Oh, let me tell you about the first time I stumbled upon this gem of a recipe! One chilly winter evening, I was cozied up in my kitchen, the aroma of bacon sizzling in the pan filling the air with a savory hug. I had just made a batch of fluffy gnocchi and was brainstorming a dish that would wrap me in warmth like my favorite blanket. After a few delicious experiments that night, this delightful Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup was born! The rich, creamy texture paired with the smoky bacon and the comforting cheesy goodness has made this soup an instant family favorite, perfect for lazy Sundays or busy weeknights. Trust me, one taste, and you’ll understand why it’s a cherished addition to our meal rotations!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: You’ll have a warm bowl of comfort in just 30 minutes!
- One-Pot Wonder: Easy cleanup means more time to enjoy your cozy soup.
- Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of bacon and cheddar is a flavor match made in heaven!
- Customizable: Change ingredients to suit your mood or the season.
- Hearty and Filling: Perfect for a chilly night or when you need extra warmth.
Recipe Snapshot
| Category | Cuisine | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Yield | Skill Level |
|—————-|————–|———–|———–|————|——-|————–|
| Soup | Italian | 10 minutes| 20 minutes| 30 minutes | 4-6 | Easy |
Ingredients
- 8-10 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped: The heart of this dish! Use thick-cut bacon for extra crispy bites.
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil: A little fat to sauté your veggies to golden perfection.
- 1 large onion, diced: Sweet and savory—this will fill your kitchen with delightful aromas as it cooks!
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and a pop of color!
- 4 cups chicken broth: The comforting base that brings all the flavors together.
- 1-2 tsp salt: Just a pinch to enhance those flavors (taste as you go!).
- 1 tsp black pepper: For a little kick that brings the whole dish to life.
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 4 cloves minced garlic): Because garlic makes everything better, right?
- ¼ tsp dried thyme: A lovely earthy aroma that compliments the creaminess of the soup.
- ½-1 tsp red chili flakes (optional): A touch of heat for those who like a bit of spice!
- 16 oz gnocchi: These little pillows of potato goodness will soak up all that flavor.
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half: The soul of the soup, making it luxuriously creamy.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp): The star ingredient! Use your favorite kind for that cheesy goodness.
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Cook the Bacon
First things first, cook the bacon until it’s beautifully crispy! The scent wafting through your kitchen will feel like a warm welcome. Once it’s done, chop it into bite-sized pieces and set it aside. If you’re anything like me, you might steal a piece or two to nibble on while cooking. No judgment here!
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat your butter or olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and sliced carrots, allowing them to sauté until they’re tender and fragrant. This step is like setting the stage for your delicious show—don’t rush it!
Add the Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. This is where the soup starts coming together, creating a warm, inviting landscape of flavors just waiting to be enhanced.
Stir in Cream and Cheese
Now for the fun part! Stir in your heavy cream (or half-and-half) and let it swirl into the broth. As you add the seasonings and shredded cheese, you’ll feel the magic happen. Stir continuously until everything is melty and comforting—take a moment to inhale that cheesy aroma!
Cook the Gnocchi
Add your gnocchi to the bubbling pot and cook for about 2 minutes or until it’s soft and delicate, soaking up all that goodness. Your kitchen is about to feel like the coziest spot in your home!
Add the Bacon and Serve
Finally, stir in your chopped bacon and taste to see if it needs any adjustments. Then serve this soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra cheese or fresh herbs if you’re feelin’ fancy. Cozy vibes in every bite!
Pro Tips for Success
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and quality broth will elevate the flavors significantly.
- Don’t rush the cooking: Take your time to sauté the veggies until they’re just right!
- Adjust to taste: Everyone’s palate is different. Feel free to tweak the seasoning to your liking.
Flavor Variations
- Vegetable lovers: Add chopped spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
- Herb it up: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the soup!
- Spice it up: Add in diced jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick!
Serving Suggestions
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For plating, serve in a bowl that reflects your cozy vibe—perhaps a rustic bowl you love or a bright one to cheer the table! And don’t forget a glass of white wine or mulled cider to sip alongside!
Make-Ahead & Storage
Feeling prepared? You can whip this soup up to a day in advance—just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for 3-4 days if stored properly. Just remember to keep the bacon separate until you reheat!
Leftovers
Leftover Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup can be something special! Consider using it as a pasta sauce, pouring it over baked potatoes, or even drizzling it on a pizza base. Yum!
Freezing
Yes, this soup can be frozen! Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to leave some room for expansion. To thaw, let it sit in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently. You can also pop it in the microwave, but only to a gentle heat to avoid overcooking the gnocchi.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Absolutely! Just toss it directly into the simmering soup without thawing.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Yes! Swap bacon for smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I use pre-made gnocchi?
Definitely! Just follow the package instructions for cooking time.
What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar offers a deeper flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorite melting cheese!
Final Thoughts
As the warmth of the soup fills your belly and melts away the chill of the day, I hope you feel just as cozy as I do when I make this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, a reminder of warmth, love, and the joy of cooking. So grab that apron, turn up the heat, and let the delicious aromas fill your home. Happy cooking, friends! ❤️
Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8-10 slices slices of bacon, cooked and chopped Use thick-cut bacon for extra crispy bites.
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil For sautéing vegetables.
- 1 large onion, diced Sweet and savory.
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced Adds natural sweetness.
- 4 cups chicken broth Comforting base.
- 1-2 tsp salt Enhances flavors.
- 1 tsp black pepper Adds a little kick.
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 4 cloves minced garlic) Garlic enhances flavor.
- ¼ tsp dried thyme Provides earthy aroma.
- ½-1 tsp red chili flakes (optional) For a bit of spice.
- 16 oz gnocchi Pillows of potato goodness.
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half Makes the soup luxuriously creamy.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Use medium or sharp for cheesy goodness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the bacon until it’s beautifully crispy, then chop it into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat the butter or olive oil over medium heat, then sauté the diced onions and sliced carrots until tender and fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and let it swirl into the broth, adding seasonings and shredded cheese until everything is melted and comforting.
- Add the gnocchi to the bubbling pot and cook for about 2 minutes or until soft.
- Finally, stir in the chopped bacon, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.