Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cream cheese, cubed
• 4-6 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• Sliced jalapeños
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Crumbled bacon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

• Begin by cooking the bacon in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Stir frequently, cooking until the bacon is crisp and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

• In the same pot with the bacon drippings, add the diced onion and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
• Add the chopped jalapeños to the pot and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their flavor into the mixture.

3. Add the Broth and Potatoes

• Pour the chicken broth into the pot and stir to combine. Add the diced potatoes, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

4. Blend the Soup (Optional for a Smoother Texture)

• For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until it reaches your desired consistency. You can blend it completely for a smooth soup, or leave some chunks of potatoes for a heartier texture.
• If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer half of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.

5. Add the Cheeses and Cream

• Once the potatoes are tender and the soup has reached the desired texture, add the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and heavy cream to the pot. Stir until the cheeses melt completely, creating a creamy, cheesy soup base.
• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.

6. Add the Bacon

• Stir the cooked bacon back into the soup, reserving a small amount for garnishing the finished soup later.

7. Simmer and Final Adjustments

• Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure everything is well combined and heated through. This will also allow the flavors to meld together. If the soup is too thick, you can add a little extra chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

8. Serve and Garnish

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sliced jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, and the reserved crumbled bacon.
• Serve hot and enjoy with a slice of crusty bread for dipping!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This estimate is based on a serving size of 1 bowl of soup (approximately 1/6 of the recipe):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 950mg

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup spicier?

• Absolutely! You can increase the number of jalapeños or add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Adjust the heat to suit your personal preference.

2. Can I make this soup in advance?

• Yes, this soup stores very well in the refrigerator. Make it ahead of time, and the flavors will continue to meld together. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

• While sharp cheddar gives the soup its rich flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, to add different flavor profiles. A blend of cheeses can also work well.

4. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

• Yes, you can skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the soup. You may also want to add some extra flavor by using smoked paprika or adding a pinch of liquid smoke.

5. Can I freeze this soup?

• Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a little more broth or cream to restore the creamy texture.

Tips for Making the Best Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar Potato Soup

1. Adjust the Heat: Depending on how spicy you want your soup, feel free to adjust the number of jalapeños. If you prefer a milder soup, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños, as that’s where most of the heat resides.
2. Use a High-Quality Broth: For the best flavor, use homemade or a high-quality store-bought chicken broth. This will give the soup a richer base.
3. Control the Texture: If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender or regular blender to purée the soup. For more texture, leave it as is and just mash some of the potatoes with a spoon.
4. Cheese Melting Tip: When adding the cream cheese and cheddar cheese, make sure the heat is on low to avoid the cheese from curdling. Stir frequently until completely melted and creamy.
5. Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: For a perfect soup, make sure the potatoes are fork-tender but not mushy. Overcooking can lead to a grainy texture, so keep an eye on them.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration:

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra broth or cream if necessary to restore its creamy consistency.

Freezing:

• This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let the soup cool to room temperature, then store in freezer-safe containers or bags. When reheating, allow the soup to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and gently reheat on the stove, stirring often.

Conclusion

This Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar Potato Soup is the perfect balance of rich, creamy, and spicy flavors. The combination of hearty potatoes, smoky bacon, two kinds of cheese, and the kick from fresh jalapeños makes it a comforting yet exciting meal. Whether you enjoy it as a weeknight dinner or as part of a festive gathering, this soup is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds and warm you up. With easy steps, customizable heat, and the option to prepare in advance, this soup is a true winner that everyone will love. Enjoy it hot, garnished with crispy bacon and fresh cilantro, and you’ll have the perfect bowl of comfort on your hands!