If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy, soul-warming dish, let me introduce you to the magic of Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup. This creamy, cheesy soup brings together crispy, smoky bacon, pillowy gnocchi, and sharp cheddar in a way that feels both indulgent and comforting. It’s the perfect meal to enjoy any day of the week when you want something satisfying and easy to whip up, with every spoonful delivering rich flavors and a luscious texture that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play crucial roles in building the flavor, texture, and color of your Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup. Each one enhances the dish in its own way, from the savory depth of bacon and broth to the creamy finish of cheddar and cream.
- Bacon (8-10 slices): Provides smoky, crispy bites that add a fantastic savory crunch.
- Butter or Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing and helps to soften vegetables while adding richness.
- Large Onion, diced (1): Adds sweetness and aromatic depth when cooked down.
- Large Carrots, peeled and sliced (2): Bring natural sweetness and a lovely color contrast.
- Chicken Broth (4 cups): The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
- Salt (1–2 teaspoons): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat to counterbalance the creaminess.
- Garlic Powder or Fresh Garlic (1 teaspoon powder or 4 cloves minced): Injects a warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
- Dried Thyme (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle herbaceous note that brightens the soup.
- Red Chili Flakes (1/2–1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle spicy kick without overpowering.
- Gnocchi (16 ounces): Soft little pillows that soak up the creamy broth perfectly.
- Heavy Cream or Half-n-Half (2 cups): Creates the rich, velvety texture that makes this soup so luxurious.
- Cheddar Cheese, grated (2 cups): Sharp and melty, cheddar delivers bold flavor and creamy meltiness.
How to Make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Step 1: Cook and Prepare the Bacon
Start by cooking your bacon until it’s perfectly crispy; this adds the essential smoky flavor and crunchy texture to the soup. After cooking, set aside to cool and then chop into bite-sized pieces. This early step lays down one of the most memorable flavor notes in the bacon cheddar gnocchi soup.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Carrots
In a large pot over medium heat, melt your butter or warm olive oil, then toss in the diced onions and sliced carrots. Cook gently until they soften and become fragrant, around 10 to 15 minutes. This slow sauté builds the base flavor and lets the natural sweetness of the veggies shine.
Step 3: Add the Soup Base
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer. This step allows the flavors to marry, and the broth serves as the hearty body of the soup we all love. Adding spices now, like salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, and chili flakes, layers in the seasoning, making every spoonful burst with complexity.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cream and Cheese
Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream or half-n-half. Let the soup simmer gently without boiling so it thickens slightly and becomes luxuriously creamy. Then, add the grated cheddar cheese gradually, stirring constantly to melt it smoothly into the broth. This gradual melting prevents clumping and guarantees a silky finish—the hallmark of a great Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi and Finish with Bacon
Toss the gnocchi right into the simmering soup and cook according to package instructions—usually just a couple of minutes until they float and become tender. Then, fold in those crispy bacon pieces, stirring gently so every bite has just the right amount of smoky goodness. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then get ready to serve!
How to Serve Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Garnishes
Brighten your bowls with a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or chives for a burst of color and mild onion flavor. Adding an extra handful of shredded cheddar and a few crisp bacon crumbs on top takes the presentation up a notch and ensures every spoonful delights with texture and taste.
Side Dishes
This rich soup pairs beautifully with a light salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess, or a slice of crusty bread that’s perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of soup. Roasted vegetables or simple garlic toast also complement the hearty, comforting nature of the Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve the soup in individual mini bread bowls, hollowing out small round loaves to cradle each serving. Another fun idea is layering the soup with a sprinkle of bacon and cheddar in clear glass mugs, letting everyone see the beautiful layers and colors before stirring it all together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup (though unlikely), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, letting the flavors deepen even more overnight for a fabulous next-day experience.
Freezing
Because this soup includes cream and cheese, freezing can be tricky. If you want to freeze it, leave out the cream and cheese initially, then add them fresh when reheating. Freeze the soup base and gnocchi separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring often to prevent scorching. If it’s thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up. Add extra shredded cheddar and crisp bacon during reheating to revive that fresh, comforting flavor.
FAQs
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon works fine as a leaner alternative. Expect a slightly different texture and milder smoky flavor, but it will still complement the creamy richness of the Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup beautifully.
Is there a vegetarian version of Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup?
You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke can help replicate some of the smoky notes that bacon brings.
Can I substitute gnocchi with another starch?
Yes, small pasta shapes like mini shells or pearl pasta work well if gnocchi is unavailable. Keep in mind cooking times and texture differences—they won’t be as pillowy but still delicious.
What type of cheddar cheese is best for this soup?
Sharp or extra sharp cheddar provides the best bold flavor to complement the smoky bacon and creamy soup base. Freshly grating your cheese ensures it melts smoothly and enhances the soup’s texture.
How spicy is the Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup?
The soup has a gentle kick from the red chili flakes, which you can adjust to your taste. If you prefer no heat, simply omit the flakes and enjoy a mild, comforting soup perfect for picky eaters.
Final Thoughts
Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is one of those dishes you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation because it’s easy, satisfying, and full of personality. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or feeding a crowd, this soup brings together comforting flavors and textures that feel like a warm hug in a bowl. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love!
PrintBacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
This creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and hearty American dish combining crispy bacon, tender gnocchi, and rich cheddar cheese in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a satisfying meal in just under 40 minutes, this soup balances smoky, cheesy, and savory flavors in every bowl.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 6 bowls 1x
- Category: Comfort Food & Classics
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Bacon and Vegetables
- 8–10 slices Bacon
- 1 Tablespoon Butter or Olive Oil
- 1 large Onion, diced
- 2 large Carrots, peeled and sliced
Soup Base
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 1–2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (or 4 cloves minced garlic)
- 1/4 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1/2–1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
Cream and Cheddar
- 16 ounces Gnocchi
- 2 cups Heavy Cream or Half-n-Half
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, grated
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large pot, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove and place on paper towels to drain. When cool, chop into small pieces and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add butter or olive oil. Add diced onions and sliced carrots and cook over medium heat until vegetables are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow the vegetables to soften further.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Reduce heat to medium-low, then stir in the heavy cream (or half-n-half) along with salt, pepper, garlic powder (or minced garlic), dried thyme, and red chili flakes. Let the soup gently simmer until it slightly thickens, taking care not to boil.
- Add Cheese Gradually: Slowly add the grated cheddar cheese in increments, stirring continuously and allowing it to melt fully to avoid clumping.
- Cook Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook for 2 minutes until they are tender and heated through.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Stir in chopped bacon pieces. Serve hot, optionally garnished with green onions, extra grated cheese, and additional bacon if desired.
Notes
- Use half-n-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter soup variation.
- Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to control the spice level.
- For vegetarian option, omit bacon and use vegetable broth.
- Ensure the soup simmers gently after adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Gnocchi cooks quickly; do not overcook to maintain texture.