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- 4 fresh jalapeños, stems removed and diced - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or canned - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cumin - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish - Tortilla chips for serving This soup has a rich and creamy base. The fresh jalapeños give it that nice kick. You can adjust the heat by changing the amount of jalapeños you use. I love adding the onions and garlic first. This builds a great flavor. Sauté them in olive oil until they are soft. The broth is the next key part. Use chicken broth for a savory touch or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. The cream cheese adds that creamy texture we want in our soup. It melts into the broth and makes everything smooth. Next, you’ll blend in the cheddar cheese and corn. The corn adds sweetness and texture. Smoked paprika and cumin bring warmth and depth to the soup. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. This dish gets even better with fresh cilantro on top. And of course, tortilla chips make the perfect crunchy side. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Chop one medium onion and add it to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until it turns soft and clear. 3. Mince three cloves of garlic and add them to the pot. Cook for another 2 minutes. 4. Dice four fresh jalapeños, keeping the heat level in mind. Add them to the pot and stir well. 5. Pour in four cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mix to a gentle simmer. 1. Take one cup of softened cream cheese and add it to the pot. Stir until it melts smoothly into the broth. 2. Next, add one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cheese is fully melted. 1. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you want more heat, add extra diced jalapeños. 2. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. 3. Serve the soup hot, garnished with 1/4 cup of fresh chopped cilantro. 4. Pair it with tortilla chips for a crunchy touch. Enjoy every savory bite! You can change the heat by modifying the jalapeño quantity. If you want a milder soup, use fewer jalapeños. Start with two instead of four. You can also remove the seeds to lower the heat. If you like it spicy, add more diced jalapeños. You can even sprinkle in some cayenne or crushed red pepper for extra kick. To make the soup creamier, focus on the cream cheese. Soften it well before adding it to the pot. This helps it melt smoothly. You can also use half-and-half or sour cream for a different creamy texture. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream. It adds richness without the milk. Serve the soup in rustic bowls for a cozy feel. Add a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese on top for color and flavor. Fresh cilantro not only looks great but also adds a bright taste. Don't forget the tortilla chips! They add crunch and fun to each bite. Pro Tips Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder soup, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before dicing them. This will reduce the heat while still providing flavor. Cheese Variations: For a richer flavor, consider mixing different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack with the cheddar. Make it Creamy: Blend the soup with an immersion blender after simmering for a smoother texture, if you prefer a creamier soup. Garnish Ideas: Enhance the presentation by adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits on top before serving. {{image_2}} To make this soup vegetarian, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Use cream cheese made from plants, like cashew or almond. For cheese, try a flavor-packed cheddar alternative made from nuts or soy. These swaps keep the soup rich and tasty while being meat-free. For a vegan twist, start with non-dairy cream cheese. Brands like Tofutti or Kite Hill work well. For cheese, look for veggie-based options like vegan cheddar or mozzarella. This way, you enjoy the creamy texture without dairy. The flavors still shine through, making it a delightful dish. You can add proteins like cooked chicken or crispy bacon. Both add a savory punch and complement the jalapeños well. If you want more veggies, consider corn, bell peppers, or even spinach. Each option brings its own taste and texture, letting you customize your soup to fit your mood. To keep your jalapeño popper soup fresh, you can refrigerate or freeze it. - For refrigeration, let the soup cool down first. - Pour it into airtight containers. - It will stay good for a few days in the fridge. For freezing, use freezer-safe containers. - Make sure to leave space for expansion. - You can also use freezer bags for easy storage. - Just remember to label them with the date. When you want to enjoy the soup again, reheating is simple. - The best way is to use a pot on the stove. - Heat it over medium-low heat, stirring often. - If you prefer, you can use a microwave. To avoid separation, stir in a bit of cream cheese while reheating. - This keeps the soup creamy and smooth. - If it seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water. In the fridge, your soup lasts about 3 to 4 days. - After that, it may start to spoil. Watch for signs of spoilage. - If you see any mold, toss it out. - A sour smell or off taste also means it’s time to let go. - Always trust your senses when checking food! Yes, you can use frozen jalapeños. They work well in this soup. Just thaw them first and chop. Frozen jalapeños may lose some crunch but keep their flavor. To spice up your soup, add more jalapeños. You can also add hot sauce or diced serrano peppers. Adjust the spice to match your taste. Start small and taste as you go. Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it on the stove when you're ready to serve. The flavors may even improve overnight! Great sides include crispy tortilla chips or a fresh salad. You can also serve cornbread or grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting meal. These sides pair nicely with the creamy soup. To lower the calories, use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheese. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. Skipping the tortilla chips or using baked chips helps too. This blog post covered a tasty jalapeño popper soup recipe. We explored the ingredients, from fresh jalapeños to creamy cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions to simplify cooking for you. We discussed tips to adjust spice levels and make it creamier. Variations offer options for vegetarians and vegans. Lastly, I explained storage methods and reheating to enjoy later. Embrace your culinary skills and enjoy every spoonful of this creamy, spicy delight!

Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup

A creamy and spicy soup featuring jalapeños, cheese, and corn, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 whole fresh jalapeños, stems removed and diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • as needed tortilla chips (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic and diced jalapeños to the pot, and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Stir in the cream cheese until it melts smoothly into the broth.
  • Add the shredded cheddar cheese, corn kernels, smoked paprika, and cumin. Stir until the cheese is well incorporated and the soup is heated through.
  • Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you'd like a spicier soup, feel free to add extra diced jalapeños at this point.
  • Allow the soup to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld together.
  • Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and accompanied by tortilla chips for added crunch.

Notes

Adjust the number of jalapeños based on your heat preference.
Keyword cheese, comfort food, jalapeño, soup, spicy