*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 (optional) – 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste) – 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste) – 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version) – 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
*For the Grilled Cheese Dippers*: – 4 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough, white, or whole wheat) – 2 tablespoons butter, softened – 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar)
*Instructions*:
*For the Soup*: 1. *Sauté the aromatics*: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. *Add the broth and spices*: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin (if using), salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors combine. 3. *Add the cream cheese and cheese*: Stir in the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until the cream cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes smooth.
4. *Add the jalapeños*: Stir in the diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled), then let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the soup is too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
5. *Finish with cream*: Pour in the heavy cream (or milk) and stir until the soup is creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
6. *Serve*: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
*For the Grilled Cheese Dippers*: 1. *Prepare the sandwiches*: Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. On the other side of two slices, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese.
2. *Grill the sandwiches*: Place the slices together (butter side out) and grill them in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
3. *Cut into dippers*: Once the grilled cheese sandwiches are ready, cut them into strips or small squares to use as dippers.
*Serve*: Serve the spicy jalapeño popper soup in bowls, accompanied by the grilled cheese dippers. Dip the cheesy bread into the creamy, spicy soup for a delicious, comforting meal!
Enjoy your Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup with Grilled Cheese Dippers
