If you are searching for a vibrant and comforting bowl to warm your soul with a hint of spice, look no further than this Cream of Jalapeno Soup Recipe. It is a luscious, smooth soup that effortlessly combines the zesty punch of fresh jalapeños with the creamy richness of avocado and heavy cream, all layered with the bright tang of salsa verde. Every spoonful delivers a harmonious balance of heat, creaminess, and fresh herbaceous notes that’s perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests with something a little out of the ordinary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up view of a dark pan with three layers of ingredients being cooked. The bottom layer consists of small white pieces of onion scattered across the pan, creating a soft and slightly translucent texture. Mixed with the onion are bits of green chili peppers adding a speckled pattern and a slightly glossy look. In the center, there is a small mound of light beige minced garlic that looks fresh and moist, standing out against the darker pan surface. The overall scene has a warm, cooking process feel and the pan’s black color contrasts with the light colors of the onions, chili peppers, and garlic. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Cream of Jalapeno Soup Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in the finale. From the buttery base that carries flavor to the fresh jalapeños that bring the signature heat, and the mashed avocado that adds velvety texture, every component is essential to achieve the perfect creamy and spicy soup.

Unsalted butter: Melts beautifully for sautéing and adds a rich, smooth foundation for flavor development.
Jalapeños: Fresh, minced, and ready to bring just the right amount of spice; seeding them controls the heat level.
Onion: Finely chopped for a natural sweetness that mellows the heat and deepens the flavor.
Garlic: Minced to infuse the soup with aromatic warmth and subtle pungency.
Salsa verde (or canned tomatillo puree): Provides that bright, tangy base that complements the peppers perfectly.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and balances out the creaminess while thinning or thickening the soup as needed.
Cornstarch: Whisked into the broth as a slurry to help thicken the soup into a luscious consistency.
Heavy cream (or half and half): Brings indulgent richness and smooth texture that balances the chile’s bite.
Avocado: Mashed to creaminess, it enriches the soup naturally and adds a subtle buttery note.
Cilantro: Chopped fresh to add bright, herbal freshness and a hint of earthiness.
Salt and black pepper: To taste, enhancing all the flavors perfectly.
Cotija cheese (optional): Crumbled for a salty, tangy garnish that adds another layer of deliciousness.

How to Make Cream of Jalapeno Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting the butter in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add the minced jalapeños and chopped onions, cooking until softened and fragrant — about five minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook for just a couple more minutes until you smell that incredible aromatic hint filling your kitchen. This foundational sauté softens vegetables and unleashes deep flavors that will build the character of your soup.

Step 2: Prepare the Thickening Slurry

While the aromatics are cooking, whisk together one cup of cold chicken broth with the cornstarch until smooth. This slurry is your secret to obtaining that perfect silky thickness for the soup without any clumps. Setting this aside now means you can easily incorporate it later for a seamless texture.

Step 3: Combine Main Ingredients and Simmer

Add the salsa verde or tomatillo puree and the remaining three cups of chicken broth to the pot, stirring in the cornstarch slurry as well. Heat everything until it reaches a gentle boil, stirring occasionally so it thickens evenly without sticking to the pot. This is when the soup begins to take shape and develop its inviting body.

Step 4: Enrich with Cream and Avocado

Lower the heat to a simmer and stir in the heavy cream alongside the mashed avocado. These luxurious ingredients transform the soup into a silky, creamy delight. Toss in most of the chopped cilantro now for an herbal lift, and let it gently simmer for five minutes, stirring occasionally to marry all the flavors together.

Step 5: Season and Garnish

Add salt and black pepper to your liking, tasting as you go to find the perfect balance. Ladle your vibrant soup into bowls and sprinkle with the reserved cilantro, sliced jalapeño rings, and crumbled cotija cheese if desired. These little finishing touches not only add extra flavor but also make your soup look irresistible on the table.

How to Serve Cream of Jalapeno Soup Recipe

A black pot filled with creamy light green soup with small green herb pieces mixed in, topped with scattered fresh parsley leaves. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with two green jalapeños on the upper right, a small wooden salt and pepper dish on the lower right, fresh cilantro on the lower left, and a red and white striped cloth partially in the upper left. The texture of the soup looks smooth and rich, evenly covering the bottom of the pot. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The garnishes elevate this Cream of Jalapeno Soup Recipe from wonderful to wow. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of green freshness, the jalapeño slices provide an enticing crunch and spicy kick, and cotija cheese lends a salty, creamy contrast. Don’t shy away from adding a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime if you feel adventurous!

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside warm, crusty bread to soak up every luscious drop. Crispy tortilla chips or a simple avocado salad can add texture and keep the meal balanced. For a heartier option, enjoy it with grilled chicken or a fresh quinoa salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For a creative twist, serve the soup in individual bread bowls or mini mason jars for a charming party serving. Swirl in a bit of chipotle salsa or sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds for extra visual appeal and a hint of smokiness. You can even top it with crispy bacon bits for a smoky, crunchy surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cream of Jalapeno Soup Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavors. Give it a good stir before reheating as the ingredients may settle.

Freezing

This soup freezes nicely if you want to make it ahead for busy weeks. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. For best quality, consume within 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat your soup over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warmth without curdling the cream. If the soup thickens too much upon reheating, simply stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it back up to your preferred consistency.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make the Cream of Jalapeno Soup Recipe vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. The flavor remains vibrant and delicious with this simple swap.

How spicy is this soup?

The soup has a medium level of heat thanks to the jalapeños. Removing the seeds and membranes helps reduce the spiciness, but if you prefer milder, use fewer peppers or completely seed them. Conversely, leave some seeds in for an extra kick!

Can I use half and half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, using half and half will create a lighter soup with less fat but still deliver creamy results. Just be cautious when reheating, as half and half can sometimes curdle if overheated.

What if I don’t have salsa verde?

If salsa verde isn’t available, canned tomatillo puree is a great alternative. You could also make a quick homemade salsa verde by blending fresh or roasted tomatillos with cilantro, lime juice, and a little jalapeño.

Is there a substitute for avocado in this recipe?

While avocado adds wonderful creaminess and subtle flavor, if you don’t have it on hand, you can use extra heavy cream or a small amount of cream cheese to maintain richness. However, you will miss a bit of the natural buttery texture avocado provides.

Final Thoughts

This Cream of Jalapeno Soup Recipe is one of those delightful dishes you will return to time and time again. It strikes the perfect note of spicy and creamy, with fresh, bright flavors that feel both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cozying up on a cool night or hosting friends, this soup guarantees smiles all around. Give it a try — you’re going to love every luscious spoonful!

Cream of Jalapeno Soup Recipe