Tomato soup is one of those timeless comfort foods, perfect for warming up on a chilly day or for a quick, satisfying meal. But if you’ve ever tried a bowl of Isaac’s Pepperjack Tomato Soup, you know it’s not just any regular tomato soup. This version takes the classic recipe and adds a spicy, creamy kick with the addition of pepperjack cheese and a variety of fresh, flavorful ingredients. The result is a soup that’s both comforting and exciting, offering the rich, savory flavor of tomatoes balanced by the heat and creaminess of pepperjack.
This recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef, you’ll find this recipe to be approachable yet impressive. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into the world of Isaac’s Pepperjack Tomato Soup!
Isaacs Pepperjack Tomato Soup Recipe
Ready for a bowl of comfort with a twist? Isaac’s Pepperjack Tomato Soup is creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy. The pepperjack cheese melts into the soup, creating a smooth texture, while the tomatoes and seasonings provide a depth of flavor that will have you coming back for seconds. It’s perfect for pairing with a grilled cheese sandwich or for enjoying on its own.
Ingredients Needed
Before we get into the cooking, let’s gather all the ingredients we’ll need. You’ll want to have everything ready to go, so the cooking process can go smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the veggies and adding richness to the soup.
- Yellow onion (1 medium): A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic gives the soup that aromatic, savory punch.
- Carrot (1 medium, chopped): Adds a touch of sweetness and a little texture to the soup.
- Canned crushed tomatoes (2 cans, 14.5 ounces each): The base of the soup, providing that classic tomato flavor.
- Vegetable or chicken broth (4 cups): For the liquid base, giving the soup a hearty, savory foundation.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): To make the soup silky and smooth, adding that creamy texture you crave.
- Pepperjack cheese (2 cups, shredded): The star ingredient! The spicy, melty cheese takes the soup to the next level.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Adds a touch of earthiness and enhances the tomato flavor.
- Salt (to taste): Essential for seasoning, balancing out the flavors.
- Black pepper (to taste): For a mild kick and to complement the cheese.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): A small amount to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and round out the flavor.
- Croutons (optional, for garnish): Add a crunchy element on top for texture and extra flavor.
Cooking Instructions
Now that all the ingredients are prepped and ready, let’s get cooking. This recipe is relatively simple, and the result is a soup that’s both flavorful and indulgent.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and soft-about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped carrot to the pot, and sauté for another 3 minutes, allowing the garlic to release its fragrance and the carrot to soften.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes (with their juices), and give everything a good stir. Add the vegetable broth (or chicken broth, if preferred), basil, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir well and bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the vegetables to soften.
- After simmering, use an immersion blender (or a regular blender in batches) to puree the soup until it’s smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend it slightly, leaving some bits of tomato and carrot for extra heartiness.
- Once the soup is pureed, stir in the heavy cream and bring the soup back to a gentle simmer. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the cream to fully incorporate into the soup.
- Gradually add in the shredded pepperjack cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts into the soup, creating a creamy, cheesy texture. Taste the soup, and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- If you want some crunch, garnish with croutons or a little extra shredded cheese on top. Serve hot, and enjoy the perfect bowl of spicy, creamy tomato soup.
Ingredient Insights
- Pepperjack Cheese: This cheese not only provides the creamy texture but also the subtle heat. Made from Monterey Jack cheese, it’s infused with peppers (usually jalapeños) that give it a mild spiciness. The cheese melts beautifully, creating that velvety texture that makes the soup so comforting.
- Heavy Cream: This is the secret ingredient to making the soup luxuriously smooth and creamy. The richness of the cream balances out the acidity of the tomatoes, providing a silky mouthfeel that’s simply irresistible.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Using canned crushed tomatoes is an easy way to get that rich tomato flavor without the need for fresh tomatoes that can sometimes be too watery. The tomatoes provide the base, while the seasonings and cheese elevate it into something extraordinary.
- Broth: The choice of broth (vegetable or chicken) can influence the depth of flavor. Vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian, while chicken broth adds a savory, meaty richness. Either way, it’s the base liquid that helps meld all the flavors together.
