If you crave a bowlful of pure comfort, look no further than this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – A Rich and Creamy Comfort Meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. This soup brings together crispy bacon, tender gnocchi, sharp cheddar, and a luscious creamy base, creating a flavor-packed experience that’s both indulgent and satisfying. It’s the perfect answer when you want something hearty, cheesy, and utterly delicious without any fuss.

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – A Rich and Creamy Comfort Meal Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to this soup’s incredible taste and texture, each one playing a vital role in creating that cozy, rich warmth you’ll crave time and again.

Bacon (8-10 slices): Crispy bacon adds smoky depth and a wonderful crunch contrast.
Butter or olive oil (1 tbsp): For sautéing vegetables and building flavor right from the start.
Onion, diced (1 large): Adds sweetness and a mild pungency that enhances every spoonful.
Carrots, peeled and sliced (2 large): Bring subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the broth.
Chicken broth (4 cups): The rich liquid base that carries all flavors beautifully.
Salt (1-2 tsp): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
Black pepper (1 tsp): Adds just a hint of warmth and spice.
Garlic powder or minced garlic (1 tsp or 4 cloves): Infuses the soup with aromatic depth.
Dried thyme (¼ tsp): A subtle herbaceous note that rounds out the flavors.
Red chili flakes (½-1 tsp, optional): For a gentle kick if you like a little heat.
Gnocchi (16 oz): These soft little pillows bring chewiness and heartiness unique to this soup.
Heavy cream or half-and-half (2 cups): Gives the soup its signature creamy, velvety texture.
Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Sharp or medium cheddar melts into the broth, creating a melty, cheesy dream.

How to Make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – A Rich and Creamy Comfort Meal

Step 1: Cook and Prepare the Bacon

Start by frying the bacon slices until they’re perfectly crispy, releasing that irresistible smoky aroma. Once cooked, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces and set it aside—this will be the flavor powerhouse that elevates your soup to the next level.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, melt your butter or heat olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and sliced carrots and cook them slowly until they’re tender and fragrant. This gentle sauté brings out their natural sweetness, laying a delicious foundation for your soup.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This step softens the vegetables even further and lets all those savory flavors start to mingle, making your kitchen smell absolutely wonderful.

Step 4: Stir in Cream, Seasonings, and Cheese

Next, slowly add the heavy cream along with salt, black pepper, garlic powder (or fresh garlic), thyme, and optional chili flakes. As you stir continuously, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the broth and create that signature creamy texture that defines this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – A Rich and Creamy Comfort Meal.

Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi

Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring gently until they become soft and tender but still pleasantly chewy. The gnocchi soak up the creamy broth, turning every spoonful into a luxurious taste experience.

Step 6: Finish with Bacon and Adjust Flavors

Finally, stir in the crispy chopped bacon. Give your soup a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it piping hot for the most comforting effect, and prepare to savor every creamy, cheesy, bacon-studded bite.

How to Serve Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – A Rich and Creamy Comfort Meal

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes takes this soup from comforting to spectacular. Try topping bowls with chopped green onions for a pop of color and mild bite, or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar for greasier indulgence. Crumbled cooked bacon on top amps up the smokiness, while a dash of cracked black pepper adds visual contrast and a little peppery zing.

Side Dishes

Pair your Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup with warm, crusty artisan bread or a garlic butter baguette slice for dunking. A simple crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette helps to balance the richness without competing. For extra comfort points, consider serving it with soft dinner rolls or a bacon and cheddar savory scone to echo the soup’s flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for that extra wow factor. Layer in some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley on top to create a bistro-style look. If you want to elevate the experience, garnish each bowl with a drizzle of chili oil or a swirl of sour cream to bring an extra dimension to this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – A Rich and Creamy Comfort Meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the cheese and cream, it’s best enjoyed fresh but storing it properly means you can enjoy leftovers with nearly the same deliciousness later.

Freezing

While freezing creamy soups can sometimes change the texture, this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – A Rich and Creamy Comfort Meal freezes reasonably well if done carefully. Store it in a freezer-safe container, leaving enough room for expansion, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent the cheese from separating or the cream from curdling. If needed, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the consistency. This method helps maintain the soup’s rich and creamy texture so every spoonful stays comforting.

FAQs

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon works well as a leaner substitute and still adds plenty of smoky flavor to your Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – A Rich and Creamy Comfort Meal. Just adjust cooking times since it cooks a bit faster than pork bacon.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To add that smoky bacon taste, consider adding smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke. The soup will still be rich and satisfying.

What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal because it melts beautifully and adds a wonderful tangy depth. You can use medium cheddar for a milder flavor, but avoid processed cheeses as they won’t give the same creamy texture or robust flavor.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well. Keep in mind the flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I prevent the gnocchi from sticking together?

When adding gnocchi, stir gently and cook just until they float and are tender, usually about 2 minutes. Overcooking or overcrowding the pot can cause them to stick. Make sure to stir occasionally for an even cook.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite as satisfying as diving into a bowl of Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – A Rich and Creamy Comfort Meal after a long day. It’s the kind of meal that welcomes you home with its cheesy, bacon goodness and silky texture. Give this recipe a try, and you might just find a new favorite comfort food that you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – A Rich and Creamy Comfort Meal Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 30 reviews

Author: Lana
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a rich and creamy comfort meal featuring crispy bacon, tender gnocchi, and sharp cheddar cheese in a flavorful broth. This hearty soup combines savory ingredients with a smooth texture, making it perfect for warming up on a chilly day.

Instructions

Cook the bacon: Cook 8-10 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then chop into small pieces and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sliced carrots, and sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the broth: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer to blend the flavors.
Incorporate cream and seasonings: Stir in 2 cups of heavy cream or half-and-half along with salt (1 to 2 teaspoons), black pepper (1 teaspoon), garlic powder or minced garlic (1 teaspoon or 4 cloves), dried thyme (¼ teaspoon), and optional red chili flakes (½ to 1 teaspoon) for a slight kick. Continuously stir to combine.
Add cheese and gnocchi: Add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the pot, stirring until melted and smooth. Then add 16 oz of gnocchi and cook for about 2 minutes or until the gnocchi become soft and tender.
Finish with bacon and serve: Stir the cooked bacon into the soup, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the soup hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chili flakes to taste.
You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce the richness slightly.
For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit bacon, or use smoked tempeh or vegetarian bacon alternatives.
Gnocchi cooks quickly; avoid overcooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering and sautéing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 380 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 12 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: bacon cheddar gnocchi soup, creamy soup, comfort food, cheesy gnocchi soup, easy dinner soup