Creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup for Cozy Comfort 🥣🥓🧀
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a warm, indulgent bowl of bacon cheddar gnocchi soup, you’re in the right place. This creamy and cheesy soup combines the savory flavors of crispy bacon, soft gnocchi, and sharp cheddar cheese to create a perfect comfort food dish. Ideal for chilly evenings or when you need some soothing warmth, this cheesy soup is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds and provide cozy comfort. Ready to craft this delightful dish? Let’s get started!
2. Ingredients Needed for Creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
- 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Preparation of Bacon and Aromatics
Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. In the same pot, add diced onions and cook until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute to release fragrant aromas.
Building the Soup Base
Pour chicken broth into the pot with the aromatics, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stir in dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to marry the flavors.
Adding Gnocchi and Cream
Add the potato gnocchi to the simmering broth. Cook according to package instructions, typically about 2-3 minutes, until they float to the surface. Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine for a creamy texture. Reduce heat to low.
Cheese and Bacon for Ultimate Flavor
Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese into the soup, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Fold in the crispy bacon bits. Add butter for extra richness and taste. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2 months—just reheat thoroughly before serving.
5. Serving Suggestions for Your Cozy Comfort Soup
Serve this bacon cheddar gnocchi soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or additional shredded cheese. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete, comforting meal. For a touch of extra flavor, consider serving with a side of garlic bread or a warm roll.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Can I substitute the bacon with turkey bacon or skip it altogether?
Yes! You can use turkey bacon for a leaner option or omit bacon completely for a vegetarian version. To add a smoky flavor without bacon, consider smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
What are some good substitutions for heavy cream?
For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or coconut milk. Keep in mind that the soup’s richness may vary.
How long does it take to make this bacon cheddar gnocchi soup?
The entire process typically takes around 30-40 minutes, making it a quick yet hearty meal for busy weeknights.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Standard potato gnocchi usually contains gluten, but gluten-free gnocchi can be used. Verify your gnocchi’s ingredients to ensure the dish remains gluten-free.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
Enhance your cooking experience with these essential tools:
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – Perfect for sautéing bacon and preparing the soup without sticking.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – Keep your ingredients fresh and chilled during prep.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker – Great for simmering and keeping your soup warm for serving.
8. Final Tips for the Best Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
- Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Cook the gnocchi just until they float to avoid a mushy texture.
- Adjust the cheese amount to your taste—more cheese makes it extra cheesy!
- For added depth, sprinkle a dash of smoked paprika or hot sauce to spice it up.
9. Conclusion
This bacon cheddar gnocchi soup is the epitome of creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting food that will warm your soul. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this dish combines rich flavors with hearty ingredients to create a meal that everyone will love. Don’t forget to explore more delicious recipes on Spoonella for new ideas to brighten your table. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful comfort food!
Print
Creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup for Cozy Comfort
A hearty, creamy soup featuring soft gnocchi, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese in a rich broth, perfect for warming up any day.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package (16 oz) store-bought gnocchi
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté diced onion and minced garlic in the bacon drippings until translucent.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Stir in gnocchi and cook until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Reduce heat and stir in milk and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with crispy bacon bits and chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika or a splash of hot sauce. Use gluten-free gnocchi for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 420 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
2 thoughts on “Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – Creamy, Cheesy & Cozy Comfort Food”