Jalapeño Bacon Cheddar Soup - A Spicy Twist on a Classic

If you love the combination of spicy, smoky, and cheesy flavors, this jalapeño bacon cheddar soup needs to be your next comfort food make. This flavor-packed soup provides a zesty twist on a cozy classic. Keep reading for the simple recipe and tips for preparing this crowd-pleasing soup.

What is Jalapeño Bacon Cheddar Soup?

As the name suggests, this soup brings together jalapeños, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese into a hearty, spicy play on traditional potato cheddar soup. The key ingredients are:

• Creamy potato soup base
• Monterey jack and cheddar cheese
• Crisp cooked bacon
• Chopped fresh jalapeños
• Scallions

When blended together and topped with tortilla chips, the result is cheddar soup turned up to 11!

Benefits of Jalapeño Bacon Cheddar Soup

Some of the best things about this soup include:

• Smoky, spicy and cheesy flavors
• Thick and creamy texture
• Customizable spice level
• Easy 30-minute recipe
• Perfect for chilly weather meals

This simple recipe delivers maximum comfort and flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Jalapeño bacon cheddar soup just requires:

• Bacon
• Onion and garlic
• Potatoes
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Cheddar cheese
• Jalapeños

See the step-by-step instructions below for exact measurements and amounts.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Here is an overview of the simple process:

Cook the Bacon

Cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics

In the bacon fat, sauté the onions and garlic until softened and fragrant.

Simmer the Soup

Add potatoes, broth, and heavy cream. Simmer until potatoes are tender.

Blend the Soup

Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup until smooth.

Finish with Cheese and Toppings

Stir in cheddar and monterey jack until melted. Top with bacon, jalapeños and tortilla chips.

Recipe Customizations

Some ways to adapt this recipe to your tastes:

• Use spicier peppers like habaneros or ghost peppers
• Add smoky chipotle peppers in adobo
• Swap in pepper jack cheese for extra kick
• Stir in cooked chorizo along with bacon
• Top with pico de gallo or avocado

Make it your own!

Serving Suggestions

This rich, hearty soup is delicious with:

• Warm garlic bread or rolls for dipping
• Tortilla chips or crackers
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro

Storing and Freezing Soup

Store soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to one week. You can also freeze soup:

• In individual portions up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating
• Add broth or cream to thin, if needed

FAQs

How can I adjust the spice level?

Add less jalapeño for milder heat or extra spicy varieties for more kick.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon can be substituted. The flavor may be a bit milder.

Do I need to use both cheddar and Monterey Jack?

Feel free to use just cheddar if you don't have both. But both cheeses provide great flavor.

Can I use half and half instead of heavy cream?

Absolutely, half and half can be used in place of heavy cream.

How long does the soup keep in the fridge?

It will stay fresh for 4-5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Spice Up Cheddar Soup with Jalapeños and Bacon

This jalapeño bacon cheddar soup is sure to warm you up on chilly days! It takes the classic from comforting to craveable with the addition of spicy jalapeños, savory bacon and gooey cheese. Adjust the heat to your preferences and dig into this flavor-packed soup soon!