Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup with Grilled Cheese Dippers

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup heavy cream
Fresh cilantro for garnish

For the Grilled Cheese Dippers:
8 slices of bread
4 slices of cheddar cheese
Butter for grilling

Directions:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil 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 or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Add the softened cream cheese, stirring until fully melted and combined.

Incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Allow the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Once the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy, stir in the heavy cream and heat through. Adjust seasoning as needed.

For the Grilled Cheese Dippers, butter one side of each slice of bread. Place a slice of cheese between two slices of bread, buttered sides out. Heat a skillet over medium heat and grill the sandwiches until golden brown on both sides and the cheese is melted.

Cut the grilled cheese sandwiches into strips for dipping. Serve the spicy jalapeño popper soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, alongside the grilled cheese dippers.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings