Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a rich and comforting bowl of creamy goodness that immediately says “cozy dinner night.” With gooey cheddar cheese, pillowy gnocchi, crisp bacon, and a background of tender vegetables in a velvety broth, this soup brings warmth and flavor in every spoonful. Whether you’re cooking for family or settling in for a quiet evening at home, this recipe delivers both ease and indulgence. Let’s dive into why you’ll fall in love with it—and how to make it your own.

Why You’ll Love This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

You’ll love this recipe because:

• The soft gnocchi soak up the creamy broth, making every bite wonderfully satisfying.
• Crispy bacon adds both texture and a savory depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with cheddar.
• It’s a one - pot wonder, minimizing mess while maximizing comfort.
• The carrots and onion give the soup a touch of sweetness and color, balancing the richness.
• With heavy cream (or half - n - half) and cheddar cheese, it hits that perfect “comfort food” sweet spot for chilly evenings.

Ingredients

• 8–10 slices bacon
• 1 Tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced into small pieces
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 to 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 4 cloves minced garlic)
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ to 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 16 ounces gnocchi
• 2 cups heavy cream or half - n - half
• 2 cups cheddar cheese (grated)

Step - by - Step: How to Make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

1. Cook the bacon until crisp (see notes on best methods below). After the bacon has cooled, dice it into small pieces and keep it aside.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, add the butter (or olive oil). Then add the diced onion and sliced carrots. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and aromatic, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Add the chicken broth and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer.
4. Once the vegetables are soft, reduce heat to medium - low and stir in the heavy cream or half - n - half, along with salt, pepper, garlic powder (or minced garlic), dried thyme, and red chili flakes. Let the mixture simmer gently—do not let it boil, as the cream may separate when the cheese is added.
5. Gradually add the grated cheddar cheese in increments, stirring each time so it melts smoothly and doesn’t clump.
6. Stir in the gnocchi and cook for about 2 minutes (or until the gnocchi are heated through and tender). Taste and adjust seasoning (salt and pepper) as needed.
7. Finally, add the chopped bacon pieces, reserving a few for garnish if you like. Serve the soup in bowls, topped with remaining bacon pieces, extra grated cheddar, and optionally chopped green onions.

Cooking the bacon – suggestions:

• Oven method: Preheat the oven to 400 °F. Line a baking sheet with foil and lay out the bacon in a single layer. Bake for about 20–27 minutes depending on desired crispiness (25–27 minutes is typical). Transfer to a paper - towel - lined plate to drain.
• Skillet method: Cook over medium heat in a skillet until crisp, turning occasionally. Drain on paper towels.

Helpful Tips

• Be careful when adding the cheese: adding it too fast, or in one large lump, can cause it to clump or separate. Add gradually and stir until fully melted for best results.
• Don’t let the cream boil after you’ve added it. High heat or boiling can cause the dairy to curdle or mix poorly with the cheese.
• Use the best quality ingredients you have: a good sharp cheddar will elevate the flavor significantly.
• If the soup becomes too thick (gnocchi tend to absorb liquid), you can thin it with a little extra chicken broth or even a splash of milk.
• When cooking gnocchi: if using pre - packaged gnocchi, make sure you follow package instructions or add at the right time so they do not overcook and become mushy.
• Garnish last minute with fresh ingredients (green onions, extra bacon, a swirl of cream) for visual appeal and added flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

• Cream alternative: Use half - n - half instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter result.
• Vegetarian option: Omit bacon; use vegetable broth and consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic bacon’s smokiness.
• Cheese variation: Swap cheddar for a mix of cheddar and Gruyère or smoked cheddar for a deeper flavor.
• Spice option: Increase red chili flakes for more heat, or withhold for a milder soup.
• Add - ins: Consider adding cooked shredded chicken, peas, kale or spinach near the end for extra protein or veggies.
• Broth choice: Use low - sodium chicken broth and add salt to taste, which gives you more control over the seasoning.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: To refrigerate, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Freezing is not generally recommended for cream - based soups containing gnocchi. The texture of both the cream and the gnocchi may degrade — the gnocchi can become soggy and the cream broth may separate.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. If the soup has thickened too much, stir in a little extra chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings) drawn from similar recipes:

• Calories: ~557 kcal per serving.
• Carbohydrates: ~38 g.
• Protein: ~20 g.
• Fat: ~37 g (Saturated Fat ~17 g).
• Sodium: ~1,736 mg.

Keep in mind these numbers are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients (type of bacon, broth sodium, exact cheese, gnocchi brand, etc.).

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the soup in warm bowls with a slice of crusty bread (like sourdough or a baguette) for dipping into the creamy broth.
• Add a simple side salad (mixed greens, light vinaigrette) to contrast the richness of the soup.
• Garnish each bowl with extra grated cheddar, chopped green onion, chopped crisp bacon pieces, and a pinch of red chili flakes for visual impact and flavor boost.
• For a finishing touch: drizzle a little high - quality olive oil or add fresh cracked black pepper on top.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Q: Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?

Yes — you can use frozen gnocchi. Be sure to stir it in near the end of cooking to ensure it warms through without getting overly soft or mushy. If using frozen gnocchi, allow a bit of extra time to ensure it cooks through properly.

Q: Is it possible to prepare this soup in advance?

You can prep parts ahead (for example: cook the bacon, chop the vegetables, grate the cheese), then assemble and cook the final soup closer to serving time. However, because of the cream and gnocchi, the final result is best when served fresh. If you refrigerate leftovers, reheat gently and add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened.

Q: Is it possible to lighten this recipe?

Yes — you can lighten it by using half - n - half instead of heavy cream, choosing reduced - fat cheddar, reducing the amount of bacon or using turkey bacon, and using a lower - sodium chicken broth. Note: the flavor and texture will be slightly different (a bit less rich), but it will still be quite satisfying.

Q: Can I add vegetables like spinach or kale?

Absolutely! Adding greens like spinach or kale in the final minutes is a great way to boost color and nutrition. Just stir them in toward the end so they wilt but still maintain some texture.

Q: What if the soup is too thick after refrigeration?

If the soup thickens too much in the refrigerator (which is common for cream - based soups and those with gnocchi), gently warm it on the stove and stir in a bit of extra chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Thank you so much for trying (or planning to try) this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup. I personally adore this dish — it’s rich, creamy, and yet simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner. The ease of assembling it in one pot, plus the deep flavor from the bacon and cheddar, make it a favorite in my kitchen. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I enjoy sharing it. May it bring warmth, comfort, and joy to your table. Happy cooking, and thank you for being part of our food - loving community!

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