This Jalapeno Popper Soup is creamy and packed with flavor! With spicy jalapenos, crispy bacon, and cheesy goodness, it’s like your favorite appetizer in a cozy bowl.
Honestly, who wouldn’t want to enjoy a warm bowl of this deliciousness while snuggling on the couch? It’s perfect for chilly days or when you simply want something comforting. 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: This adds a delicious smoky flavor. If you prefer a meat-free option, try crispy tempeh or mushrooms for a similar texture and umami taste.
Jalapenos: Fresh jalapenos give great heat and flavor. For milder soup, use poblano peppers, or if you want even more spice, keep the seeds in your jalapenos!
Cheeses: Sharp cheddar brings rich flavor, but you can mix it up with pepper jack for extra spice or use a dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.
Potatoes: They provide creaminess and substance. You can substitute with cauliflower for a lighter option. Just blend it well for a smooth texture.
How Do You Make the Soup Creamy Without Overcooking?
To ensure your Jalapeno Popper Soup is perfectly creamy without overcooking it, focus on two key steps: blending and adding dairy. Here’s how:
- After cooking the potatoes, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s mostly smooth, but leave some chunks for texture.
- Slowly stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream over low heat. This will help prevent curdling and keep the soup silky.
Keeping the heat low while adding cheese helps it melt without clumping, giving you that smooth finish.
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 6 strips bacon
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced (reserve 1 for garnish, including seeds if you like extra heat)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Sliced jalapeno rings
- Paprika or cayenne pepper, for sprinkling on top
Optional:
- Toasted bread or croutons for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, making it a great dish to whip up in about 40 minutes. You can enjoy this delicious soup fresh on the table in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Once done, remove the bacon strips and let them drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble or chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Keep about 1-2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pot for flavor!
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Add the chopped onion and diced jalapenos to the pot with the reserved bacon fat. Sauté these over medium heat until the onions are softened and translucent—this should take about 5 minutes. Yum!
3. Add Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring often to prevent burning. You’ll smell it getting delicious!
4. Cook the Potatoes:
Now, add the diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are nice and tender—this will take about 15 minutes.
5. Blend the Soup:
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it’s mostly smooth but still slightly chunky. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully blend it in batches using a regular blender.
6. Stir in the Creams:
Now comes the creamy part! Stir in the cream cheese, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue cooking over low heat, mixing frequently until everything is melted together and the soup is creamy.
7. Season:
Don’t forget to season your soup! Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting to your liking.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Grab your serving bowls and ladle the hot soup into them. Top with the crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, extra shredded cheddar, jalapeno slices, and a light sprinkle of paprika or cayenne pepper for a pop of color and extra heat!
9. Enjoy!
Serve the soup hot, and if you like, pair it with toasted bread or croutons on the side for a complete meal. Enjoy your creamy, spicy, and comforting Jalapeno Popper Soup!
Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead of Regular Bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a great lower-fat alternative. Just cook it until it’s crispy, and follow the same steps as you would with regular bacon. It may not have quite the same smoky flavor, so you might want to add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth!
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make the soup vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra veggies like corn or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
Can I Freeze the Leftover Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream to restore creaminess.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a non-dairy option, use coconut milk or a cashew cream blend for a similar creamy texture.
