Description
Comfort meets heat in this irresistible Jalapeño Popper Soup, blending creamy textures with bold pepper punch. Hearty ingredients and zesty spices create a memorable bowl that delivers warmth and excitement with each delightful spoonful you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins and Base:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and diced
Dairy and Seasonings:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Render bacon in a large pot over medium heat until golden and crisp, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate while preserving the rendered fat.
- Sauté diced onions in the bacon drippings until translucent and softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic and finely chopped jalapenos to the pot, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to release their aromatic flavors.
- Stream chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer and allowing it to develop depth for 10 minutes.
- Lower the heat and incorporate heavy cream and cream cheese, whisking continuously until the cream cheese dissolves completely and creates a silky texture.
- Gradually fold in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until the soup transforms into a luxuriously creamy consistency.
- Enhance the flavor profile by seasoning with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, tasting and adjusting the spice levels as desired.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and embellish with reserved crispy bacon bits, freshly chopped cilantro, and thinly sliced green onions for a vibrant finishing touch.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeno quantity or removing seeds for milder flavor.
- Use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon alternatives for lighter, diet-friendly versions.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened at room temperature to melt smoothly without lumps.
- Consider adding roasted corn or diced bell peppers for extra texture and nutritional boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 372 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 740 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg