Description
This creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup combines crispy bacon, tender potato gnocchi, and sharp cheddar cheese in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for a comforting meal, this soup balances smoky, cheesy, and creamy textures in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Ingredients
- 6 oz bacon, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, setting it aside while leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Sauté garlic and onion: Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion to the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté for 3-5 minutes or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add the flour: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed garlic and onion. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, forming a flavorful roux.
- Build the soup base: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Then add the milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Simmer and cook gnocchi: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Add the potato gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, typically 3-4 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the top indicating they are done.
- Melt in cheese and season: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and optionally cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Return bacon and finish: Add the cooked bacon back into the pot, saving some for garnish if desired. Stir to combine all flavors evenly.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with sliced green onions and reserved crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
- For extra spice, add cayenne pepper gradually to taste.
- Gnocchi should be cooked just until they float to avoid overcooking and mushiness.
- Leftover bacon can be stored separately and added just before serving to maintain crispiness.
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a light green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: bacon cheddar soup, gnocchi soup, creamy bacon soup, potato gnocchi recipe, easy stovetop soup
