🌶️ Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup with Grilled Cheese Dippers 🥪

Take all the bold, creamy flavors of your favorite jalapeño poppers and transform them into a soul-warming, ultra-cheesy Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup! Paired with buttery, melty grilled cheese dippers, this comfort food combo is perfect for chilly nights, game days, or anytime you’re craving something rich and flavorful with a spicy kick.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Soup:

6 slices bacon, chopped
1 small onion, finely diced
4-5 fresh jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened and cubed
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions (for garnish)

For the Grilled Cheese Dippers:

8 slices of bread (sourdough or your favorite)
2 cups shredded cheddar or cheese blend
4 tablespoons butter, softened

👨‍🍳 Instructions

Prepare the Soup:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving a bit of bacon grease in the pot.
Add diced onion and jalapeños to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Add cubed cream cheese and stir until fully melted and smooth.
Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until creamy and fully combined.
Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing flavors to blend.
Garnish with crispy bacon and chopped chives or green onions before serving.

Prepare the Grilled Cheese Dippers:

Butter one side of each slice of bread.
Layer shredded cheese between two slices, buttered sides facing out.
Grill on a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Cut into strips perfect for dipping into your soup.

💡 Tips & Variations

For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Substitute smoked gouda or Monterey Jack cheese for a delicious twist.
Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content.
Add a splash of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream before serving for even more flavor!

📊 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 600
Protein: 28g
Fat: 45g
Carbs: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 850mg

❄️ Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Reheat: Warm slowly to prevent cream from separating.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

This Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup with Grilled Cheese Dippers is creamy, cheesy, smoky, and irresistibly comforting. It’s the ultimate cold-weather meal or game-day hit that your family and friends will rave about. Save this recipe — you’ll be making it again and again!

Spicy Jalapeno Popper Soup with Grilled Cheese Dippers