Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Warm up with creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup loaded with crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and tender gnocchi for a comforting meal that’s perfect any day of the year. This hearty soup combines rich flavors and delightful textures in every spoonful—guaranteed to become your new favorite comfort food. Whether you’re craving something cozy after a long day or want to impress guests with a soul-satisfying dish, this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup checks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with crispy bacon, it hits all the right cozy notes.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for busy nights.
• Hearty and Filling: The gnocchi adds a satisfying bite that keeps you full and energized.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences.
• Great for All Seasons: Ideal as a warming meal in winter or a delightful comfort food any time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup plays a special role: from rich creaminess and sharp cheddar cheese to smoky bacon and pillowy gnocchi, each element contributes to a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

• Crispy Bacon: Adds salty crunch and deep smoky flavor that elevates the soup.
• Potato Gnocchi: Soft and tender, these little dumplings soak up the creamy broth beautifully.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the soup, giving it that irresistible cheesy richness.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luscious creaminess that makes the soup silky smooth.
• Onion and Garlic: Classic aromatics that build a flavorful base.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Creates the savory liquid foundation for the soup.
• Butter and Flour: Work together to make a velvety roux that thickens the soup perfectly.
• Fresh Herbs: Thyme or parsley bring freshness and a pop of color to finish off.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.

Variations for Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Feel free to get creative with this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup—it’s very forgiving and easy to customize. Swap out ingredients or add extras to match your taste or dietary needs, making it truly your own.

• Vegetarian Version: Replace bacon with smoked paprika and add sautéed mushrooms for a smoky, meaty flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for heat that warms you up even more.
• Greens Boost: Toss in fresh spinach or kale near the end for added nutrition and color.
• Different Cheeses: Substitute cheddar with gouda, fontina, or pepper jack for a unique twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour in the roux and gluten-free gnocchi varieties.

How to Make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by frying diced bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels, reserving the drippings for added flavor in the next step.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the bacon fat, melt butter and sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, creating the flavorful base for your soup.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Stir in the flour to the sautéed aromatics and cook for about two minutes, whisking constantly, to form a roux that will thicken the soup beautifully.

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer

Slowly pour in chicken or vegetable broth while whisking, then bring to a gentle simmer for about five minutes until the soup starts to thicken.

Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi

Add the potato gnocchi into the simmering broth and cook according to package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes, until tender and floating.

Step 6: Stir in Cream and Cheese

Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and the crispy bacon reserved earlier, stirring until the cheese melts smoothly into the soup.

Step 7: Season and Garnish

Taste the soup and adjust with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs before serving hot and ready to savor.

Pro Tips for Making Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

• Use Quality Bacon: The better the bacon, the richer the smoky flavor in your soup.
• Don’t Overcook Gnocchi: Cook gnocchi just until tender to avoid mushiness.
• Grate Cheese Freshly: Freshly shredded cheddar melts better and enhances creaminess.
• Slowly Add Warm Broth: Prevents lumps in the roux for a smooth soup base.
• Let it Rest: Allow the soup to sit a few minutes off heat for flavors to meld perfectly.

How to Serve Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

Top your bowl with extra crispy bacon bits, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives, and a dash of cracked black pepper to elevate flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with warm crusty bread, garlic knots, or a light mixed greens salad to create a well-rounded, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in bread bowls for an adorable and edible container, or pour it over a bed of sautéed greens for a colorful and hearty presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to enjoy later.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen, but for best texture, freeze before adding the cream and cheese, then stir them in fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent curdling and to re-melt the cheese perfectly.

FAQs

Can I make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup dairy-free?

Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based cheese to keep it creamy without dairy.

What type of gnocchi works best?

Store-bought potato gnocchi are convenient and work well, but homemade gnocchi can add a fresh, tender touch if you have the time.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the base ahead and add gnocchi and cheese just before serving to keep textures fresh.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it reheats nicely and makes great leftovers, though the gnocchi may soften slightly over time.

How do I make the soup thicker?

Increase the roux by adding a bit more flour with butter in step 3, or reduce the broth slightly during simmering for a thicker consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is pure comfort in a bowl—cheesy, creamy, and packed with smoky bacon flavor alongside tender gnocchi that melts in your mouth. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or when you need that special dish to brighten your day. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen!

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