Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Game nights call for the extra spicy version, while cozy weeknight dinners are perfect for the classic recipe. Trust your taste buds and get creative with your own variations!
Fellow food lovers, I’m so excited for you to try this recipe. I know you’ll love it as much as I do. This Jalapeno Popper Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience.
So go ahead, get in the kitchen, and create some delicious magic. I can’t wait to hear about your Jalapeno Popper Soup adventures!
If you’re loving this comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for my Jalapeno Popper Chicken Wraps! Check them out here:
This Jalapeno Popper Soup reminds me of another bold flavor favorite, my Spicy Jalapeno Popper Twists!
I even saw someone talking about a spicy Jalapeno soup recipe in this online group! It seems like everyone loves it: Has anyone tried Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup recipe?
For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out my Spicy Black Bean Soup
Jalapeno Popper Soup
This creamy Jalapeno Popper Soup is a delicious and comforting twist on the classic appetizer. It’s packed with cheesy flavor, spicy jalapenos, and a hint of bacon for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: extra cheddar cheese, bacon, chopped jalapenos, sour cream
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and jalapenos and cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cheddar cheese and milk and stir until cheese is melted and the soup is heated through. Do not boil.
- Stir in cooked bacon and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra cheddar cheese, bacon, chopped jalapenos, or sour cream, if desired.
Notes
For a spicier soup, leave the seeds in one or both jalapenos. You can also use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick. Serve with crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping.