Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – A Rich and Creamy Comfort Meal

Looking for a perfect comfort meal? Try Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup! This rich and creamy dish combines savory bacon, cheesy goodness, and fluffy gnocchi for a heartwarming experience.

Why Make This Recipe?

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is not just delicious; it’s also fulfilling. Perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or cozy nights in, this recipe uses simple ingredients that warm you up from the inside out. With the added benefits of protein from bacon and calcium from cheese, it’s both tasty and nutritious.

How to Make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Ingredients:

• 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)
• 16 oz gnocchi
• 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp)

Directions:

1. Cook the Bacon: In a pan, cook the bacon until crispy, then chop it and set aside.
2. Sauté Veggies: In a large pot, heat butter or oil and sauté the diced onion and sliced carrots until they are tender.
3. Simmer the Broth: Add chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer.
4. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, seasonings, and shredded cheddar cheese while mixing continuously.
5. Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi and cook for about 2 minutes until they are soft.
6. Stir in Bacon: Finally, stir in the chopped bacon, adjust the seasoning, and serve hot.

How to Serve Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Serve this delightful soup hot in bowls, garnished with extra shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

To store your leftover Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup, cool it to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.

Tips to Make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

• Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to cut calories while still keeping it creamy.
• Add Protein: Consider adding shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked sausage for extra protein.
• Storage Tip: If you anticipate leftovers, cook the gnocchi separately and add it just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Variations

Feel free to customize your Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup. You can add vegetables like spinach or peas for more color and nutrients. For a different flavor profile, try using smoked gouda instead of cheddar.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
A: Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. Just add them directly into the soup without thawing.

Q: How can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: You can skip the bacon, use vegetable broth, and add more vegetables like mushrooms or broccoli.

Q: Can I freeze Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze it without the gnocchi. Add them when you reheat the soup.

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

A rich and creamy comfort meal filled with savory bacon, cheesy goodness, and fluffy gnocchi.

Main Ingredients

• 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)
• 16 oz gnocchi
• 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half (Use half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp)

Preparation

1. Cook the bacon in a pan until crispy, then chop it and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat butter or oil and sauté the diced onion and sliced carrots until they are tender.
3. Add chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, seasonings, and shredded cheddar cheese while mixing continuously.
5. Add the gnocchi and cook for about 2 minutes until they are soft.
6. Finally, stir in the chopped bacon, adjust the seasoning, and serve hot.

For storage, cool to room temperature and transfer to an airtight container. Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding broth or cream if it thickens too much. Make it lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Main Course, Soup

American

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup, Cheese Recipes, comfort food, creamy soup, Gnocchi Recipes