🥣 Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup with Grilled Cheese Dippers 🧄 Ingredients: For the Soup: 6 strips tur...

🥣 Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup with Grilled Cheese Dippers

🧄 Ingredients:
For the Soup:

6 strips turkey bacon or beef bacon, chopped

1 tbsp olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

3–4 jalapeños, seeded and diced (keep seeds if you like it hot!)

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups chicken broth

2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, cubed

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup half-and-half or whole milk

Salt & pepper to taste

Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for extra heat

For the Grilled Cheese Dippers:

4 slices thick bread (sourdough or white)

1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or a mix)

2 tbsp butter

🔥 Directions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a large pot over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside. Leave a little grease in the pot (or add olive oil).

2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add onion and jalapeños. Sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

3. Build the Base:
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add cream cheese cubes and stir until melted and smooth.

4. Make it Creamy & Cheesy:
Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and half-and-half. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.

5. Finish Strong:
Add the crispy bacon back in, reserving a bit for garnish. Serve hot!

Grilled Cheese Dippers:

1. Assemble & Toast:
Butter one side of each bread slice. Place cheese between two slices (butter side out). Grill in a skillet until golden and crispy on both sides.

2. Slice & Serve:
Cut into strips for dipping. Serve alongside the soup for the ultimate combo!

⏱️ Quick Facts:
Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 45 mins

Servings: 4

Calories: ~540 per serving (soup + dippers)