Dinner

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Name: Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound gnocchi; 6 slices bacon, chopped; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

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This cozy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup brings smoky bacon, creamy cheddar, and pillowy gnocchi together in a bowl of comfort. It smells of warm cheese and bacon fat, tastes rich and savory, and has a silky texture with small tender bites of gnocchi and crunchy bacon on top. If you like creamy bowl meals, you might also enjoy a similar cheesy soup like broccoli cheddar soup for another weeknight option.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

(approximate per serving)

Calories per serving: 680 kcal
Protein: 23 g
Carbohydrates: 43 g
Fat: 47 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 1100 mg

Why Make This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

This soup is fast, satisfying, and perfect for chilly nights. It takes simple ingredients and turns them into a rich, comforting bowl that feeds a family or makes great leftovers. The bacon adds a smoky crunch, the cheddar melts into a velvety broth, and the gnocchi give the soup soft, chewy bites. It’s an easy showstopper for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

How to Make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Follow simple steps: crisp the bacon, soften aromatics, simmer the broth with gnocchi, then finish with cream and cheese. The whole process takes about 30 minutes and yields a creamy, hearty soup with layers of flavor.

Ingredients:

1 pound gnocchi
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon pieces and set them aside on a paper towel. Keep the bacon drippings in the pot — they will flavor the soup.

Step 2: Mixing

Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon drippings and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cooking

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the pot to a gentle simmer. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually until the gnocchi float to the top (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 4: Finishing

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts and the soup is smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with the crispy bacon and chopped fresh parsley.

How to Serve Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Serve in warmed bowls so the soup stays hot longer. Offer extra shredded cheddar, a grind of black pepper, and crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables pair well to balance the richness. For entertaining, serve in small bowls as an appetizer or in larger bowls for a main course.

How to Store Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Refrigerator: Cool the soup to room temperature, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. Gnocchi will absorb some broth over time and soften.
Freezer: This soup does not freeze well because dairy and gnocchi change texture when frozen and thawed. If you must, freeze before adding cream and cheese; freeze the broth and cooked gnocchi separately for up to 1 month. Thaw, then reheat gently and stir in cream and cheese just before serving.
Reheating: Reheat over low heat on the stove, stirring often. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much.

Expert Tips for Perfect Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Crisp the bacon well for texture contrast, but don’t overcook it to the point of burning.
Use freshly shredded cheddar — pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.
Stir cheese in off the highest heat. Too-hot soup can make cheese clump. Lower the heat and stir until smooth.
Taste the broth before adding salt. Bacon, cheddar, and broth can make the soup quite salty.
For even richer flavor, sauté the onion in a tablespoon of the bacon fat first, then add garlic.
If the soup is too thin, simmer a few minutes to reduce. If too thick, thin with extra broth or a splash of milk.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but expect a slightly thinner texture.

Delicious Variations

Add vegetables: Stir in chopped spinach or kale at the end for color and nutrition.
Swap the gnocchi: Use cooked small pasta (like orecchiette) or cooked potatoes for a different texture.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Herb boost: Stir in fresh thyme or chives before serving.
Smoky swap: Use smoked cheddar or add a drop of liquid smoke for extra depth.
Make it meatless: Omit bacon and sauté mushrooms for a savory vegetarian version (use vegetable broth).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen gnocchi?
A: Yes. Cook frozen gnocchi straight from frozen in the simmering broth. They will take a minute or two longer to cook and will float when done.

Q: My cheese clumped when I added it. What went wrong?
A: Cheese clumps when added to soup that is too hot or when stirred too aggressively. Lower the heat, add cheese gradually, and stir gently until it melts. Using freshly shredded cheese helps.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free cream substitute (coconut cream or cashew cream) and a dairy-free shredded cheddar alternative. The flavor will change, but it remains creamy.

Q: How do I prevent the soup from becoming greasy?
A: Remove excess bacon fat after cooking bacon, leaving just a tablespoon for flavor. Use low-fat broth and control the amount of cream. Skim off excess fat with a spoon after the soup rests briefly.

Q: Can I prepare parts of this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes. Cook and refrigerate the bacon and sautéed aromatics separately for up to 2 days. Reheat, then finish with hot broth, gnocchi, cream, and cheese for best texture.

Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
A: Use gluten-free gnocchi or gluten-free pasta. Confirm your chicken broth is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is an easy, comforting meal that comes together fast and delivers rich, cheesy, bacon-forward flavor with soft gnocchi in every spoonful. It’s great for weeknights, casual dinners, or when you need a cozy bowl of warmth. For another take on the same idea and extra inspiration, see Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – Modern Honey. Enjoy cooking and share this bowl with friends and family — it’s sure to become a favorite.