Cozy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of hearty bacon cheddar gnocchi soup that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly evening.

Soft potato dumplings nestle between crispy bacon bits and melted cheese, creating a symphony of textures.

Each spoonful promises rich, creamy goodness that will make you forget about any worries.

Rustic ingredients come together effortlessly, turning a simple soup into a memorable meal.

Cheesy and indulgent, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Layers of flavor dance across your palate, promising satisfaction with every delightful bite.

You’ll want to savor this soul-warming dish that brings pure culinary joy to your table.

Comfort in a Bowl: Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

• This bacon cheddar gnocchi soup delivers rich, hearty flavors in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Soft, pillowy gnocchi combined with crispy bacon creates an irresistible contrast that keeps every spoonful exciting and satisfying.
• Melted cheddar cheese and smoky bacon transform a simple soup into a decadent, restaurant-quality dish that feels like a warm hug.
• Using minimal ingredients and basic kitchen staples, this recipe provides maximum taste without breaking the bank, making it accessible for home cooks at any skill level.

What’s Inside This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

• Chopped Bacon: Provides rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture; choose thick-cut bacon for best results; adds depth to the soup.

• Bacon Grease: Essential for sautéing vegetables and building a flavorful base; natural rendering from cooked bacon; adds subtle smokiness.

How to Prepare Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Step-by-Step

Sizzle Crispy Bacon Bits

Cook chopped bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it turns golden brown and crispy. Once perfectly crunchy, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon pieces onto a paper towel-lined plate. Keep the delicious bacon grease in the pot for extra flavor.

Prep Aromatic Veggie Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Sliced carrots
• Chopped celery

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Create Creamy Soup Foundation

Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables and stir to coat evenly. This will help thicken the soup and create a rich base. Cook for a minute to remove the raw flour taste.

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Milk

Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.

Introduce Hearty Potato Gnocchi

Gently add potato gnocchi to the simmering soup. Let them cook until they float to the top and become tender, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes.

Build Flavor Layers

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crispy bacon bits
• Chopped fresh chives
• Cracked black pepper

Mix until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, velvety texture.

Final Comfort Touch

Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow all flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve hot in deep bowls, garnished with extra cheese and bacon bits for a comforting, indulgent meal that warms the soul.

Pro Advice for Perfect Gnocchi Texture

• Crisp Bacon Perfectly: Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to ensure even browning and maximum crunchiness without burning.
• Maximize Flavor Depth: Reserve bacon grease for sautéing vegetables, adding rich, smoky undertones to the soup's base.
• Quick Bacon Storage: Pat cooked bacon with paper towels to remove excess oil, then crumble or chop for easy soup topping.
• Customize Texture Options: For lighter version, drain most bacon grease and use olive oil instead, reducing overall fat content.
• Enhance Cheese Melting: Use room temperature shredded cheddar and add gradually to prevent clumping and ensure smooth incorporation.

Store Leftovers From Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Properly

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep crispy bacon bits separate to prevent sogginess and maintain their crunch.
• Warm soup slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and maintain creamy texture.
• If soup thickens during storage, splash a little chicken broth or water to restore original consistency before serving.

Serve With These for a Full Meal

• Pair this hearty bacon cheddar gnocchi soup with a crisp pilsner beer that cuts through the richness and complements the smoky bacon notes.
• Serve alongside a fresh arugula salad dressed with light lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, peppery contrast to the creamy soup's heavy texture.
• Accompany the soup with crusty sourdough bread or garlic crostini to soak up the delicious cheesy broth and add a satisfying crunch.
• Select a medium-bodied chardonnay with buttery undertones that will mirror the soup's creamy consistency and enhance its deep, savory flavors.

Want to Switch It Up? Here’s How

• Vegetarian Comfort: Replace bacon with smoky tempeh strips or roasted mushrooms for a meat-free protein boost.
• Gluten-Free Solution: Swap traditional wheat-based gnocchi with potato or cauliflower gnocchi to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon and choose reduced-sodium chicken broth to decrease salt content.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts for a creamy consistency.

FAQs on Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Answered

• What are gnocchi made of?

Gnocchi are soft Italian dumplings typically made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. They have a pillowy texture and are perfect for absorbing the rich flavors of soups and sauces.

• Is bacon necessary for this recipe?

Bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup. If you’re vegetarian, you can substitute it with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar depth of flavor.

• Can I make gnocchi from scratch?

Yes, homemade gnocchi is possible. You’ll need potatoes, flour, egg, and salt. While it takes more time than store-bought, the fresh texture and taste can be worth the effort.

• How do I prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy in soup?

Cook gnocchi separately and add them to the soup just before serving. This helps maintain their texture and prevents them from becoming overly soft or disintegrating in the liquid.

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting bacon cheddar gnocchi soup delivers a hearty embrace of cheesy, smoky goodness straight from Italian-American kitchens. Warm potato dumplings nestled with crisp bacon bits promise a delicious winter meal you’ll savor down to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Main Protein:

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 lb potato gnocchi
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups baby spinach (optional, for freshness)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 4 cups (32 ounces) chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups (12 ounces) heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)

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Instructions

1. Render the bacon in a spacious pot or Dutch oven, sizzling over medium heat until the strips transform into crispy, golden-brown delights.
2. Extract the perfectly crisped bacon using a slotted spoon, transferring the pieces to a waiting plate while preserving the rich, smoky drippings within the cooking vessel.
3. Sauté aromatic vegetables in the residual bacon fat, allowing them to soften and release their deep, savory essence into the developing soup base.
4. Sprinkle flour into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to create a robust, thickening roux that will provide luxurious body to the soup.
5. Gradually stream in chicken broth and milk, whisking methodically to prevent any potential lumps and ensure a silky, smooth liquid foundation.
6. Incorporate tender gnocchi into the simmering broth, allowing them to gently cook and absorb the surrounding flavors while maintaining their delicate texture.
7. Fold in sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts completely and integrates seamlessly into the creamy soup landscape.
8. Reintroduce the previously crisped bacon pieces, sprinkling them across the surface to provide a delightful crunch and smoky undertone.
9. Season the soup with a precise balance of salt, pepper, and optional herbs, tasting and adjusting to achieve a harmonious flavor profile.
10. Serve the soup piping hot, garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispy texture that provides a robust base for the soup.
• Drain excess bacon grease on paper towels to control the oil content while keeping the delicious crunch.
• Use room temperature ingredients like cheese and milk to help create a smoother, more consistent soup without lumps.
• Consider using pre-cooked store-bought gnocchi to save time and simplify the cooking process without compromising taste.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg