Fresh Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe: A Bowlful of Comfort

Chilly evenings demand a warm and comforting embrace, and this hearty bacon cheddar gnocchi soup delivers pure culinary bliss.

Soft, pillowy gnocchi dance alongside crispy bacon bits in a rich, creamy broth that whispers comfort with every spoonful.

Melted cheddar cheese weaves its magic through each delectable bite, creating a symphony of flavors that warms you from the inside out.

Robust and satisfying, this soup transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Sharp cheddar and smoky bacon create an irresistible combination that elevates this dish beyond ordinary soup.

The tender gnocchi absorb the savory broth, making every mouthful a delightful experience.

Comfort never tasted so good – this soup promises to become your new cold-weather companion.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 7

All You’ll Need For Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

• Bacon: Provides rich, smoky depth and crispy texture to the soup, choose thick-cut for maximum flavor and crunch.
• Onion: Builds foundational savory notes, select fresh, firm onions with no soft spots.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic intensity, look for firm bulbs with tight, unbroken skin.

• Butter: Creates silky smooth base and enhances overall richness, use unsalted for better flavor control.
• Flour: Helps thicken soup and create smooth consistency, all-purpose works perfectly.
• Chicken Broth: Delivers hearty liquid base, opt for low-sodium to manage salt levels.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious, velvety texture, select high-quality cream for best results.

• Potato Gnocchi: Offers soft, pillowy texture and substantial element, choose fresh or vacuum-sealed for best quality.
• Cheddar Cheese: Introduces sharp, tangy notes, select aged variety for deeper flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground provides most vibrant taste.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes smoky undertone, choose high-quality Spanish variety.
• Baby Spinach: Provides fresh, green brightness (optional), select crisp, bright leaves.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers fresh garnish and herbal lift, choose bright green, perky leaves.

Tools To Help With Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking and combining all soup ingredients, providing ample space for mixing and simmering.
• Slotted Spoon: Perfect for removing crispy bacon from grease without excess oil.
• Whisk: Crucial for creating smooth roux and blending broth without lumps.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping bacon and preparing ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for stirring and mixing ingredients throughout cooking process.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurate seasoning and ingredient amounts.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for shredding fresh cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded.

Steps To Make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

• Crisp Up Bacon

Start by transforming bacon into golden, crunchy pieces in a roomy pot over medium heat. Fish out the crispy bits with a slotted spoon, keeping a small pool of delicious bacon fat behind.

• Wake Up the Aromatics

Toss chopped onions into the sizzling bacon drippings, letting them dance and soften. Quickly introduce minced garlic for a quick flavor burst.

• Build the Soup Foundation

Drop in butter and let it mingle with the onions. Dust with flour and stir, creating a silky base. Slowly pour chicken broth, whisking to keep everything smooth. Splash in cream and let the mixture bubble gently.

• Welcome the Gnocchi

Slide potato pillows into the simmering liquid, allowing them to bob and cook until they float playfully to the surface.

• Finish with Flair

Melt cheddar into the soup, creating a luxurious texture. Season with salt, pepper, and a whisper of smoked paprika. Reunite the crispy bacon with the soup and optionally swirl in some fresh spinach.

• Serve with Love

Ladle the creamy, bacon-studded soup into bowls. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a bright finish and enjoy immediately.

Flavor Tips For Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

• Bacon-Saving Swap: Replace traditional bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter option that still delivers incredible smoky flavor and crispy texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the soup base and bacon in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator. Combine and reheat gently when ready to serve, preventing gnocchi from becoming mushy.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheddar cheese alternative for a lactose-intolerant friendly version that maintains rich, creamy consistency.
• Veggie Power-Up: Transform this hearty soup by replacing bacon with smoked mushrooms or tempeh for a vegetarian twist that keeps the deep, savory profile intact. Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary to boost umami flavor.
• Texture Trick: For extra crispy bacon topping, bake bacon in the oven at 400°F for more even crispiness before crumbling into the soup, ensuring a perfect crunch in every spoonful.

How To Serve Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

• Cozy Comfort Combo: Pair this hearty soup with a crusty sourdough bread for dipping, soaking up all those delicious cheesy bacon flavors.
• Salad Sidekick: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's rich and creamy texture.
• Rustic Dinner Delight: Transform this soup into a complete meal by adding a simple roasted vegetable side dish like honey-glazed carrots or garlic roasted broccoli.
• Wine Companion: Complement the soup's bold flavors with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Chardonnay that cuts through the creaminess.

Store Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Easily

• Quick Cooling Strategy: Let the soup cool to room temperature within 2 hours, preventing bacterial growth and maintaining optimal taste quality.
• Refrigeration Technique: Store soup in airtight containers, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Separate liquid and solid ingredients if possible to maintain texture.
• Smart Reheating Method: Warm soup gently on stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency. Stir frequently to prevent bottom scorching and ensure even heating.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze soup without spinach for best results. Use freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Hearty Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Comfort-packed bacon cheddar gnocchi soup delivers hearty warmth with creamy potato goodness. Crisp bacon, melted cheese, and pillowy gnocchi combine for a satisfying meal that welcomes you into winter’s embrace.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb potato gnocchi
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Bacon Preparation: Render bacon in a spacious pot over medium heat until achieving golden, crisp texture. Extract bacon pieces with a slotted spoon, reserving two tablespoons of smoky drippings.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Sauté diced onions in bacon fat until translucent, then add minced garlic and briefly toast to release its fragrant essence. Introduce butter and dust with flour, whisking to create a smooth roux.
3. Liquid Integration: Gradually stream chicken broth into the roux, maintaining consistent stirring to prevent lumps. Pour in heavy cream and allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer, creating a velvety base for the soup.
4. Gnocchi and Cheese Incorporation: Carefully drop gnocchi into the simmering liquid, cooking until they float to the surface. Blend shredded cheddar cheese into the soup, stirring until completely melted and integrated.
5. Seasoning and Final Touches: Season with salt, cracked black pepper, and a hint of smoked paprika. Reintroduce crispy bacon pieces and fold in baby spinach leaves, allowing them to delicately wilt into the creamy mixture.
6. Serving: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and ladle the steaming, luxurious soup into serving bowls, ready to be enjoyed.

Notes

• Bacon Rendering Technique: Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to achieve crispy texture without burning. Drain excess fat on paper towels to maintain crispiness and reduce greasiness.
• Roux Mastery: Whisk flour and butter constantly to prevent scorching and ensure smooth, lump-free base. Use low-medium heat for optimal thickening without burning.
• Gnocchi Cooking Precision: Add gnocchi directly to simmering soup, not boiling liquid. Watch carefully as they float to surface, which signals perfect cooking time – typically 2-3 minutes.
• Cheese Melting Strategy: Remove soup from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and grainy texture. Stir gradually and gently to create creamy, smooth consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg