Recipe Tips and Variations
- Adjust the Heat: If you like your soup on the spicier side, leave the seeds in the jalapeños or add an extra pepper. For a milder version, you can use fewer jalapeños or substitute some of them with mild green chilies.
- Make it Heartier: To make this soup more filling, add diced cooked chicken, or stir in a can of corn or black beans for extra substance.
- Dairy-Free Option: If you need to make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the cream cheese and cheddar with dairy-free alternatives. Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a creamy base.
- Low-Carb Option: This soup is already low in carbs, making it perfect for a keto diet. You can omit the corn or beans in the variations if you want to keep it extra low-carb.
Serving Suggestions
Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup is rich and filling on its own, but you can pair it with a few sides to round out the meal:
- Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread or rolls to dip into the soup.
- Tortilla Chips: For a crunchy contrast, pair the soup with tortilla chips or even croutons.
- Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will help balance out the richness of the soup.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to stir between intervals for even heating.
If you want to freeze the soup, wait until it has completely cooled, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above.