Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup: 1 Amazing Comfort Dish

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup has become my absolute go-to comfort food, especially on a chilly evening. I still remember the first time I tried a version of this soup; it was at a small cafe on a rainy day, and the rich, cheesy aroma instantly drew me in. That first spoonful was pure bliss – tender gnocchi swimming in a velvety broth, punctuated by crispy bacon and sharp cheddar. Now, I’ve perfected my own version, a truly creamy bacon cheddar gnocchi soup that fills my kitchen with an irresistible smell. It’s surprisingly simple to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

This isn’t just any soup; it’s a bowl of pure happiness! Get ready to fall in love with:

• Its incredibly rich and cheesy flavor profile that satisfies every craving.
• The delightful contrast of tender, pillowy gnocchi and crispy bacon bits.
• How this easy bacon cheddar gnocchi soup comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknights.
• The comforting and satisfying nature of this hearty bacon cheddar gnocchi soup, perfect for any occasion.
• Its versatility – it’s delicious on its own or paired with your favorite crusty bread.
• The minimal effort required for maximum flavor payoff.
• The way the creamy broth coats every single ingredient, creating a truly decadent experience.

Ingredients for Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to making your own delicious homemade soup. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these come together for a truly satisfying meal.

• 8 – 10 slices bacon, cooked and chopped – for that essential smoky crunch
• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil – to sauté our aromatics
• 1 large onion, diced – the flavor base
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced – adding sweetness and color
• 4 cups chicken broth – the liquid gold of our soup
• 1 – 2 tsp salt – to taste
• 1 tsp black pepper – for a touch of spice
• 1 tsp garlic powder (or 4 cloves minced garlic) – for a savory punch
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme – an earthy, aromatic herb
• 1/2 – 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional) – for a gentle heat
• 16 oz gnocchi – the star! We love using store-bought potato gnocchi for convenience, but you can absolutely use homemade. This is where the magic of cheesy potato gnocchi with bacon truly shines.
• 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half – for that luxurious, creamy texture
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp) – melting into a glorious, cheesy sauce

How to Make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Follow these simple steps to create this incredibly satisfying soup. You’ll see just how easy it is how to make bacon cheddar gnocchi soup that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant.

1. Step 1: Start by cooking your bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it’s wonderfully crispy. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, drain it on a paper towel-lined plate, and crumble or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the pot; discard the rest or save it for another use.
2. Step 2: Add the 1 tbsp butter or olive oil to the pot with the reserved bacon grease. Heat over medium heat. Add the 1 large onion, diced and 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced. Sauté these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent. The kitchen will start to smell amazing!
3. Step 3: Pour in the 4 cups chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Now, stir in the 1 – 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp dried thyme, and the optional 1/2 – 1 tsp red chili flakes. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour in the 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir constantly as you add the cream to prevent it from curdling. Gradually stir in the 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until it’s completely melted and the soup is smooth and luxuriously creamy. This is where the soup really transforms into a delicious simple bacon cheddar gnocchi soup.

5. Step 5: Add the 16 oz gnocchi to the pot. Stir gently and cook for just 2 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface and are tender. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
6. Step 6: Stir in most of the chopped bacon, reserving some for garnish. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if needed – perhaps a pinch more salt or pepper. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, top with the remaining bacon, and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious, homemade bacon cheddar gnocchi soup!

Pro Tips for the Best Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Want to elevate your soup game? Follow these simple tricks for a truly unforgettable bowl of comfort:

• Always cook your bacon until it’s super crispy. This ensures a satisfying crunch against the soft gnocchi and creamy broth.
• Don’t overcook the gnocchi! They only need a few minutes in the simmering soup until they float. Overcooked gnocchi can turn mushy.
• Use good quality cheddar cheese and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your soup less smooth. For more on cheese quality, check out Food Network’s cheese guide.
• Taste and adjust seasonings at the very end. Cream and cheese can mellow out flavors, so a final check ensures perfect balance.

What’s the secret to perfect Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup?

The secret to the best bacon cheddar gnocchi soup lies in building layers of flavor: crisping the bacon first, sautéing the aromatics in the rendered fat, and using a good quality broth and cheese. Don’t skip the final seasoning adjustment!

