Jalapeño Popper Bliss Soup

$To make a tasty Jalapeno Popper Soup, gather these fresh ingredients: - 4 fresh jalapeños, diced (remove seeds for less heat) - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) These ingredients bring a bright and zesty flavor to the soup. The jalapeños add a nice kick, while the corn gives a sweet touch. Onion and garlic make a great base, adding depth to each spoonful. You will also need a few pantry staples to complete the soup: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste This combination of items creates a creamy texture. The broth adds warmth, while the spices enhance the flavor profile. Cream cheese and cheddar make the soup rich and satisfying. Adding garnishes can really elevate your soup experience. Use these toppings: - ½ cup green onions, chopped - ¼ cup crispy tortilla strips Green onions add a fresh crunch, and tortilla strips provide a delightful texture. Together, they make every bite exciting and flavorful. Don’t skip the garnishes; they make your soup look and taste amazing! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it looks soft and clear, about 5 minutes. This brings out the onion's sweet flavor. Next, stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños. Sauté them for 2 more minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen and make your mouth water. Now it's time to add the star of our dish: the cream cheese. Place the softened cream cheese into the pot and stir it in. Let it melt a bit, making the soup rich and creamy. Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Keep stirring until the cream cheese blends in well and the mix is smooth. This step is key for a silky texture. Next, add the corn, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 10 to 15 minutes. This lets all the flavors mix nicely. Right before you serve, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts into the soup. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and top each one with chopped green onions and crispy tortilla strips. These toppings add a nice crunch and fresh flavor. To change the heat in your Jalapeno Popper Soup, start with the jalapeños. Remove the seeds and veins for less spice. If you like heat, keep them in. You can also swap fresh jalapeños for milder peppers, like poblano or Anaheim. Another option is to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra kick if needed. For that rich, creamy goodness, use softened cream cheese. This helps it blend smoothly. Stir it in when the pot is warm. Gradually add the broth while mixing. This avoids clumps. Let the soup simmer gently after adding the cheese. This allows all flavors to meld, creating a wonderful creamy texture. When it comes to cheese, pick sharp cheddar for a bold flavor. It melts well and adds creaminess. You can mix in some cream cheese for extra richness. If you want to try something new, use pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist. Always grate your cheese fresh for the best melt and taste. Pro Tips Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder soup, be sure to remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños, as these contain most of the heat. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and jalapeños will elevate the flavor profile of the soup, making it taste more vibrant and delicious. Make it Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Avocado, sour cream, or fresh cilantro can add extra layers of flavor and texture. {{image_2}} You can easily make this soup vegetarian. Start by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a creamy base, keep the cream cheese. You can also add extra veggies. Consider using bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach. These will add more flavor and nutrition. If you want to add protein, chicken or bacon are great choices. For chicken, use cooked, shredded pieces. Stir them in just before serving. If you prefer bacon, cook it until crispy, then crumble it on top. Both options boost flavor and make the soup heartier. Feel free to play with other ingredients. You can add black beans for extra protein and fiber. If you like it spicy, add more diced jalapeños or even some hot sauce. For a smoky flavor, consider adding chipotle peppers. Corn adds sweetness and texture, so don't skip it! Each addition makes the soup unique and delicious. You will want to store leftover soup in an airtight container. Let the soup cool first. Then, seal it tightly. This keeps moisture and flavor inside. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. For best taste, eat it sooner. When you reheat Jalapeno Popper Soup, do it slowly. Heat it on the stove over medium heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. If the soup seems thick, add a splash of broth or water. This keeps it creamy and smooth. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts and stir in between. This helps keep the flavor intact. If you want to freeze the soup, use freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top. The soup will expand as it freezes. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it on the stove for the best taste. Yes, you can make Jalapeno Popper Soup ahead of time. This soup tastes even better the next day. To do this, cook the soup, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. When you are ready to eat, heat it on the stove. Stir occasionally until hot. If the soup thickens, add a bit of broth or water. You can serve Jalapeno Popper Soup with a few tasty sides. A simple green salad pairs well. You can also enjoy it with crusty bread or tortilla chips. For a fun twist, try grilled cheese sandwiches. They add a nice crunch and complement the soup's creaminess. To make this soup spicier, add more jalapeños. You can keep the seeds for extra heat. Another option is to add a dash of hot sauce. If you like smoky flavors, try adding chipotle powder. Remember, start with a little and taste as you go. You can always add more spice, but it’s hard to take it away! In this article, we explored the tasty world of Jalapeno Popper Soup. We looked at the fresh ingredients, pantry staples, and garnishes to boost flavor. You learned step-by-step how to make the soup, from the base to the finishing touches. I shared tips to adjust the spice, ensure creaminess, and choose cheese. Keep in mind the variations you can try and how to best store the soup. Whether you’re making it ahead or pairing it with sides, this dish is sure to please. Enjoy creating your perfect Jalapeno Popper Soup!$

A creamy and spicy soup inspired by jalapeño poppers, perfect for a cozy meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

4 whole fresh jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cream cheese, softened
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and pepper
0.5 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
0.25 cup crispy tortilla strips (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños; sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the softened cream cheese to the pot and mix, allowing it to melt slightly.
Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Add the corn kernels, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
Let the soup simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Just before serving, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with chopped green onions and crispy tortilla strips for additional crunch.

Notes

Serve in rustic bowls for a cozy feel, and add extra cheese and jalapeño slices on top for visual appeal.

Keyword cheese, comfort food, jalapeño, soup