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

Scale

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

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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.