The Ultimate Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
We present Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup, a rich, creamy, and deeply comforting soup that combines pillowy gnocchi, crispy bacon, tender vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese in a velvety broth. This soup is one of those recipes that instantly becomes a family favorite thanks to its bold flavor, satisfying texture, and straightforward preparation.
Ready in under 40 minutes, this homemade soup is ideal for cozy dinners, cold-weather meals, or anytime you want something indulgent yet easy to make.
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Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup: Creamy, Comforting, and Packed with Flavor
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup made with crispy bacon, tender vegetables, pillowy gnocchi, and melted cheddar cheese. A rich, comforting homemade soup everyone loves.
Ingredients
8 to 10 slices bacon
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
4 cups chicken broth
1 to 2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 to 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
16 ounces gnocchi
2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
1. Cook bacon until crispy and set aside. Once cooled, chop into small pieces.
2. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add butter or olive oil.
3. Add onions and carrots and cook until tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Add chicken broth and simmer.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low and add cream, garlic, thyme, pepper, chili flakes, and salt.
6. Simmer gently without boiling.
7. Add cheese gradually, stirring constantly until fully melted.
8. Stir in gnocchi and cook for 2 minutes.
9. Add bacon, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with desired garnishes.
Notes
Do not boil after adding cream and cheese to prevent curdling.
Add cheese slowly to ensure a smooth texture.
Bacon can be cooked in the oven at 400°F for 20 to 27 minutes or on the stovetop.
Serve with extra cheese, bacon, or green onions for garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: bacon cheddar gnocchi soup, creamy gnocchi soup, bacon cheese soup
Why This Gnocchi Soup Recipe Works So Well
This recipe succeeds because it layers flavor carefully. Bacon adds smokiness and salt, onions and carrots provide sweetness and depth, and the combination of cream and cheddar creates a luscious, silky base. Gnocchi cooks quickly, absorbing flavor while maintaining its soft, chewy texture.
Gentle heat is key, ensuring the cheese melts smoothly without clumping and the soup stays creamy rather than grainy.
Ingredient Highlights
Bacon delivers crisp texture and savory richness. Onion and carrots form the aromatic base, while chicken broth builds depth without heaviness.
Heavy cream or half-and-half creates luxurious body, and cheddar cheese adds sharp, comforting flavor. Garlic, thyme, black pepper, and red chili flakes enhance complexity without overpowering the soup.
Gnocchi is the star ingredient, making the soup hearty and filling without requiring long cook times.
How to Make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
The bacon is cooked first until crispy, then set aside and chopped once cooled. In a large pot, butter or olive oil is heated and the onions and carrots are sautéed until soft and tender. Chicken broth is added, and the mixture is simmered to allow flavors to combine.
Once the vegetables are fully tender, the heat is lowered and cream, seasonings, and garlic are added. The soup gently simmers and begins to thicken slightly. Cheese is added gradually, stirring constantly, to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
Gnocchi is stirred in and cooked briefly until tender. Finally, the bacon is added back into the soup, and the seasoning is adjusted to taste.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is best served hot, garnished with extra bacon, grated cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Results
Avoid boiling the soup after adding cream and cheese, as high heat can cause curdling. Add cheese slowly and stir constantly for the smoothest consistency. For extra heat, increase the red chili flakes slightly.
Bacon can be cooked in the oven or on the stovetop, depending on preference. Oven-baked bacon offers consistent crispness and easy cleanup.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it.
A Comfort Soup Worth Repeating
We consider Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup a standout comfort-food recipe that delivers rich flavor with simple ingredients and reliable results. Creamy, hearty, and incredibly satisfying, it is a soup that earns a permanent spot in any home cook’s recipe collection.