Ingredients
For the Soup: 8 slices bacon, chopped
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3–4 medium jalapeños, seeded and minced
4 cups (32 oz) low sodium chicken broth
8 oz block cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Grilled Cheese Dippers: 8 slices sourdough bread
4 tbsp softened butter
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or blend)
Instructions
1. 1. Cook bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy (7-10 minutes). Remove with slotted spoon; leave 1-2 tbsp fat in pot.
2. 2. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter; once melted, add onion and sauté 5-7 minutes until translucent.
3. 3. Add garlic and jalapeños; cook 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. 4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
5. 5. Add softened cream cheese and whisk until fully melted and smooth.
6. 6. Stir in shredded cheddar until melted, then add heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm on low.
7. 7. For grilled cheese: Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. Place half the slices butter-side down in a skillet over medium heat. Top with cheese, then remaining bread butter-side up.
8. 8. Cook 3-5 minutes per side until golden and cheese melts. Cut into strips.
9. 9. Ladle soup into bowls, top with reserved bacon, and serve with grilled cheese dippers.
Notes
For milder soup, remove all seeds and membranes from jalapeños. For vegetarian, omit bacon, add smoked paprika with onions, use vegetable broth. Store soup in fridge up to 4 days or freeze 3 months. Reheat gently on stovetop. Grilled cheese dippers best fresh; reheat in toaster oven if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be made vegetarian (see notes)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 2 cups soup + 2 grilled cheese dippers)
- Calories: 850
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1850mg
- Fat: 62g
- Saturated Fat: 35g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 165mg