Can I make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup base (up to adding the gnocchi and cream) a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the base gently, then add the gnocchi and cream and cook as directed. This makes enjoying homemade bacon cheddar gnocchi soup even easier. For more meal prep tips, visit our latest recipes.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup?

A common pitfall is overcooking the gnocchi, making them gummy. Also, avoid boiling the soup vigorously after adding the cream and cheese, as this can cause separation. Stir gently over low heat until everything is just combined. Learn more about proper cooking techniques on our about page.

Best Ways to Serve Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

This rich and satisfying soup is a meal in itself, but serving it with a few simple accompaniments can make it even more special. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in or a casual gathering. For a delightful pairing, consider serving this gnocchi soup with bacon and cheddar alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Crusty bread is also a must – perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious broth.

You could also offer a side of garlic bread or even some simple steamed broccoli for a more complete meal. The hearty nature of this soup means it stands up beautifully to these additions without being overshadowed. For more serving ideas, check out our homepage.

Nutrition Facts for Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

This comforting bowl of bacon cheddar gnocchi soup is surprisingly hearty! Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (recipe yields 4-6 servings):

• Calories: 500
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 900mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, such as the type of cheese and cream, and portion sizes. For privacy concerns, please review our privacy policy.

How to Store and Reheat Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

One of the best things about this soup is that it’s fantastic for meal prep! You can make a big batch of this homemade bacon cheddar gnocchi soup and enjoy it throughout the week. Once it’s completely cooled, ladle the soup into airtight containers. It should stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, this soup freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. For questions about data handling, see our GDPR information.

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight first. For a quicker reheat, you can microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through. Be mindful that the gnocchi might soften a bit more upon reheating, but the overall flavor remains incredible!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

What is Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup?

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a rich, creamy, and incredibly comforting soup that combines tender potato gnocchi with savory bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s essentially a chowder-like soup, packed with flavor and satisfying textures. It’s the ultimate comfort food for a reason, offering a delightful blend of familiar ingredients in a soul-warming broth.

Can I use different types of cheese in my Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup?

Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment. A mix of Gruyere and cheddar, or even a Monterey Jack for extra meltiness, can be delicious. Just ensure your cheese shreds well and melts smoothly into the creamy base. For a different flavor profile, you could even try a smoky gouda.

What makes this Bacon Gnocchi Cheddar Chowder so hearty?

The heartiness comes from a few key elements: the starchy gnocchi themselves, the rich cream, the savory bacon, and the melted cheddar cheese. These components create a thick, satisfying broth that coats your palate and keeps you full. It’s a truly indulgent soup that feels like a complete meal.

How do I make sure my gnocchi doesn’t get mushy?

The trick to perfectly cooked gnocchi is not to overcook them. Add them to the simmering soup during the last few minutes of cooking, and they’re ready when they float to the surface. Overcooking them will indeed lead to a mushy texture, so keep a close eye on them!

Variations of Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup You Can Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, don’t be afraid to get creative! You can easily adapt this soup to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next batch of homemade bacon cheddar gnocchi soup:

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and sauté the vegetables in butter or olive oil. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and consider adding smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. This still delivers a wonderful cheesy potato gnocchi with bacon-like depth without the meat.
• Spicy Kick: Amp up the heat by adding more red chili flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even some diced jalapeños along with the onions and carrots. This variation turns the soup into a fiery delight.
• Lighter Version: For a less decadent experience, try using half-and-half or even whole milk instead of heavy cream. You can also use a reduced-fat cheddar cheese, though it might not melt quite as smoothly.
• Adding More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like celery, peas, corn, or spinach. Add heartier vegetables like broccoli florets or cauliflower during the simmering stage with the broth.

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup: 1 Amazing Comfort Dish

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• Author: basmer1517
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 – 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

A creamy and flavorful Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup, perfect for a comforting meal. This easy recipe is quick to prepare and packed with rich, savory flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 – 10 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 – 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder (or 4 cloves minced garlic)
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 – 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
• 16 oz gnocchi
• 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp)

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Instructions

1. Cook bacon until crispy, then chop and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat butter or oil and sauté onions and carrots until tender.
3. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in heavy cream, seasonings, and shredded cheese, stirring continuously.
5. Add gnocchi and cook for 2 minutes or until soft.
6. Stir in bacon, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.

Notes

• Taste and adjust seasoning according to your preference.
• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red chili flakes.
• This soup can be made in advance and reheated before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

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