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Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

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4.2 from 22 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Bacon and Vegetables

  • 810 slices Bacon
  • 1 Tablespoon Butter or Olive Oil
  • 1 large Onion, diced
  • 2 large Carrots, peeled and sliced

Soup Base

  • 4 cups Chicken Broth
  • 12 teaspoons Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (or 4 cloves minced garlic)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • 1/21 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes

Cream and Cheddar

  • 16 ounces Gnocchi
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream or Half-n-Half
  • 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow the vegetables to soften further.
  4. 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.
  5. Add Cheese Gradually: Slowly add the grated cheddar cheese in increments, stirring continuously and allowing it to melt fully to avoid clumping.
  6. Cook Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook for 2 minutes until they are tender and heated through.
  7. 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.