Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – A Rich and Creamy Comfort Meal

why make this recipe

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a delightful dish that combines the flavors of crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and tender gnocchi. This soup is perfect for chilly days when you desire something warm and comforting. It’s easy to make, filled with rich flavors, and sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, the combination of ingredients makes it hearty enough to be enjoyed as a meal on its own.

how to make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Ingredients:

• 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)
• ¼ tsp dried thyme
• ½-1 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
• 16 oz gnocchi
• 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp)

Directions:

1. Cook the bacon until crispy, then chop it into pieces and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat the butter or olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onions and sliced carrots until they are tender.
3. Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a simmer.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, seasonings, and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing continuously until the cheese melts.
5. Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the gnocchi are soft.
6. Finally, stir in the chopped bacon. Adjust the seasoning to your taste and serve hot.

how to serve Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is best served hot. Ladle the soup into bowls and consider topping each serving with some extra bacon bits or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.

how to store Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

If you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge. It will be good for about 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain its creamy texture.

tips to make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

• Use high-quality bacon for the best flavor.
• If you want a thicker soup, you can add a bit more heavy cream or let it simmer longer to reduce slightly.
• Feel free to add other veggies like spinach or corn for more nutrition.
• Adjust the amount of chili flakes based on your spice preference.

variation

For a lighter version, you can use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon and swap the heavy cream with a lower-fat milk. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, like gouda or mozzarella, for a twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works wonderfully! Just add them directly to the soup without thawing.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
While you can prepare the soup in advance, it’s best to add the gnocchi just before serving to keep them tender.

3. Is it possible to freeze Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup?
It’s not recommended to freeze this soup because the cream can change texture when frozen. However, you can freeze the soup without the gnocchi and add them fresh when you reheat it.

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

A delightful soup combining crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and tender gnocchi, perfect for chilly days.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Soup Base

• 8-10 slices bacon, cooked and chopped Use high-quality bacon for better flavor.
• 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 Alternatively, use 4 cloves minced garlic.
• ¼ tsp dried thyme
• ½-1 tsp red chili flakes Optional, adjust based on spice preference.

For the Soup Finish

• 16 oz gnocchi You can use frozen gnocchi directly.
• 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half For a lighter version, consider using lower-fat milk.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Medium or sharp cheddar.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Cook the bacon until crispy, then chop it into pieces and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat the butter or olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onions and sliced carrots until they are tender.
3. Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a simmer.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, seasonings, and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing continuously until the cheese melts.
5. Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the gnocchi are soft.
6. Finally, stir in the chopped bacon. Adjust the seasoning to your taste and serve hot.

Notes

Consider topping each bowl with extra bacon bits or fresh parsley for color. Pair with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.