Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3–4 jalapeños, deseeded and chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: crushed tortilla chips, green onions, sour cream
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a pot; sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Stir in flour to make a roux; cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in broth, then add milk, cream, jalapeños, and bell pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add cream cheese in chunks and stir until smooth. Mix in shredded cheddar.
- Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer another 5–7 minutes.
- Top with bacon, tortilla chips, or sour cream and serve hot.
Notes
- For less spice, remove all jalapeño seeds or use mild green chilies.
- Make it gluten-free by substituting flour with cornstarch slurry.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting bacon and using veggie broth.
- Pairs well with crusty bread, salads, or citrusy white wine.
- For a smoky kick, add chipotle in adobo sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Main dishes
- Cuisine: American / Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Calories: Approx. 320 per serving
Keywords: spicy soup, jalapeño recipes, creamy soup, cheesy jalapeño soup, slow cooker jalapeño soup, popper-style soup, comfort soup, hot and cheesy soup, zesty soup, Tex-Mex soup