Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup With Grilled Cheese Dippers (Printable)
Creamy, spicy soup with crispy cheesy dippers for ultimate comfort food experience.
# What You'll Need:
→ Soup Base
01 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 4 large jalapeños, seeds removed and finely diced
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
10 - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
11 - 4 cups vegetable broth
→ Cream & Cheese
12 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
13 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
14 - 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
15 - 1/2 cup whole milk
→ Garnishes
16 - Salt and black pepper to taste
17 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
18 - 4 slices cooked crispy bacon, crumbled
→ Grilled Cheese Dippers
19 - 8 slices sandwich bread
20 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
21 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
22 - 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
# How To Make It:
01 - Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes.
02 - Add garlic, jalapeños, and red bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
03 - Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Sprinkle flour over vegetables, stirring constantly for 2–3 minutes to cook the flour.
05 - Gradually pour in vegetable broth, whisking until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
06 - Add cream cheese cubes, stirring until melted and incorporated.
07 - Add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until melted.
08 - Stir in milk and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
09 - Use an immersion blender to blend to desired consistency. Keep warm on low heat.
10 - Butter one side of each bread slice. Place 4 slices butter-side down on a skillet over medium heat. Top with both cheeses, then cover with remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
11 - Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted. Remove from heat and cut each sandwich into strips.
12 - Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with green onions and bacon. Serve with grilled cheese dippers.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It takes all the cheesy, spicy comfort of jalapeño poppers and transforms it into something you can eat with a spoon
- The grilled cheese dippers make every bite feel like a nostalgic childhood memory upgraded
02 -
- Don't rush the roux step or you'll end up with a floury tasting soup
- Temper your cream cheese by letting it sit out for an hour so it melts smoothly without leaving clumps
03 -
- Grate your own cheese from blocks instead of buying pre shredded for the smoothest melting
- Don't let the soup come to a rolling boil after adding dairy or it might separate