Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – A Rich and Creamy Comfort Meal

Name: Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8-10 slices Bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped (Thick-cut bacon can add more flavor.); 1 tbsp Butter or Olive Oil, for sautéing; 1 large Onion, diced (Adds sweetness.); 2 large Carrots, peeled and sliced (For heartiness.); 4 cups Chicken Broth (For a flavorful base.); 1-2 tsp Salt (To taste.); 1 tsp Black Pepper (To taste.); 1 tsp Garlic Powder or 4 cloves Fresh Garlic, minced (For extra flavor.); ¼ tsp Dried Thyme (For warmth.); ½-1 tsp Red Chili Flakes (For a touch of heat (optional).); 16 oz Gnocchi (Chewy pasta pillows.); 2 cups Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half (For creaminess.); 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded (Medium or sharp for flavor.)

There’s something uniquely satisfying about a bowl of soup that warms you from the inside out, especially as the colder months approach. This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is rich, creamy, and embraces that wonderful comfort food vibe we all crave. Picture this: soothing gnocchi, crispy bacon, and a luscious cheese-infused broth that seems to hug you with every spoonful. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

What makes this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup absolutely irresistible? For starters, it combines the best of both worlds: hearty and creamy, making it the perfect antidote to chilly weather. This recipe is incredibly easy to whip up, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, especially if you already have some pantry staples on hand.

Family-approved for both kids and adults, this comforting meal is not just for weeknight dinners. Serve it at holiday gatherings or casual brunches, and watch as it quickly disappears!

“This soup has become a family favorite! So rich and delicious that we often make it on repeat during the cooler months.” – Happy Home Cook

How This Recipe Comes Together

Making Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a straightforward process. Start with cooking crispy bacon, then sauté your aromatic veggies. After that, it’s all about combining, simmering, and stirring—talk about easy! Finally, a splash of cream and a generous amount of cheese is added to create that luscious texture we all love. This recipe is not only comforting but ensures minimal cleanup, making it perfect for a busy kitchen.

Key Ingredients

Gather these items for the perfect soup:

Bacon: 8-10 slices, cooked until crispy and chopped
Butter or Olive Oil: 1 tbsp for sautéing
Onion: 1 large, diced for sweetness
Carrots: 2 large, peeled and sliced for heartiness
Chicken Broth: 4 cups for a flavorful base
Salt and Black Pepper: 1-2 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper for seasoning
Garlic Powder or Fresh Garlic: 1 tsp or 4 cloves minced for extra flavor
Dried Thyme: ¼ tsp for warmth
Red Chili Flakes: ½-1 tsp for a touch of heat (optional)
Gnocchi: 16 oz, chewy pasta pillows that soak up the flavors
Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: 2 cups for creaminess
Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded (medium or sharp for flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the bacon: In a large pot, fry the bacon slices until crispy, then chop them and set aside.
Sauté the veggies: In the same pot, add butter or olive oil, followed by diced onions and sliced carrots. Sauté until the veggies are tender.
Add the broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Incorporate the cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, seasonings, and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts smoothly into the soup.
Add the gnocchi: Toss in the gnocchi and let it cook for about 2 minutes, or until it gets soft.
Finish with bacon: Stir the crispy bacon back into the soup, adjust seasoning as needed, and serve hot.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

This soup can be enjoyed in a myriad of ways. For a comforting dinner, serve it in deep bowls, topped with crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, if desired. Crusty bread or garlic toast makes an excellent side to soak up the delicious broth.

For a special touch, consider pairing it with a light salad drizzled with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

When it comes to storing this hearty soup, it’s essential to keep your leftovers fresh and safe. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Keep in mind that the gnocchi may become a bit softer upon reheating, but the flavor remains just as delightful.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Bacon Tip: For extra flavor, try using thick-cut bacon; it adds more crunch and depth.
Cream Alternatives: If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream without sacrificing texture.
Cooking the Gnocchi: If you prefer firmer gnocchi, you can cook them separately and add them just before serving.

Recipe Variations

There are endless ways to customize this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup! You might try adding vegetables like spinach or kale for a pop of color and nutrients. Additionally, swapping the cheddar for a smoked gouda can introduce a deliciously different flavor. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add extra mushrooms for texture.

Your Questions Answered

What’s the prep time?
This soup takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cook time, making it quite quick to prepare.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup up to the point of adding the gnocchi and store it in the fridge. Just cook the gnocchi fresh when you’re ready to serve.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring it back to the right consistency.

This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup has all the elements of a heartwarming dish. It impresses family and friends alike while offering ease of preparation that fits right into your busy lifestyle. Enjoy every spoonful!