Spicy Jalapeño Popper Delight Soup with Grilled Cheese
A creamy, savory soup inspired by classic popper flavors, paired with golden grilled cheese strips for dipping, offering a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch.
Ingredients
- Turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 4-5 fresh jalapeños, diced (seeds removed)
- 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 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 slices white bread, cut into strips
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Chop turkey bacon and cook in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Add onion to the pot and sauté for 3 minutes. Add jalapeños and garlic; sauté for 2 more minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low.
- Gradually stir in cream cheese cubes until fully melted and smooth. Mix in heavy cream and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer a portion of the soup to a blender (or use immersion blender) and puree until smooth. Return to pot.
- Meanwhile, prepare grilled cheese dippers: combine flour with a pinch of salt in a bowl. Dip bread strips in mixture, then sauté in butter over medium heat until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
- Ladle soup into bowls, top with reserved bacon, and serve with grilled cheese strips on the side.
Notes
Use turkey or beef bacon for non-pork compliance; tempeh bacon is a vegetarian alternative.
Neufchâtel cheese can substitute cream cheese for lower fat.
Half-and-half lightens the soup; texture will be slightly thinner.
Neufchâtel cheese can substitute cream cheese for lower fat.
Half-and-half lightens the soup; texture will be slightly thinner.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 25gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 180mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5g
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