Fiery Jalapeño Chowder with Cheesy Dippers for the Bold at Heart
When the craving for comfort meets a love for bold flavor, this Fiery Jalapeño Chowder with Cheesy Dippers brings the best of both worlds. Thick, velvety, and loaded with smoky bacon and melted cheddar, it’s the kind of dish that kicks back with a little heat but still wraps you up in cozy satisfaction.
Inspired by classic jalapeño poppers, this chowder transforms the snack you know and love into a spoonable experience. The fresh jalapeños give it that unmistakable zing, while cream cheese and heavy cream mellow out the fire for a rich, silky finish. Pair it with buttery grilled cheese dippers for the ultimate bite — melty, crispy, and made for dunking.
This isn’t your average soup night. It’s a bowl full of flavor with a side of golden crunch — perfect for cool evenings, tailgates, or whenever you want to serve comfort food with attitude.
For the Chowder
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 5 fresh jalapeños, diced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cup chicken broth
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened and cubed, preferably smoked
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp green onions
For the Dippers
- 8 slices bread (prefer Texas toast)
- 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
Instructions
- Sizzle the BaconCook chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp. Remove and set aside, keeping about a tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pot.
- Sauté the AromaticsAdd onion and jalapeños. Cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Build the BasePour in the chicken broth, bring to a gentle simmer, and stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the Cream & CheeseStir in the heavy cream, cheddar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to thicken and let the flavors come together.
- Finish StrongReturn the bacon to the pot, reserving a bit for garnish. Serve hot and top with chives or green onions.
- Make the DippersButter the bread slices and sandwich cheese between two of them. Grill until golden and melty, then slice into strips for dunking.
Creamy, spicy, and unapologetically bold — this Fiery Jalapeño Chowder with Cheesy Dippers is the ultimate comfort food upgrade. Perfect for anyone who likes their cozy meals with a side of heat and crunch.