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.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 8–10 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp)
Spices & Seasonings
- 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)
Other
- 16 oz gnocchi
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
