Hello there, I’m Chef Andrew. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that takes the irresistible flavors of a classic appetizer and turns them into the ultimate comfort food: Jalapeno Popper Soup. This isn’t just a basic soup; it’s a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying meal that will become a new favorite in your home.
Table of Contents
The magic of this recipe comes from the perfect balance of a rich, velvety broth made extra cheesy with cream cheese and cheddar, with a subtle kick of jalapenos. It’s the kind of hearty, homemade soup that brings everyone to the table, and the best part is how surprisingly simple it is to create. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your journey in the kitchen, this foolproof recipe will guide you to a perfect result every single time. It’s destined to become your go-to comfort food classic.
More Favorites from My Kitchen;
Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup: 3 Amazing Steps
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls 3 Amazing Steps
Or go to my Pinterest.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe “Jalapeno Popper Soup”
- A Crowd-Pleaser: This soup has all the addictive, crave-worthy flavors of a jalapeno popper, making it a guaranteed hit for any occasion.
- Rich, Creamy, and Cheesy: This recipe is built to be a flavor powerhouse, with a creamy texture from a blend of cream cheese and cheddar.
- Simple & Quick: We use ingredients like rotisserie chicken to make this a fast and easy meal. All the top recipes share this tip for convenience.
- The Perfect Texture: My step-by-step instructions ensure a smooth, velvety consistency without any clumps or graininess, a problem that many other recipes fail to solve.
Ingredients Needed for Jalapeno Popper Soup
Here is what you’ll need to create this incredibly flavorful soup.
For the Flavor Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 sweet or white onion, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped*
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Soup:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (leftovers or rotisserie chicken work great)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into chunks and softened to room temperature
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Soup
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed soup pot, add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onions, celery, and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the peppers are just tender, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and chopped jalapenos, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir. Things will become a little thick and pasty. That’s okay.
- Add Liquids & Thicken: Increase the heat to medium-high. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, one cup at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. Once smooth, whisk in the half-and-half. Bring the soup to a gentle boil and let it cook for 5 minutes.
- Melt the Cheeses: To ensure your soup is perfectly smooth and not grainy, we’ll melt the cheeses off the direct heat. In a separate, medium heat-proof bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Slowly whisk in about 1/2 cup of the hot soup liquid until the cream cheese is completely smooth and creamy. Whisk the cream cheese mixture and the cheddar cheese into the soup until everything is fully melted and incorporated.
- Finish & Serve: Stir in the shredded chicken. Remove the pot from the heat. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings, such as sliced jalapenos or more cheese.

Serving and Storage Tips of Jalapeno Popper Soup
- Serving Suggestions: This soup is delicious on its own, but it pairs perfectly with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or a simple side salad. The creamy, cheesy texture also makes it a great filling for a grilled cheese sandwich.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the soup in a saucepan and warm it gently over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling, as high heat can cause the dairy to separate.
Helpful Notes of Jalapeno Popper Soup
- Adjusting Spice: To make the soup spicier, you can leave some of the seeds and membranes in the jalapenos. For a milder flavor, remove all the seeds and membranes, or use fewer jalapenos.
- Freezing: Dairy-based soups can sometimes separate when frozen and reheated. For best results, freeze the soup without the half-and-half and cheeses. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the soup, heat it on the stove, and then whisk in the dairy and cheese until smooth.
- No Pre-shredded Cheese! This is a key tip for a velvety texture. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with starches that can make the soup grainy.
Conclusion of Jalapeno Popper Soup
This Jalapeno Popper Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special and comforting. The velvety texture, combined with the deep, savory flavors of the vegetables and cheese, makes it a meal you’ll want to share. This soup is a celebration of a classic appetizer, transformed into a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. It’s proof that you don’t need complicated techniques to create a meal that feels both gourmet and heartwarming.
I hope this soup brings as much warmth and joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. If you make this recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Please leave a comment and a star rating below to let me know how it turned out. Did you try any fun toppings or add a unique twist? Share your experience on social media and tag me—I love seeing your creations!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does pepper soup last?
Most pepper soups, including this one, can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
How long to cook pepper soup?
For this recipe, the main cooking time is about 5 minutes of sautéing and 5 minutes of simmering after the liquid is added.
What is cream of jalapeno soup?
This is a soup made with jalapenos as the main flavor and a dairy component like cream or milk to give it a creamy consistency.
What type of food is jalapeno?
A jalapeno is a type of chili pepper that is a fruit from the genus Capsicum. It is a mild to medium-hot pepper used in many types of cuisine for its flavor and heat.
Can I store pepper soup in the fridge?
Yes, you can store this soup in the fridge in a tightly sealed container for several days.
How long can you keep soup in the fridge after cooking?
Most soups can be safely stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.