Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup with Grilled Cheese Dippers Recipe
A creamy and spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup loaded with melted cheeses, chunks of chicken, and a kick of jalapeño heat, served alongside crispy homemade grilled cheese dippers. This comforting soup captures the flavors of jalapeño poppers in a hearty, luscious bowl perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Logan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop Simmering, Pan Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Soup Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk or heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 4–5 jalapeños, chopped (seeds and membranes removed for mild heat)
- 1/2 cup cooked, diced chicken or a suitable protein
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Grilled Cheese Dipper Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread (white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent, releasing their fragrant flavors.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and milk (or heavy cream). Stir the mixture well and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Melt Cheeses: Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses to the simmering pot, stirring constantly to ensure they melt smoothly and the soup becomes creamy without clumping.
- Add Jalapeños and Protein: Stir in the chopped jalapeños and cooked diced chicken (or chosen protein). Combine everything thoroughly. Taste and season with salt and pepper. For more heat, add extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Prepare Grilled Cheese Dippers: Butter one side of each bread slice. Heat a skillet over medium heat and place two slices of bread, buttered side down. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, then cover with the other two slices, buttered side up. Cook until golden brown on both sides, flipping halfway through. Remove from heat and cut into strips or triangles for dipping.
- Serve: Ladle the creamy jalapeño popper soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions if desired. Serve alongside the warm, melty grilled cheese dippers for dipping and enjoying.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and omit chicken or use plant-based protein.
- To increase soup thickness, add a slurry of cornstarch and water before adding the cheeses.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity to control the spice level; removing seeds reduces heat significantly.
- Use sourdough bread for the grilled cheese for an extra tangy flavor contrast.
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling.
- Grilled cheese dippers can be made ahead and reheated in a toaster oven for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl soup with grilled cheese dippers
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: jalapeño popper soup, grilled cheese dippers, creamy soup, spicy soup, comfort food, cheesy soup, easy dinner recipe