Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe

If you are craving a cozy, creamy bowl of comfort, you absolutely have to try the Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe. This soup is everything you want on a chilly day—a savory and cheesy blend with tender potato gnocchi, smoky bacon, and a velvety broth that feels like a warm hug. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend indulgence, this recipe manages to be both sophisticated and simple, making it one of those dishes you’ll keep returning to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a pivotal role in creating the dish’s rich texture, hearty flavor, and inviting aroma. Here’s a rundown of what you need to stock your kitchen:

• Bacon (6 strips, diced): Adds irresistible smoky crunch and a punch of umami that infuses the entire soup.
• Onion (1 medium, chopped): Builds a sweet, savory foundation that balances the richness.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Contributes aromatic depth that wakes up the palate.
• Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Creates a silky base for the roux and adds silky richness.
• All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Essential for thickening the broth into a creamy dream.
• Chicken broth (4 cups): Forms the savory backbone of the soup with comforting warmth.
• Whole milk (2 cups): Adds a gentle creaminess that softens and smooths.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): Boosts richness and gives the soup its luscious texture.
• Potato gnocchi (16 ounces): Pillowy little pillows that absorb flavor and add delightful chewiness.
• Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): The star ingredient that melts into silky pockets of cheesy goodness.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple seasonings that bring all the elements to life.
• Fresh thyme leaves (1 tablespoon): Herbal brightness that cuts through the richness.
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Adds a fresh, colorful finish and a hint of earthiness.

How to Make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Crisp the bacon

Start by cooking the diced bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it’s irresistibly crispy. This step is key because that crunchy bacon texture contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup to come. Once done, rescue the bacon with a slotted spoon, letting it rest on paper towels to drain excess grease.

Step 2: Sauté the aromatics

Using the same pot (with the flavorful bacon drippings), toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them slowly until the onion turns translucent and tender. This lays down a sweet and fragrant base that infuses the soup with inviting warmth.

Step 3: Make the roux

Next, melt unsalted butter into the pot and stir in the flour. Cook this mixture for a couple of minutes to banish any raw flour taste and build that creamy texture that makes this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe so luscious.

Step 4: Whisk in the broth

Gradually add chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid clumps, creating a silky, lump-free base. Bring everything to a gentle simmer so the soup begins to thicken and thicken beautifully.

Step 5: Add milk and cream

Pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, then return to a simmer. This step is where the soup starts to develop its signature velvety mouthfeel and indulgent richness.

Step 6: Cook the gnocchi

Add potato gnocchi directly into the bubbling broth. Cook according to package directions—usually 3 to 5 minutes—until the gnocchi float to the top, signaling they’re perfectly tender and ready to soak up the flavors.

Step 7: Melt in the cheddar

Lower the heat and slowly stir the shredded sharp cheddar into the soup. Keep stirring until the cheese melts smoothly, creating a creamy, cheesy blanket that envelops every spoonful.

Step 8: Season and add herbs

Season your soup with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme leaves. The thyme adds a lovely herbal note that balances the richness and layers the flavor with a bright, earthy touch.

Step 9: Return bacon to the pot

Stir the crispy bacon back into the soup for a final infusion of smoky flavor and delightful texture in every hearty bite.

Step 10: Serve and enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish as you like with chopped parsley and extra cheddar. Get ready to dive into one of the coziest, most satisfying soups you’ve ever tasted.

How to Serve Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brings a hint of brightness that lifts the rich cheddar and bacon flavors. If you want to be extra indulgent, add a little more shredded cheddar on top for melty, cheesy bites.

Side Dishes

This soup shines on its own, but pairing it with crusty artisan bread or garlic knots makes it a full meal. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can also offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic, charming presentation that’s perfect for entertaining. You can also layer it in clear glass mugs to show off the luscious colors and textures for a casual party or family get-together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, but the gnocchi may soften, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or gently reheated.

Freezing

This soup is best enjoyed fresh since frozen gnocchi can become mushy. If you must freeze, store the soup without the gnocchi and add freshly cooked gnocchi when you reheat it.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and smoothing out the cheddar. Add a splash of milk or cream to refresh the texture if it has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon will still add a nice smoky flavor while being a lighter option, though the texture might be a bit different than traditional bacon.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe?

You can skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth; adding smoked paprika can help mimic that smoky depth. Sautéed mushrooms also add a great umami-packed texture.

Can I substitute the potato gnocchi with another type of pasta?

Sure! While potato gnocchi offer a unique pillowy texture, small pasta shapes like mini shells or ditalini would also work well in this soup.

How can I make the soup thicker?

If you like an extra creamy soup, increase the flour slightly or reduce the liquid by simmering the soup a bit longer before adding cheese and gnocchi.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

It takes some creativity, but you can replace milk and cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and opt for dairy-free cheese to keep that comforting creaminess without the dairy.

Final Thoughts

If you want to treat yourself to a bowl that’s bursting with flavor and leaves you warm from the inside out, the Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe should be your go-to. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to share, comforting enough for cold days, and delightful for cheese and bacon lovers everywhere. Give it a whirl—you might just find a new favorite for your recipe collection!

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