Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Warm up with creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup loaded with crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and tender gnocchi for a comforting and hearty meal perfect any day of the year. This soup combines rich flavors and delightful textures in every spoonful, making it an ideal comfort food that’s easy to prepare and customizable to your tastes.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Bacon & Aromatics
- 6 slices crispy bacon, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free version)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Main Ingredients
- 1 package (about 16 oz) potato gnocchi (use gluten-free gnocchi for gluten-free option)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Garnishes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the soup and adjust with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs before serving hot and ready to savor.
Notes
- 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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: bacon cheddar gnocchi soup, creamy soup, comfort food, cheesy soup, gnocchi recipe, easy soup, gluten-free soup option