Description
A creamy, spicy soup inspired by jalapeño poppers, loaded with cheese, bacon, and jalapeños — served with crispy grilled cheese dippers for the ultimate comfort meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3–4 jalapeños, seeded and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices bread
- 2 tbsp butter (for bread)
- 4 slices cheddar or American cheese (for grilled cheese dippers)
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tbsp of fat in the pot.
- Add 1 tbsp butter to the pot, then sauté the diced onion and jalapeños until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Sprinkle in flour and stir for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flavor.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add cream and stir until well combined.
- Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Then add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Return bacon to the soup, reserving a bit for garnish. Let simmer on low for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, prepare grilled cheese dippers: Butter one side of each bread slice. Place 2 slices, butter-side-down, in a skillet over medium heat. Add cheese slices and top with the other bread slices, butter-side-up. Grill until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3–4 minutes per side. Cut into strips.
- Serve soup hot, topped with extra bacon and jalapeño slices if desired, alongside grilled cheese dippers.
Notes
- Adjust the spice by leaving some jalapeño seeds in, or using more/less jalapeños.
- For a smoky twist, use smoked cheddar or gouda in the soup.
- You can make this soup thicker by reducing the broth slightly or blending a portion of it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl with dippers
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: jalapeño popper soup, spicy soup, grilled cheese dippers, comfort food, bacon, cheddar, creamy soup