If you are craving a comforting bowl that combines creamy richness with bold flavors, this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe is your new best friend. It’s the perfect marriage of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and pillowy gnocchi swimming in a luscious creamy broth. Every spoonful delivers a satisfying bite, bringing warmth and coziness that feels like a big, delicious hug. This soup is deceptively simple to make but full of textures and tastes that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This soup shines because of its uncomplicated, classic ingredients, each playing an essential role in creating that perfectly balanced flavor and texture. From smoky bacon to cheesy goodness, every component is a star in this dish.
- 6 oz. bacon, chopped: Adds smokiness and crispy texture that give the soup its signature savory depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and a subtle spicy kick to the base.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Contributes sweetness and complexity when softened.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the soup gently for that creamy mouthfeel.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Provides a savory, well-rounded liquid foundation.
- 1 cup milk: Adds creaminess without heaviness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the soup its silky, rich finish.
- 1 lb potato gnocchi: Soft and pillowy, perfect for soaking up all those delicious flavors.
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully for that cheesy gooey factor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances and balances all the ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a gentle heat to wake up the palate.
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish: Brightens with fresh color and a mild onion bite.
How to Make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by cooking the chopped bacon over medium heat in a large pot until it gets perfectly crispy. Removing the bacon with a slotted spoon is crucial to keep them crunchy while leaving that irresistible bacon fat behind. This rendered fat becomes the flavorful base for your soup.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Onion
Next, toss in the minced garlic and finely chopped onion right into the bacon fat. Cook until the onion turns translucent, releasing its sweet aroma. This step builds the flavor foundation we’re aiming for, marrying the smokiness from bacon with the savory notes of garlic and onion.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour evenly over your aromatics and stir continuously for about 2 minutes. This technique cooks out the raw flour taste and helps thicken the soup later, creating that luscious, velvety texture everyone loves in creamy soups.
Step 4: Add Liquids
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to keep the soup smooth, preventing any lumps. Then add milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir until everything combines into a creamy, homogeneous base ready for gnocchi and cheese.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi
Bring the soup base to a gentle simmer and add the potato gnocchi. Let them cook right in the broth, usually around 3 to 4 minutes, until they rise to the surface. This is the moment when the soft gnocchi soak up all that incredible flavor, becoming tender and irresistibly pillowy.
Step 6: Melt in the Cheese
Stir in the sharp cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt fully into the soup. This step is what transforms the dish into a velvety, cheesy delight. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a hint of cayenne pepper if you’re craving a subtle spicy twist.
Step 7: Return Bacon to the Pot
Now, add your crispy bacon bits back into the soup, but don’t forget to reserve some for a crunchy garnish on top. This step infuses the soup with smoky bursts while keeping a wonderful contrast of texture.
Step 8: Serve Hot and Garnished
Serve the soup piping hot, topped generously with the sliced green onions and those reserved crispy bacon pieces. The fresh green onions add a lovely pop of color and brightness that cuts through the rich cheese and cream, balancing each spoonful perfectly.
How to Serve Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your soup effortlessly with garnishes like fresh green onions, extra crispy bacon bits, or even a sprinkle of paprika or cayenne pepper for that touch of color and spice. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley can also bring a refreshing twist.
Side Dishes
This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh, crisp green salad or crusty bread for dipping. Garlic bread or a warm baguette complement the creamy, cheesy elements perfectly, making your meal feel complete and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the soup in bread bowls or mini cast-iron skillets for individual portions. Adding a swirl of sour cream or crème fraîche on top can also add a delightful tang and visual appeal. Don’t forget to use a colorful bowl to make those yellows and greens pop!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe will keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To maintain the best texture, consider storing the gnocchi separately if possible and combining before reheating.
Freezing
Freezing this soup is possible but not ideal due to the cream and cheese which can sometimes separate. If you do freeze it, expect slight changes in texture. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
When reheating, do so slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking or curdling. Adding a splash of milk can help restore creaminess if the soup thickens too much. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the flavors and texture intact.
FAQs
Can I substitute the bacon with another protein?
Absolutely! If you want a lighter version, turkey bacon or pancetta work nicely. For a vegetarian twist, try smoked mushrooms or add a smoky paprika for depth instead of bacon.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
The heavy cream gives richness and creaminess that is signature to this soup, but you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. The texture will be less luxurious but still comforting.
How do I make this soup spicier?
Adding cayenne pepper is a great way, but you can also stir in a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños depending on your heat tolerance and preference.
Can I use homemade gnocchi for this recipe?
Definitely! Homemade gnocchi add a fresh, tender element that elevates the soup even more. Just cook them until they float to the top as usual in the simmering soup base.
What kind of cheddar cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is recommended for its bold flavor, but you can experiment with aged cheddar or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a creamier melt and slightly different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe is a heartwarming dish that never fails to impress, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend treat. Once you master the balance of smoky bacon, creamy broth, and tender gnocchi, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Go ahead, dive into this comforting bowl of goodness—you won’t regret it!
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Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a rich and creamy comfort food that combines crispy bacon, tender potato gnocchi, and sharp cheddar cheese in a flavorful, hearty broth. Perfect for cozy dinners, this soup features a smooth base made with chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream, enriched with sautéed onions, garlic, and a touch of spice from cayenne pepper. Garnished with green onions and extra bacon, every spoonful offers a deliciously satisfying experience.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 6 oz bacon, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Seasonings and Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, setting it aside while leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Sauté garlic and onion: Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion to the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté for 3-5 minutes or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add the flour: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed garlic and onion. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, forming a flavorful roux.
- Build the soup base: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Then add the milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Simmer and cook gnocchi: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Add the potato gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, typically 3-4 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the top indicating they are done.
- Melt in cheese and season: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and optionally cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Return bacon and finish: Add the cooked bacon back into the pot, saving some for garnish if desired. Stir to combine all flavors evenly.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with sliced green onions and reserved crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier soup, increase the cayenne pepper amount to taste.
- Use pre-cooked or leftover bacon to speed up preparation time.
- Substitute sharp cheddar with smoked gouda or gruyere for a different cheese profile.
- Gnocchi can be fresh or frozen; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- To make the soup vegetarian, omit bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth but flavor profile will change.
