Spicy Creamy Jalapeno Popper Soup 🌶️🍲

This mouthwatering soup is the perfect blend of creamy goodness and zesty spice, embodying the classic flavors of jalapeno poppers in a cozy bowl. Ideal for chilly nights or as a party starter, this dish will warm your heart and tickle your taste buds!

Serve it with crispy tortilla chips or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits for added crunch. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can elevate each bowl to new heights! 🥄🧀

Ingredients

For the soup base

• 4 slices of bacon (optional)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups cream cheese (softened)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2-4 fresh jalapenos, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For garnishing

• Chopped green onions
• Sour cream
• Fresh cilantro (optional)
• Crumbled tortilla chips

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon (optional): In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.

2. Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté in the bacon drippings (or olive oil if you skip the bacon) until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

3. Add broth and potatoes: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth along with the cubed potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

4. Blend it up: Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. You can also transfer it in batches to a regular blender (be cautious with hot liquids).

5. Add creamy goodness: Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth. Then add in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chopped jalapenos, smoked paprika, and cumin. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.

🥄 For a smoother soup, blend additional jalapenos into the mixture or blend the soup longer for a richer texture.

6. Season: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and extra spices as desired.

7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with chopped bacon (if you used it), extra cheddar cheese, green onions, a dollop of sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips.

Variations

• Vegan: Substitute the cream cheese and cheese with cashew cream or a dairy-free cream cheese. Use vegetable broth and skip the bacon.

• Low Carb/Keto: Replace potatoes with cauliflower for a low-carb base that mimics the creamy texture.

• Spicier: Increase the number of jalapenos or add a splash of hot sauce to the mixture for an extra kick!

• Slow Cooker: Combine all the ingredients (excluding cheese and garnishes) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in the cheese during the last 30 minutes before serving.

Enjoy this delightful soup that brings warmth and spice to any table! 🌶️❤️✨