All the bold flavors of your favorite jalapeño poppers transformed into a cozy, creamy soup, paired with crispy grilled cheese sticks perfect for dipping!
Author:Sarah
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Soup, Main Dish
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American Comfort Food
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 small onion, diced
3–4 jalapeños, seeded and diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: extra crumbled bacon, sliced jalapeños, green onions
8 slices bread
4 tablespoons butter, softened
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, or a mix)
Instructions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving about 1–2 tablespoons bacon fat in the pot.
Add diced onion and jalapeños. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add heavy cream, cheddar cheese, paprika, and cumin. Stir constantly until cheese is melted and soup is creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Return cooked bacon to the pot, reserving some for topping if desired.
Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place shredded cheese between two slices, buttered sides out.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook sandwiches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and melted.
Slice grilled cheese sandwiches into strips for dunking.
Notes
Extra Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or use pepper jack cheese.
Milder Version: Only use 2 jalapeños and remove all seeds and membranes.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead.