Description
This creamy and flavorful Queso Soup is a Tex-Mex twist on traditional cheese soup, with a spicy kick from jalapeños. Perfect for cozy nights or entertaining, this indulgent soup is sure to please any cheese lover.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Queso Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- chopped cilantro
- sliced green onions
- crushed tortilla chips
- extra cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and jalapeño, cooking for another minute.
- Add Spices and Tomatoes: Add the cumin and smoked paprika, and stir to coat the vegetables. Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and the broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Melt Cheeses: Reduce heat to low and add the cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Slowly add the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring constantly until fully melted and creamy.
- Finish Soup: Stir in the half-and-half and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
Notes
- For a heartier soup, add cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or black beans.
- Adjust spice level by adding extra jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Leftovers reheat well and thicken slightly over time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