Expert Tips
- Blend to Your Preferred Texture: If you like a chunkier soup, don’t puree it all the way. Leaving some texture gives the soup a more rustic feel. If you prefer smooth, creamy soup, blend it fully.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Pepperjack cheese can vary in spiciness, so taste as you go. If the soup is too spicy for your taste, add a bit more cream or a pinch of sugar to mellow it out.
- Make Ahead: This soup keeps well in the fridge for about 3 days, and the flavors only improve as they sit together. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing it in airtight containers.
- Add Fresh Herbs: For a fresher taste, garnish the soup with freshly chopped basil, cilantro, or parsley. Fresh herbs brighten the flavor and add a touch of color to your dish.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Tomato Soup: If you like it even spicier, you can add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the soup while it’s simmering. You could also use spicy pepperjack cheese for an extra kick.
- Vegan Version: For a plant-based version, swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream, and use a vegan cheese alternative. You can also use vegetable broth for a fully vegan soup.
- Smoky Flavor: For a smoky twist, try adding a little bit of smoked paprika or chipotle powder. This will infuse the soup with a depth of flavor that’s a little unexpected but totally delicious.
- Roasted Tomato Soup: For a deeper, richer flavor, roast the tomatoes and carrots before adding them to the soup. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars and adds a slight smokiness to the base.
Final Words
Isaac’s Pepperjack Tomato Soup is one of those recipes that takes a familiar comfort food and transforms it into something special. The pepperjack cheese provides just the right amount of spice, while the heavy cream ensures a smooth, velvety texture. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for a cozy meal at home.
FAQs
What Is Isaac’s Pepperjack Tomato Soup Recipe?
Isaac’s Pepperjack Tomato Soup Recipe is a flavorful, creamy tomato soup enhanced with the spicy, tangy flavor of pepperjack cheese. It blends the rich taste of tomatoes with the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of cheese for a comforting and zesty meal.
What Ingredients Are Needed For Isaac’s Pepperjack Tomato Soup?
To make Isaac’s Pepperjack Tomato Soup, you will need ripe tomatoes, pepperjack cheese, onion, garlic, vegetable or chicken broth, butter, flour (for thickening), heavy cream, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, basil, and oregano.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Cheese Instead Of Pepperjack?
Yes, you can substitute pepperjack with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda. However, pepperjack provides a unique spicy kick, so if you prefer a milder flavor, cheddar or mozzarella are good alternatives.
Is Isaac’s Pepperjack Tomato Soup Recipe Spicy?
Yes, Isaac’s Pepperjack Tomato Soup has a mild to medium level of spiciness due to the pepperjack cheese, which contains jalapeños. If you prefer a milder soup, you can reduce the amount of pepperjack or opt for a milder cheese.
Can I Make Isaac’s Pepperjack Tomato Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely. To make the soup vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and ensure the cheese is made from vegetarian-friendly rennet. The rest of the ingredients in the recipe are naturally vegetarian.
How Long Does It Take To Make Isaac’s Pepperjack Tomato Soup?
Isaac’s Pepperjack Tomato Soup can be prepared in about 30-40 minutes, depending on your familiarity with the recipe. The majority of the time is spent simmering the tomatoes and blending the soup until it’s smooth and creamy.
Can I Freeze Isaac’s Pepperjack Tomato Soup?
Yes, Isaac’s Pepperjack Tomato Soup can be frozen. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. When reheating, be mindful that the texture may slightly change due to the cream and cheese, but it should still be delicious.
Is There A Way To Make Isaac’s Pepperjack Tomato Soup Lower In Calories?
To make the soup lower in calories, you can use reduced-fat cheese and substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option like half-and-half, milk, or a non-dairy cream alternative. You can also use less butter and broth to reduce fat content.
Can I Make Isaac’s Pepperjack Tomato Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can prepare Isaac’s Pepperjack Tomato Soup in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients (except the cheese and cream) in the slow cooker, cook on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in the cheese and cream towards the end of cooking to ensure a smooth texture.
What Can I Serve With Isaac’s Pepperjack Tomato Soup?
Isaac’s Pepperjack Tomato Soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides such as grilled cheese sandwiches, croutons, or a simple green salad. You can also add a drizzle of basil pesto or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for extra flavor.