🥣 For the Soup:

✅ Ingredients:

• 6 slices bacon, chopped

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 4–5 fresh jalapeños, diced (remove seeds for mild heat, leave some for a kick)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened and cubed

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp fresh chives or green onions, sliced (for garnish)

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🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook the bacon:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside. Leave 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.

2. Sauté the veggies:
   Add diced onion and jalapeños to the pot. Sauté until soft (about 4–5 minutes), then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

3. Simmer the base:
   Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in cream cheese until melted and fully combined.

4. Add cream and cheese:
   Stir in the heavy cream, smoked paprika, and shredded cheddar. Stir continuously over low heat until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Blend (optional):
   For a smoother texture, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender or transfer half to a blender, then return it to the pot.

6. Finish and serve:
   Stir in half of the cooked bacon. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with the remaining bacon and fresh chives or green onions.

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🧀 For the Grilled Cheese Dippers:

✅ Ingredients:

• 8 slices bread (sourdough or your favorite)

• 2 cups shredded cheddar or cheese blend

• 4 tablespoons butter, softened

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🍞 Instructions:

1. Assemble sandwiches:
   Butter one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, pile on shredded cheese and top with another slice (buttered side out).

2. Grill:
   Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook sandwiches 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

3. Slice:
   Let cool slightly, then slice into strips for dipping.

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🔥 Serving Idea:

Serve your spicy jalapeño popper soup hot with grilled cheese dippers on the side for dunking. This combo is creamy, cheesy, smoky, and spicy—everything you love in comfort food!