Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Comfort Food for Any Occasion

There’s something truly magical about a creamy soup that wraps you up like a warm blanket. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup. Rich, hearty, and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something comforting. My first experience with this recipe was during a cozy family gathering, and it quickly became a staple in our household. With crispy bacon, gooey cheddar, and tender gnocchi, it’s a delightful take on traditional soup that’ll have your loved ones coming back for seconds.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

What Sets This Recipe Apart

This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup isn’t just another meal; it’s a culinary experience! Here’s why you should add it to your recipe repertoire:

• Quick and Easy: Whipping this soup up takes less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Kid-Approved: Who can resist creamy soup with bacon and cheese? This dish is a surefire hit with children and adults alike.
• Versatile: Whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck, or a cozy night in, this soup fits any occasion perfectly.

“I’ve never had a soup that felt so rich and indulgent, yet was so easy to make! It’s my new go-to for cold nights.” – Jenna, a happy home cook

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a straightforward process, broken down into simple steps. You’ll start by cooking crispy bacon, which sets the stage for a flavor-packed base. Then, sauté your veggies, add broth, cream, and cheese — and voilà! Within just a few minutes, you’ll be simmering perfection. Let’s dive into the steps and ingredients you’ll need.

Gather Your Ingredients

Everything You Need for This Recipe

To make this comforting bowl of goodness, here’s what you’ll need:

• 8-10 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 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 for a kick)
• 16 oz gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp)

Feel free to customize with ingredients you have on hand, such as using vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

Step-by-Step Directions

Cooking Steps

1. Start by cooking the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove it from the pot and chop into bite-sized pieces.
2. In the same pot, add the butter or olive oil. Sauté the diced onions and sliced carrots until they soften, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and red chili flakes (if using). Continuously stir until well combined.
5. Add the gnocchi to the pot and let it cook for about 2 minutes, or until the gnocchi becomes soft and starts to float.
6. Last but not least, stir in the chopped bacon and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot!

Best Way to Serve

Serving Suggestions

This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is delicious on its own, but here are some great ways to elevate your serving:

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.
• Crusty Bread: Serve it with a side of crusty baguette or homemade garlic bread for dipping.
• Cheese Please!: Top each bowl with a bit more shredded cheese for an extra indulgence.

Storage Tips

Best Way to Store Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

If you find yourself with leftovers (or if you’d like to make this dish in advance!), here are some storage tips:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that gnocchi’s texture may change when frozen, so add it fresh if possible.
• Reheat: To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the consistency.

Pro Chef Tips

Helpful Hints

• Crispy Bacon: For the crispiest bacon, cook it slowly over medium heat, allowing fat to render effectively.
• Don’t Overcook Gnocchi: Remember that gnocchi cooks quickly. Keep an eye on it to avoid a mushy texture.
• Cheddar Choice: Sharp cheddar provides more flavor, but don’t be afraid to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a melty twist.

Creative Twists

Recipe Variations

Looking to experiment? Here are a few fun variations to put a twist on this classic recipe:

• Vegetable Medley: Toss in other veggies like spinach, peas, or bell peppers to boost the nutrition profile.
• Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the liquid.
• Creamy Alternatives: Swap out heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free option while still keeping things creamy.

Your Questions Answered

Common Questions

1. How long does it take to prepare?

   • Preparing this soup only takes about 10 minutes, with a total cooking time of around 20 minutes!

2. Can I substitute the gnocchi?

   • Absolutely! You can use any small pasta shape. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

3. How can I store this soup safely?

   • Always store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl! With its rich, creamy texture and an explosion of flavors, it’s bound to become a new favorite in your household. So grab those ingredients and bring comfort to your table tonight!

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A creamy, hearty soup made with bacon, cheddar cheese, and tender gnocchi, perfect for chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8–10 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 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 for a kick)
• 16 oz gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp)

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Instructions

1. Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove and chop into bite-sized pieces.
2. In the same pot, add the butter or olive oil. Sauté the onions and carrots until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Stir in heavy cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and red chili flakes (if using). Stir until combined.
5. Add the gnocchi and cook for about 2 minutes until they float.
6. Stir in the chopped bacon and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot!

Notes

Garnish with fresh herbs, serve with crusty bread, and add more shredded cheese for an extra indulgence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: soup, comfort food, bacon, cheddar, gnocchi, creamy soup