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Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup with Grilled Cheese Dippers

Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup with Grilled Cheese Dippers
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Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup with Grilled Cheese Dippers is a cozy, creamy soup that perfectly balances a mild jalapeño heat with rich, cheesy flavors. Paired with crispy, buttery grilled cheese sticks, this comforting dish offers a delightful mix of textures and bold yet balanced flavors, ideal for chilly days or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Ingredients

  • 2–3 Fresh Jalapeños (adjust to taste, seeds removed for less heat)
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
  • 4 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth
  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • Optional: 4 slices Bacon
  • 1 cup Milk or Heavy Cream

Grilled Cheese Dippers

  • 6 slices Bread (sourdough or white sandwich bread recommended)
  • Butter, for grilling
  • Additional Sharp Cheddar Cheese or mozzarella for extra cheesy dippers (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and finely chop fresh jalapeños, removing seeds if you prefer less heat. Dice onions and mince garlic. Grate sharp cheddar cheese. Cut bread into sticks or small slices for grilling.
  2. Cook the Base: In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic in butter or oil over medium heat until soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. If using bacon, cook until crisp first, then set aside and use the rendered fat for the sauté.
  3. Add Jalapeños and Liquids: Stir in the chopped jalapeños and cook for 2 more minutes to release their flavors. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Blend and Add Cheese: Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Blend to desired consistency—smooth or slightly chunky. Return the soup to the pot and stir in cream cheese and shredded cheddar until melted and silky smooth.
  5. Prepare Grilled Cheese Dippers: Butter both sides of the bread sticks. Grill in a pan over medium heat until golden brown and the cheese inside is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side. Keep warm for dipping.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls. Optionally sprinkle with reserved bacon, extra cheese, or green onions. Serve alongside the grilled cheese dippers for a perfect combination.

Notes

  • Control the Heat: Remove seeds and membranes from jalapeños to reduce spice; keep them for more heat.
  • Use good-quality sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor and melting texture.
  • Blend the soup according to preference: lightly for texture or thoroughly for a silky smooth finish.
  • Grill bread over medium heat to avoid burning before cheese melts.
  • The soup tastes better the next day as flavors develop; store grilled cheese separately to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy soup, jalapeño, popper soup, grilled cheese dippers, comfort food, creamy soup, easy recipe

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/spicy-jalapeo-popper-soup-with-grilled-cheese-dippers/