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Creamy Jalapeño Popper Soup in a white bowl topped with bacon, cheddar, and jalapeño slices.
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Ingredients

Scale

    • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed for sautéing)

    • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

    • 4 fresh jalapeños, seeded and diced (keep some seeds if you like more heat)

    • 3 cloves garlic, minced

    • 4 cups chicken broth

    • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)

    • 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed

    • 1 cup heavy cream

    • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

    • ½ teaspoon cumin (optional, for depth)

    • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

    • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

    • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

    • Fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or extra jalapeño slices for garnish

Instructions

    1. Cook the bacon. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it’s golden and crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, but leave about 1 tablespoon of the rendered fat in the pot for flavor.

    1. Sauté the aromatics. Add the onion, jalapeños, and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are soft and the jalapeños become fragrant.

    1. Build the soup base Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the shredded chicken.

    1. Add creaminess.Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the cubed cream cheese and stir until completely melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking gently so everything blends smoothly.

    1. Melt in the cheese. Add shredded cheddar a handful at a time, stirring until it melts before adding more. This keeps the soup silky instead of clumpy.

    1. Season Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

    1. Optional thickening If you prefer a thicker soup, whisk in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the soup slightly thickens.

    1. Finish with bacon Stir half the bacon into the pot and reserve the rest for garnishing.

    1. Serve and enjoy Ladle into bowls, top with bacon, fresh cilantro, extra cheese, or jalapeño slices, and dig in while it’s hot.

Find it online: https://mimarecipes.com/jalapeno-popper-soup/