Creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly days. Packed with savory bacon, tender vegetables, and rich cheddar cheese, it comes together quickly and promises a satisfying bowl every time.

Ingredients

• 8-10 slices bacon
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1-2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2-1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 16 ounces gnocchi
• 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp. Remove and set aside to cool, then chop into small pieces.
2. Step 2: In the same pot, add butter or olive oil. Sauté the diced onions and sliced carrots over medium heat until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Step 4: When the vegetables are soft, reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half along with salt, pepper, garlic powder (or minced garlic), dried thyme, and red chili flakes. Let it simmer gently until slightly thickened, being careful not to boil.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the grated cheddar cheese in increments, stirring constantly until the cheese melts smoothly without clumping.
6. Step 6: Stir in the gnocchi and cook for about 2 minutes, until tender. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
7. Step 7: Add the chopped bacon back into the soup. Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions, grated cheese, or bacon pieces if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder soup, reduce or omit the red chili flakes.
• Swap cheddar with gouda or Monterey Jack for a different cheesy flavor.
• Add other vegetables like celery or peas to boost nutrition and texture.
• Use turkey bacon for a lighter alternative.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the cream and cheese from separating. If the soup thickens too much after cooling, add a splash of broth or cream while reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi, or should I make it from scratch?

Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe, making it quick and easy. Homemade gnocchi can be used as well for a fresh touch but may require a slightly different cooking time.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the bacon with smoky smoked paprika or vegetarian bacon alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.

Creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 111 reviews

This Creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and indulgent dish packed with crispy bacon, tender vegetables, rich cheddar cheese, and pillowy gnocchi, all simmered in a creamy broth. Ready in just 38 minutes, it’s perfect for a hearty weeknight meal that combines savory flavors and creamy textures for ultimate satisfaction.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 28 minutes
• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Bacon and Vegetables

• 8–10 slices Bacon
• 1 Tablespoon Butter or Olive Oil
• 1 large Onion, diced
• 2 large Carrots, peeled and sliced

Soup Base

• 4 cups Chicken Broth
• 1–2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or 4 cloves minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1/2–1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes

Cream and Cheddar

• 16 ounces Gnocchi
• 2 cups Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half
• 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or skillet, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside to cool, then cut into small pieces.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same large pot, add butter or olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sliced carrots. Cook until the vegetables become tender, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Continue cooking until the vegetables are soft and flavors meld together.
4. Add Cream and Spices: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half along with salt, pepper, garlic powder (or minced garlic), dried thyme, and red chili flakes. Let the soup simmer gently without boiling, allowing it to slightly thicken and the spices to infuse.
5. Melt the Cheese: Gradually add the grated cheddar cheese in increments, stirring continuously to help it melt smoothly without clumping or separating.
6. Cook Gnocchi: Stir in the gnocchi and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and heated through. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
7. Finish with Bacon and Serve: Add the crispy bacon pieces back into the pot and stir. Serve the soup hot, optionally garnished with additional grated cheese, chopped green onions, or extra bacon for added flavor and texture.

Notes

• Feel free to customize the soup by adding other vegetables such as celery or peas.
• Different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda can be used for a new flavor profile.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to prevent curdling the cream.

Keywords: Creamy bacon cheddar soup, gnocchi soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cheesy soup, bacon recipes