If you are searching for a comforting and indulgent bowl of pure deliciousness, this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender potato gnocchi swimming in a creamy, cheesy broth, enriched by crispy, savory bacon and fragrant herbs. Every spoonful offers a perfect balance of rich cheddar warmth and smoky bacon goodness, making it the ideal meal to brighten chilly evenings or impress your family and friends. This soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl and will quickly become your go-to comforting classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple yet packs in a depth of flavor with each carefully chosen ingredient. From crispy bacon lending its smoky essence to sharp cheddar melting into velvety smoothness, every element plays a vital role in creating this luscious soup.
- Bacon (6 strips, diced): Adds irresistible smoky crispness that infuses the entire soup with savory flavor.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Provides a sweet, aromatic base that balances richness beautifully.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Gives a gentle pungency boosting the overall depth of taste.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Creates a silky roux to thicken the soup to perfection without overpowering other flavors.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Essential for that smooth, creamy texture that clings to every gnocchi bite.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): The flavorful liquid base that brings everything together with savory notes.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Adds silkiness and balances the sharp cheddar cheese’s intensity gently.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the soup decadently rich and luscious, elevating it to pure comfort food.
- Potato gnocchi (16 ounces): Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the flavors and keep every bite delightful.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): The star ingredient giving a bold, creamy, cheesy punch throughout the soup.
- Salt and pepper: To taste—essential for seasoning and balancing the bold flavors.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 tablespoon): Adds an earthy, slightly lemony herbal note brightening the richness.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): For garnish—injects a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor at the end.
How to Make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by cooking the diced bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Let those little bacon pieces become gloriously crispy, releasing their smoky aroma. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. This step is crucial as it creates the soup’s irresistible bacon foundation.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the bacon fat remaining in the pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, around 4 to 5 minutes. These ingredients form a beautifully aromatic base that will infuse your soup with subtle sweetness and depth.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Add the butter to the pot and allow it to melt completely. Then stir in the all-purpose flour, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes. This creates a roux, which will thicken the soup and give it that luxurious creamy texture you crave. Stir constantly to avoid any lumps forming.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Simmer
Slowly whisk in your chicken broth, making sure to break up any flour clumps as you go. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This simmering stage allows the flavors to mingle and the soup to start thickening gracefully.
Step 5: Stir in Milk and Cream
Next, pour in the whole milk and heavy cream. Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer, being careful not to let it boil vigorously. This creamy combination enriches the soup, making every spoonful silky and indulgent.
Step 6: Cook the Gnocchi
Add the potato gnocchi to the simmering soup and cook it following the package instructions, usually around 3 to 5 minutes. When the gnocchi float to the top, they are perfectly cooked—soft and pillowy, soaking up that delicious broth.
Step 7: Melt in the Cheddar Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring constantly. This step requires patience, as you want the cheese to melt smoothly into the soup, creating that signature velvety texture without clumping.
Step 8: Season and Add Fresh Herbs
Season the soup with salt, pepper, and the fresh thyme leaves. These simple additions elevate the flavor profile, lending herbal brightness and balance to cut through the richness.
Step 9: Return the Bacon to the Pot
Finally, stir the crispy bacon back into the pot, mixing it thoroughly so every bite includes that smoky crunch. This is where the Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe truly shines—bacon flavor front and center.
Step 10: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s piping hot, and get ready for pure comfort in every spoonful!
How to Serve Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a beautiful burst of color and a refreshing bite that cuts through the creamy richness. If you want to take it up a notch, sprinkle a little extra sharp cheddar cheese and maybe a few crisp bacon bits on top for an extra indulgent touch.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic knots—perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also works well, balancing the heaviness of the soup with fresh, crisp textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for a fun, casual presentation that doubles as edible containers. Alternatively, top the soup with a drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra layer of smoky complexity and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld wonderfully, but the gnocchi might soften a bit more, which is still delicious.
Freezing
While you can freeze this soup, keep in mind that the texture of the gnocchi tends to change after thawing. If you do freeze, store it without garnishes and thaw thoroughly in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and to help the soup regain its creamy consistency. If it feels too thick, stir in a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon will provide a leaner alternative while still contributing a nice smoky flavor, though it might not get as crispy as traditional bacon.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Not as written—this recipe uses all-purpose flour and traditional gnocchi containing wheat. For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free gnocchi.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to maintain that smoky undertone.
What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal because its bold flavor balances the creamy base perfectly, but you can experiment with a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a milder, creamier effect.
How thick is this soup?
This soup has a creamy, thick but ladle-able consistency. The roux and cheese combine to give it a rich texture that beautifully coats the gnocchi and keeps you coming back for more.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood for something that feels like a warm, cheesy hug with a satisfying bacon crunch, the Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe is your new best friend. It’s approachable to prepare, unforgettable in flavor, and perfect for cozy nights or sharing with loved ones. Go ahead—give it a try and watch this deliciously comforting soup become a cherished kitchen favorite!
Print
Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and hearty Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup that combines crispy bacon, tender potato gnocchi, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh herbs in a creamy broth. Perfect for a comforting meal on chilly days, this soup is easy to make using simple stovetop techniques.
Ingredients
Bacon and Aromatics
- 6 strips of bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot with the bacon drippings, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
- Make Roux: Add the unsalted butter to the pot and let it melt completely. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux which will thicken the soup.
- Add Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to break up any flour clumps to ensure a smooth mixture. Bring the soup base to a gentle simmer.
- Add Dairy: Stir in the whole milk and heavy cream. Continue simmering gently to incorporate all liquids smoothly without boiling.
- Cook Gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi to the simmering soup and cook according to package directions, typically 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface indicating they are done.
- Incorporate Cheese: Lower heat to low and gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese while stirring constantly until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season Soup: Season the soup with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and fresh thyme leaves to your taste preference. Stir to combine all flavors evenly.
- Add Bacon: Return the cooked bacon pieces to the pot and mix thoroughly to distribute the bacon throughout the soup.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra shredded cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh potato gnocchi for the best texture, and cook just until they float to avoid overcooking.
- Sharp cheddar cheese gives the soup its distinctive bold flavor; avoid pre-shredded cheese that may contain anti-caking agents which can affect melting.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and omit bacon, or use smoked tempeh for a smoky flavor.
- If the soup is too thick, add additional milk or broth to reach desired consistency.
- This soup reheats well but may thicken upon standing; stir in a splash of milk while reheating.
