Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup

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Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup is a creamy, flavorful soup inspired by the classic jalapeño poppers appetizer. It’s loaded with cheese, bacon, and spicy jalapeños, offering a rich, comforting dish with just the right amount of heat. This soup is perfect for cool nights or as a fun starter for any gathering!

Ingredients:

  • 6-8 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4-6 fresh jalapeños, seeded and diced (adjust for spice level)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Green onions or chives, for garnish
  • Crushed tortilla chips, for garnish (optional)
  • Additional sliced jalapeños, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Bacon:
    • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables:
    • Add the butter to the pot with the bacon grease. Once melted, add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Make the Roux:
    • Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook the flour mixture for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  4. Add Broth and Simmer:
    • Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  5. Incorporate Cream and Cheeses:
    • Lower the heat to medium. Slowly add the heavy cream, cubed cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and pepper jack cheese. Stir constantly until all the cheeses are melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
  6. Season the Soup:
    • Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
  7. Serve:
    • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, green onions, and optional garnishes like crushed tortilla chips or extra sliced jalapeños for added crunch and heat.

Variations:

  1. Vegetarian Version:
    • Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the bacon. Add extra vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more flavor and texture.
  2. Low-Carb/Keto Option:
    • Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour to keep the soup low in carbs. You can also skip the flour entirely and rely on the cream cheese and heavy cream for thickening.
  3. Extra Heat:
    • Add more jalapeños, or include a few diced serrano peppers or a dash of hot sauce to increase the spiciness.
  4. Lighter Version:
    • Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use reduced-fat cream cheese to lighten the soup.

Benefits:

  • Rich in Protein: This soup contains plenty of protein from cheese, bacon, and cream, which helps keep you full and supports muscle repair.
  • Boosts Metabolism: The spiciness from jalapeños can help boost metabolism and aid digestion.
  • Comforting and Satisfying: The creamy texture and warm, spicy flavors make this soup incredibly comforting, perfect for cold weather or whenever you need a satisfying meal.

Tips for Making Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup:

  1. Control the Spice Level:
    • If you prefer a milder soup, use fewer jalapeños and remove the seeds and membranes, which hold most of the heat. For a spicier version, keep the seeds and membranes, or add hotter peppers.
  2. Smooth Consistency:
    • For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency before adding the cheese.
  3. Serving Suggestions:
    • Serve with crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping. It also pairs well with a fresh salad or a side of avocado slices to balance the richness.

Conclusion:

Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup is a delicious and unique way to enjoy the flavors of jalapeño poppers in a comforting, warm soup form. It’s customizable to suit different spice preferences and dietary needs, making it an excellent choice for a variety of occasions.

Would you like more ideas for customization or additional recipes that complement this soup?

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