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Jalapeño Popper Tomato Soup

As Seen In Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Recipes.

Jalapeño Popper Tomato Soup is a creamy, spicy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you’re craving something flavorful. Made with fresh jalapeños, crushed tomatoes, and a blend of cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese, this soup is rich, smooth, and packed with bold flavors. Garnished with crumbled bacon, fresh cilantro, and extra cheese, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with crusty bread or crackers. Ready in just 40 minutes, this soup is sure to become a favorite!
Sarah Recipes
Recipe by Sarah Sarah
Fresh from the Kitchen: Sat, 22 Feb 2025 22:15:16 GMT
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A bowl of soup with a spoon in it. Save for Later
A bowl of soup with a spoon in it. | recipesaddicts.com

A jalapeño popper tomato soup combines two beloved comfort foods into something even more magical. Each spoonful delivers the creamy richness of tomato soup enhanced with spicy jalapeños, melty cheese, and if you're feeling indulgent, crispy bacon crumbles. It's like having your favorite appetizer transformed into a warming bowl of soup.

Last week, I served this at a dinner party, and my friend who "doesn't like spicy food" asked for seconds. The way the cream cheese mellows the heat while the jalapeños add warmth creates something truly magical.

Essential Ingredients

  • Fresh Jalapeños: Control heat by keeping or removing seeds
  • Quality Cream Cheese: Room temperature blends best
  • Sharp Cheddar: Fresh-grated melts better
  • Good Tomatoes: San Marzano if possible
  • Fresh Garlic: No substitutes here
  • Smoky Paprika: Adds perfect depth

Detailed Instructions

Build the Base:
  • Sauté aromatics slowly
  • Cook jalapeños properly
  • Develop flavor foundation
  • Season thoughtfully
Create the Soup:
  • Add tomatoes gradually
  • Let flavors develop
  • Simmer patiently
  • Adjust seasoning carefully
Perfect the Blend:
  • Use immersion blender carefully
  • Work in batches if needed
  • Achieve desired smoothness
  • Keep some texture if preferred
Master the Cheese:
  • Add cream cheese gradually
  • Keep heat low while melting
  • Stir constantly
  • Watch for proper incorporation
Finish with Style:
  • Garnish thoughtfully
  • Add bacon if using
  • Serve piping hot
  • Offer extra toppings
A bowl of soup with a spoon in it. Save for Later
A bowl of soup with a spoon in it. | recipesaddicts.com

This recipe emerged from my love of both jalapeño poppers and tomato soup. After experimenting with different cheese combinations and heat levels, this version achieves that perfect balance of comfort and kick.

Making it Your Own

Through countless pots, I've learned that success lies in the details - the ripeness of your jalapeños, the quality of your cheese, and most importantly, your heat control. I particularly love how this recipe welcomes variations - sometimes I'll add roasted red peppers, other times I'll swirl in extra cream cheese.

A bowl of soup with a dollop of sour cream and two green peppers on top. Save for Later
A bowl of soup with a dollop of sour cream and two green peppers on top. | recipesaddicts.com

After perfecting this recipe, I've found it's more than just soup - it's comfort food with personality. Whether served for a cozy dinner or casual gathering, it never fails to impress. The combination of classic tomato soup and spicy jalapeño poppers proves that sometimes the best recipes come from reimagining favorites.

Recipe Tips & FAQs

→ Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, use vegetable broth and omit the bacon for a vegetarian version.
→ Can I make this soup spicier?
Yes, leave the seeds in the jalapeños or add an extra jalapeño for more heat.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it without the creamy ingredients. Add them after reheating.
→ What can I serve with this soup?
Serve with crusty bread, crackers, or a side salad for a complete meal.
→ Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, try using pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.

Jalapeño Popper Tomato Soup

Jalapeño Popper Tomato Soup is a creamy and spicy soup inspired by jalapeño poppers. Made with tomatoes, jalapeños, and melted cheese, it’s a comforting and flavorful meal!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cooking Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
Recipe by Sarah: Sarah

Recipe Type: Meal Prep

Skill Level: Moderate

Style of Cooking: American

Makes: 6 Serves (6 servings)

Dietary Notes: Gluten-Free

What You'll Need

→ For the Soup

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 medium onion, chopped
03 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 2–3 fresh jalapeños, seeded and diced
05 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
06 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
07 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 ½ teaspoon cumin
09 ½ teaspoon salt
10 ¼ teaspoon black pepper
11 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
12 1 cup heavy cream
13 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

→ For Garnish

14 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
15 Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish

Let's Cook!

Step 01

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 02

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 03

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a blender in batches and blend carefully, then return it to the pot.

Step 04

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheeses are fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.

Step 05

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or jalapeños for extra heat if desired.

Step 06

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon, fresh cilantro or green onions, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

Cook's Notes

  1. For a spicier soup, leave the seeds in the jalapeños or add an extra jalapeño.
  2. Use vegetable broth to make this soup vegetarian.
  3. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Large pot
  • Immersion blender or regular blender
  • Knife for chopping
  • Spoon for stirring

Allergy Notes

Always check ingredients carefully for allergens. When in doubt, please consult your healthcare provider.
  • Dairy (cream cheese, heavy cream, cheddar cheese)
  • Gluten (if served with bread or crackers)

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutritional values are carefully calculated estimates. For precise dietary needs, please consult a nutritionist.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Total Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Protein: 10 g