If you love the bold, cheesy, and spicy flavor of jalapeño poppers, you’ll fall in love with this Jalapeño Popper Soup. It takes everything you adore about the classic appetizer—jalapeños, cream cheese, bacon, and cheddar—and transforms it into a hearty, creamy soup that’s perfect for cold nights. The first time I made this, I served it with crusty bread, and it was gone in minutes. It’s rich yet balanced, with a gentle heat that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving something indulgent, this soup delivers all the comfort you need.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup combines creaminess, spice, and smoky flavor into one satisfying bowl. It’s quick to prepare, deeply flavorful, and comforting without being too heavy. The crispy bacon adds texture, while the cream cheese and cheddar create a silky, rich base. You’ll love how easily you can adjust the spice level by adding or reducing the jalapeños. It’s ideal for cozy dinners, game days, or any time you want a little kick in your comfort food.
Jalapeño Popper Soup – A Creamy, Spicy Bowl of Comfort
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Jalapeño Popper Soup is a creamy, spicy, and comforting dish inspired by the flavors of the classic appetizer. It features smoky bacon, roasted jalapeños, cream cheese, and cheddar for a rich and cheesy soup with a satisfying kick.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4–5 jalapeños, diced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, reserving 1 tbsp of bacon fat in the pot.
- Add butter to the pot, then sauté onion and jalapeños for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir for 1 minute to form a light roux (optional step for thicker soup).
- Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth, then add heavy cream, cheddar cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Stir in cooked bacon (reserve some for garnish).
- Ladle into bowls and top with extra cheddar, green onions, and remaining bacon bits.
Notes
- For a smokier flavor, roast the jalapeños before dicing.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Blend the soup partially with an immersion blender for a smoother texture.
- Serve with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or a side salad for a full meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Jalapeños: The star of the dish. Use fresh jalapeños for the best flavor and control the heat by removing the seeds and membranes.
Bacon: Adds smoky depth and a crispy topping that complements the creamy soup beautifully.
Cream Cheese: Creates the signature smooth, velvety texture that makes this soup irresistible.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds richness and sharpness that balances the spice.
Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the soup, adding savory flavor and depth.
Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and rounds out the flavors. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter option.
Garlic and Onion: Aromatic essentials that build a flavorful foundation.
Butter: Used for sautéing the aromatics and enhancing the soup’s richness.
Flour: Helps thicken the soup slightly, giving it a satisfying body.
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that balance and enhance all the other flavors.
Paprika (optional): Adds a hint of smokiness that pairs well with the jalapeños.
Green Onions: For garnish and a pop of freshness.
Directions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving a bit of the rendered fat in the pot. Add butter, chopped onion, and minced garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for one minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth, then add the diced jalapeños. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add the heavy cream and cheddar cheese, stirring until creamy and well combined. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Serve hot, topped with crispy bacon, extra cheddar, and sliced green onions.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
Serves 6 people. Preparation time: 10 minutes. Cooking time: 30 minutes. Total time: about 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from separating. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just reheat slowly after thawing for the best texture.
Variations and Customizations
Chicken Jalapeño Popper Soup: Add shredded rotisserie chicken for a hearty, protein-packed twist.
Loaded Potato Version: Stir in diced cooked potatoes for extra comfort and thickness.
Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, or an extra jalapeño for more heat.
Low-Carb/Keto Option: Skip the flour and use heavy cream and extra cheese to thicken the soup.
Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Smoky Twist: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or use chipotle peppers for depth.
Bacon Lovers: Crumble extra bacon on top for a crunch in every bite.
Roasted Jalapeño Flavor: Roast the jalapeños before adding them to enhance their sweetness.
Cheese Blend: Use a mix of cheeses like pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for a melty, complex flavor.
Bread Bowl Serving: Serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for an impressive presentation.
FAQs
How spicy is jalapeño popper soup?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat by using fewer or more jalapeños or removing the seeds.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, this soup reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
Can I use canned jalapeños?
Yes, though fresh jalapeños offer a fresher, brighter flavor.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar and cream cheese create the perfect creamy texture and flavor balance.
Can I make it keto-friendly?
Yes, omit the flour and use heavy cream with extra cheese to keep it low-carb.
Can I add chicken or sausage?
Absolutely—both work well for added protein.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based cream cheese and coconut milk as substitutes, though the flavor will differ slightly.
How do I thicken the soup?
Simmer longer or add a bit more cheese for a thicker consistency.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze in portions for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What can I serve with this soup?
It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a light salad.
Conclusion
Jalapeño Popper Soup is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy comfort and bold, spicy flavor. It’s an easy yet indulgent recipe that transforms the flavors of everyone’s favorite appetizer into a soul-warming meal. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner, an impressive party dish, or a fun twist on traditional soups, this recipe delivers every time. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it all season long—it’s spicy, creamy perfection in a bowl.
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