Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup With Grilled Cheese Dippers
This rich creamy and spicy soup takes all the flavor of jalapeño poppers and transforms it into a comforting bowl of warmth Topped with crispy bacon and served with golden grilled cheese dippers it delivers cheesy smoky heat in every bite Perfect for cold nights game days or whenever you crave something indulgent and soul satisfying
Time Required
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Soup
4 slices beef chopped
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion diced
3 to 4 jalapeños seeded and diced
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 block cream cheese softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings sliced jalapeños extra cheese crumbled bacon
For the Grilled Cheese Dippers
4 slices bread
1 cup shredded cheddar or cheese of choice
1 to 2 tablespoons butter softened
Instructions
Cook the beef in a large pot over medium heat until crisp Remove and set aside leaving about 1 tablespoon of beef fat in the pot
Add butter onion and jalapeños Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until soft
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute
Sprinkle in flour and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to create a roux
Slowly pour in chicken broth milk and cream Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer
Add cream cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth
Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and fully blended into the soup
Season with salt and pepper Add cooked bacon back in or reserve for topping
Keep warm on low heat while making grilled cheese dippers
For the Grilled Cheese Dippers
Butter one side of each slice of bread
Place cheese between two slices buttered side out
Cook on a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and cheese is melted about 3 minutes per side
Cut into strips for dipping
Tips
Use gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation
For less heat remove all seeds and white membranes from the jalapeños
Soften cream cheese before adding to prevent clumps
Stir soup constantly after adding cheese to keep it smooth and creamy
Use a hand blender for a smoother texture if desired but keep some chunks for classic popper style
Toast the grilled cheese slowly on low to medium heat for extra meltiness
Variations
Swap cheddar for pepper jack mozzarella or gouda for different flavor profiles
Add shredded chicken to the soup for extra protein
Use turkey beef for a lighter version
Make it vegetarian by skipping the beef and using veggie broth
Add corn or black beans for a Tex Mex twist
Use sourdough or rye bread for heartier grilled cheese dippers
Spice it up more with cayenne chili flakes or hot sauce stirred into the soup
Q&A
Q Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A Yes you can store it in the fridge for up to three days Reheat gently and stir well before serving
Q Can I freeze the soup?
A It is best fresh because of the dairy content but you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to one month Stir well when reheating
Q Is this soup very spicy?
A It has a medium kick but you can adjust the spice level by using more or fewer jalapeños or leaving in the seeds for extra heat
Q Can I use low fat ingredients?
A Yes you can use low fat cream cheese and milk but the soup will be slightly thinner
Nutrition Estimate per Serving
Calories 500 to 600
Protein 20 to 25g
Carbohydrates 25 to 30g
Fat 35 to 40g
Fiber 2 to 3g
Sodium 800 to 1000mg
Values are approximate and depend on cheese bread and bacon type used
Conclusion
Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup with Grilled Cheese Dippers is the perfect comfort food that blends heat richness and crunch into one cozy meal It is bold flavorful and fun to eat whether on a chilly evening or when you just want something cheesy and satisfying Make it your own with added protein or extra toppings and enjoy every warm and spicy spoonful