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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Render the bacon in a spacious pot or Dutch oven, sizzling over medium heat until the strips transform into crispy, golden-brown delights.
- 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.
- Sauté aromatic vegetables in the residual bacon fat, allowing them to soften and release their deep, savory essence into the developing soup base.
- Sprinkle flour into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to create a robust, thickening roux that will provide luxurious body to the soup.
- Gradually stream in chicken broth and milk, whisking methodically to prevent any potential lumps and ensure a silky, smooth liquid foundation.
- Incorporate tender gnocchi into the simmering broth, allowing them to gently cook and absorb the surrounding flavors while maintaining their delicate texture.
- Fold in sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts completely and integrates seamlessly into the creamy soup landscape.
- Reintroduce the previously crisped bacon pieces, sprinkling them across the surface to provide a delightful crunch and smoky undertone.
- Season the soup with a precise balance of salt, pepper, and optional herbs, tasting and adjusting to achieve a harmonious flavor profile.
- 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