Jalapeno Popper Soup
This Jalapeno Popper Soup features diced bacon, fresh jalapenos, potatoes, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese blended into a creamy, slightly spicy soup. It combines crispy bacon with tender potatoes and a mix of dairy to create a comforting texture and layered spicy flavor. Perfect for cooler days, it can be garnished with extra jalapenos, bacon, and cheese for added richness.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Bacon diced into small pieces, uncooked
- 4 to 6 jalapeno pepper diced and deseeded* (See Notes, fresh
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 32 ounces chicken broth or two 14 to 15-ounce cans; I use lower sodium versions, carton
- 6 cups milk 2% or whole or half-and-half
- 2 ½ pounds potato peeled and diced into small 1/2-inch pieces (Russet potatoes may be substituted, Yukon gold variety
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened to room temp, brick-style
- 2 cups cheddar cheese mild to extra-sharp, set out to room temp, shredded
- kosher salt to taste
- black pepper to taste, freshly ground
- cayenne pepper optional and to taste
- jalapeño cooked bacon pieces, and shredded cheddar cheese for topping, finely diced or sliced, additional
Instructions
- To a large Dutch oven, or similar sized pot, add the bacon, and cook over medium heat for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until browned; don't drain off any of the bacon fat.
- Add the jalalpenos, and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until tender.
- Evenly sprinkle the flour, garlic powder, and stir to coat evenly. Tip - Do not skip this step, it's sort of like creating a rout, which is important later on so that your soup thickens properly.
- Slowly add the broth, while whisking constantly.
- Then add the milk or half-and-hailf, while whisking constantly.
- Add the diced potatoes, bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and boil for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Turn off the heat, add the cream cheese, shredded cheese, and stir gently until melted and combined.
- Taste the soup, and as desired add salt, pepper, and optionally cayenne pepper.**** (See Notes)
- Optionally (but recommended), garnish the soup with additional jalapenos, bacon, and/or cheese before serving. Soup will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 1 week. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, taking care not to overheat it, or heat it too quickly so the soup doesn't "break".
Notes
- Substitute canned diced green chiles for fresh jalapenos for a milder flavor, or use canned diced jalapenos for extra heat.
- Use 2% or whole milk or half-and-half to maintain appropriate creaminess without over-thickening the soup.
- Cut potatoes into small ½-inch dice to ensure they cook properly within the boiling time.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to add subtle depth or more pronounced spiciness according to taste.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 10 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 617
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 | |
| Calories | 617kcal | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 41g | 63% |
| Saturated Fat | 19g | 95% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 18g | 106% |
| Cholesterol | 99mg | 33% |
| Sodium | 1072mg | 45% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.