Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup in a bowl topped with crispy bacon and cheese

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – A Rich and Creamy Comfort Meal

Unleashing the Comfort: Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Ever walk into a kitchen and get a whiff of something so rich and creamy that it practically hugs you? That’s exactly how Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup makes you feel! This one-pan wonder is quick to whip up and brings all the warm, cozy vibes you need. Plus, who can resist the combination of bacon and cheese? Trust me, it’s about to become your go-to comfort meal!

Why Make This Recipe

No one likes a complicated dinner prep, right? This soup shines for a few key reasons:

  • Easy Cleanup: No one wants to spend hours scrubbing pots and pans. With this one-pot recipe, you only deal with a single cooking vessel. Score!
  • Family-Friendly: Your kids (and maybe even your picky partner) will dig it! It’s cheesy, comforting, and full of flavor—what’s not to love?
  • Affordable Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients already in your kitchen. So, you can save those bucks for more essential items, like dessert! 🍰

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

  • 8-10 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1-2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (or 4 cloves minced garlic)
  • ¼ tsp dried thyme
  • ½-1 tsp red chili flakes (optional, if you’re feeling spicy!)
  • 16 oz gnocchi
  • 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp)

Directions

Follow these simple steps to deliciousness:

  1. Cook bacon until crispy, then chop and set aside.
  2. In a large pot, heat butter or oil and sauté onions and carrots until tender.
  3. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  4. Stir in heavy cream, seasonings, and shredded cheese, stirring continuously.
  5. Add gnocchi and cook for 2 minutes or until soft.
  6. Stir in bacon, adjust seasoning as needed, and serve hot.

How to Make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – A Rich and Creamy Comfort Meal (Overview)

Here’s how it goes: first, you’ll get that heavenly bacon sizzling, filling your kitchen with the kind of aroma that calls for a dinner idea. Next, let those onions and carrots mingle in oil until they soften beautifully. Then, toss in the broth and cream, letting it simmer to create that luscious base. Don’t forget to add the gnocchi! They cook so quickly that dinner is practically ready before you know it. And let’s not overlook the bacon – it’s the charming finishing touch! Oh, and pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic if you choose that route; it makes a world of difference! 🌟

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – A Rich and Creamy Comfort Meal

How to Serve Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – A Rich and Creamy Comfort Meal

Serve this delectable soup in a bowl that shows off its creamy yellow hue, adorned with crispy bacon bits on top. Pair it with a crusty bread or crunchy croutons for an extra layer of texture. The fragrance of the melted cheddar cheese wafts through the air, and the rich appearance alone makes your stomach growl with excitement. 🍞

How to Store Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – A Rich and Creamy Comfort Meal

Got leftovers? Simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore its creamy goodness. If you want to make-ahead and freeze it, do so without the gnocchi; they don’t freeze well. Just add them fresh when you’re ready to serve!

Tips to Make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – A Rich and Creamy Comfort Meal

  1. Fry the bacon crispy: It adds the perfect crunch against the creamy soup!
  2. Use fresh herbs: Thyme can be substituted with rosemary or basil for a fresh twist.
  3. Want it spicier?: Add more red chili flakes for that extra kick.
  4. For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with whole milk or a low-fat alternative.
  5. Experiment with cheeses: Gouda or pepper jack can add a fun twist!

Variation

Feeling adventurous? Try adding spinach or kale for added nutrients and a pop of color. You can go vegan by omitting the bacon and cheese, using vegetable broth, and opting for a non-dairy cream alternative. The possibilities are practically endless!

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi in this recipe?

Absolutely! Just throw them in straight from the freezer; they might need a couple of extra minutes to cook.

How can I make this soup creamy without heavy cream?

You could use coconut milk or a blend of cashews and vegetable broth for that creamy texture!

Is it okay to double this recipe?

Yes, it’s very easy to double! Just ensure your pot can hold it all—nobody likes soup overflow! 😊

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

A rich and creamy comfort soup loaded with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for a quick dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8-10 slices bacon, cooked and chopped Fry until crispy for best texture.
  • 1 tbsp butter or olive oil For sautéing.
  • 1 large onion, diced Adds flavor base to the soup.
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced For sweetness and color.
  • 4 cups chicken broth For the soup base.
  • 1-2 tsp salt Adjust based on broth saltiness.
  • 1 tsp black pepper For seasoning.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder Or use 4 cloves of minced garlic.
  • ¼ tsp dried thyme Can substitute with fresh herbs.
  • ½-1 tsp red chili flakes Optional spice addition.
  • 16 oz gnocchi Fresh or frozen, direct from freezer is fine.
  • 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half For creaminess.
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Medium or sharp for flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook bacon until crispy, then chop and set aside.
  2. In a large pot, heat butter or oil and sauté onions and carrots until tender.
  3. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  4. Stir in heavy cream, seasonings, and shredded cheese, stirring continuously.
  5. Add gnocchi and cook for 2 minutes or until soft.
  6. Stir in bacon, adjust seasoning as needed, and serve hot.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread or croutons. To store, keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For freezing, do so without gnocchi and add them fresh when serving.

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