Description
A creamy and spicy soup inspired by jalapeño poppers, served with delicious grilled cheese dippers.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled, adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- 8 slices of bread (your choice)
- 4 ounces sliced cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces sliced pepper jack cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the cream cheese, stirring until it melts and combines smoothly with the broth.
- Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, shredded pepper jack cheese, and milk. Mix until the cheeses are fully melted and the soup is creamy.
- Add the diced jalapeños and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the soup simmers, prepare the grilled cheese dippers. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- Place half of the slices butter-side down in the skillet. Layer the cheddar and pepper jack cheese on top, then cover with the remaining slices of bread, butter-side up. Cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and cut into strips.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired, alongside the grilled cheese dippers for dipping.
Notes
- For a milder version, use fewer jalapeños or substitute with bell peppers.
- Add crispy bacon bits to the soup for extra flavor and crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg