Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Looking for a comforting and delicious dish to warm you up? This Hearty Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, rich treat that combines the flavors of crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese with tender gnocchi. It’s perfect for cold evenings or simply when you’re craving something cozy and satisfying.

Why make this recipe

This recipe is a wonderful blend of textures and flavors. The savory bacon adds a delightful crunch, while the creamy cheddar cheese ensures every spoonful is luxurious. The added gnocchi makes it filling, and if you throw in some baby spinach, you get a burst of freshness, making it both hearty and nutritious. Plus, it’s quite simple to make!

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 lb (454 g) potato gnocchi
• 2 cups (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 cups (32 fl oz) chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups (12 fl oz) heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups baby spinach (optional, for freshness)
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

How to make it

1. Crisp bacon in a spacious pot over medium heat until golden-brown and perfectly rendered, then transfer to a plate while reserving the flavorful drippings.
2. Utilize the bacon fat to soften aromatic vegetables, creating a rich foundational layer for the soup’s complex flavor profile.
3. Dust flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring consistently to craft a smooth thickening base that will provide substantial body to the soup.
4. Methodically whisk chicken broth and milk into the roux, ensuring a silky, lump-free liquid that forms the soup’s creamy foundation.
5. Gently introduce gnocchi into the simmering broth, allowing them to cook tenderly and absorb the surrounding savory essence.
6. Melt sharp cheddar cheese thoroughly into the soup, creating a luxurious, velvety texture that binds all ingredients together.
7. Reintroduce crispy bacon pieces, season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs, then garnish with additional cheese or fresh herbs before serving piping hot.

How to serve it

Serve this delightful soup hot, accompanied by a sprinkle of additional cheddar cheese and fresh parsley on top for a burst of color. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.

How to store it

This soup can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much in the fridge.

Helpful tips

• For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or basil during the cooking process.
• Ensure not to overcook the gnocchi; they only need a few minutes in the hot broth to be perfect.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese based on your preference for cheesiness!

Optional variations

• Add cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms for additional protein and flavor.
• You can swap out the spinach for kale or any leafy green you prefer.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! While sharp cheddar is recommended for its flavor, you can try gruyère, gouda, or a mix of cheeses for a unique taste.

What can I substitute for chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, or if you’re feeling adventurous, a bone broth for added richness.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
It’s best to freeze the soup without the gnocchi, as they tend to become mushy upon thawing. Instead, freeze the soup base and add fresh gnocchi when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Hearty Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

A creamy and rich soup combining crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and tender gnocchi, perfect for cold evenings.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 560 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the soup base

• 6 slices bacon, chopped Crispy bacon adds flavor.
• 1 lb potato gnocchi Fresh or packaged gnocchi works.
• 4 cups chicken broth Use low-sodium if preferred.
• 1.5 cups heavy cream or half-and-half For a lighter option, use half-and-half.

For flavor and seasoning

• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 3 tbsps all-purpose flour To thicken the soup.
• 1 small onion, diced For aromatic flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is recommended.
• 2 cups baby spinach Optional for added freshness.
• 0.5 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika Optional for extra depth.
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley For garnish.

For garnishing

• additional cheddar cheese To sprinkle on top before serving.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Crisp bacon in a spacious pot over medium heat until golden-brown and perfectly rendered, then transfer to a plate while reserving the flavorful drippings.
• Utilize the bacon fat to soften aromatic vegetables, creating a rich foundational layer for the soup's complex flavor profile.
• Dust flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring consistently to craft a smooth thickening base for the soup.

Cooking

• Methodically whisk chicken broth and heavy cream into the roux, ensuring a silky, lump-free liquid that forms the soup's creamy foundation.
• Gently introduce gnocchi into the simmering broth, allowing them to cook tenderly and absorb the surrounding savory essence.
• Melt sharp cheddar cheese thoroughly into the soup, ensuring a luxurious, velvety texture.
• Reintroduce crispy bacon pieces, season with salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika, then garnish with additional cheese or fresh herbs before serving piping hot.

Notes

Serve hot, accompanied by crusty bread or crackers for dipping. For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or basil during cooking. Ensure not to overcook the gnocchi; they only need a few minutes in hot broth.

Keyword Bacon Soup, Cheddar Cheese Soup, Comfort Food, Gnocchi Soup, Hearty soup