When the chilly weather sets in, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a steaming bowl of Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup. This creamy, flavor-packed soup is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, and a melty cheddar cheese blend. It’s a dish that will warm you from the inside out and leave you craving more. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a hearty lunch, this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is sure to hit the spot.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
- 8–10 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1–2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 4 cloves minced garlic)
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ½–1 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 16 oz gnocchi
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get started on this delectable Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup!
Cook Bacon
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving some of the bacon grease in the pot.
Sauté Veggies
Add the butter or olive oil to the pot. Sauté the onion and carrots over medium heat until they’ve softened, about 5–7 minutes.
Add Broth and Seasonings
Stir in the chicken broth, salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and red chili flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil.
Cook Gnocchi
Once boiling, add the gnocchi and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are tender.
Finish with Cream and Cheese
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half and the shredded cheddar cheese. Let the cheese melt and the soup thicken slightly.
Add Bacon and Serve
Finally, stir in the cooked, chopped bacon. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup hot and creamy, and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Gnocchi Soup
To ensure your Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a hit, here are a few tips:
- Choose quality bacon for maximum flavor enhancement.
- Select fresh, high-quality gnocchi for the best texture.
- Adjust the creaminess by using heavy cream for a richer soup or half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Substitute the cheddar cheese with a different variety, such as Parmesan or Gruyère, if desired.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Nutritional Information
A serving of this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup contains approximately 540 calories, 34 grams of fat, 38 grams of carbohydrates, and 22 grams of protein. The bacon and cheese add richness, while the carrots and gnocchi provide a balance of nutrients. To make the soup healthier, you can reduce the amount of cheese or use low-fat dairy products.
Serving Suggestions
This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup pairs beautifully with a crusty bread, such as a warm sourdough or French baguette, for dipping. A fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables would also complement the dish nicely. For a seasonal twist, consider serving the soup with a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or a drizzle of pesto.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when gnocchi is done in soup?
The gnocchi is cooked when it floats to the surface of the soup and is tender to the bite. This typically takes 3-4 minutes of simmering.
How do I make my gnocchi soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can try a few things:
- Reduce the soup over low heat to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
- Mix a tablespoon or two of cornstarch or flour with a bit of broth or cream, then stir it into the soup.
- Let the soup simmer for a few extra minutes to allow the starches in the gnocchi to release and thicken the broth.
How many days is chicken gnocchi soup good for?
The Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. It’s important to note that the gnocchi may continue to absorb liquid and become softer over time, so the soup may thicken further as it sits.
Is gnocchi soup good leftover?
Yes, this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is delicious as leftovers. The flavors tend to meld and deepen, making it even more satisfying. Just be sure to reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, to prevent the gnocchi from becoming too soft.
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Conclusion
This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a true comfort food masterpiece. The combination of tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar cheese creates a soup that is both satisfying and downright delicious. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly day or simply craving a cozy, flavorful meal, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Give it a try and let us know how you enjoyed it!
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Indulge in Creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Today!
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
When the chilly weather sets in, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a steaming bowl of Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup. This creamy, flavor-packed soup is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, and a melty cheddar cheese blend.
Ingredients
- 8–10 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1–2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 4 cloves minced garlic)
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ½–1 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 16 oz gnocchi
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp)
Instructions
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving some of the bacon grease in the pot.
2. Add the butter or olive oil to the pot. Sauté the onion and carrots over medium heat until they’ve softened, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Stir in the chicken broth, salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and red chili flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Once boiling, add the gnocchi and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are tender.
5. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half and the shredded cheddar cheese. Let the cheese melt and the soup thicken slightly.
6. Finally, stir in the cooked, chopped bacon. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup hot and creamy, and enjoy!
Notes
Choose quality bacon for maximum flavor enhancement.
Select fresh, high-quality gnocchi for the best texture.
Adjust the creaminess by using heavy cream for a richer soup or half-and-half for a lighter version.
Substitute the cheddar cheese with a different variety, such as Parmesan or Gruyère, if desired.
For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Comfort Food, Soup
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 540
- Calories: 2
- Sugar: 800
- Sodium: 34
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 1
- Trans Fat: 75
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: undefined
- Protein: undefined
- Cholesterol: 2