This cozy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup a rich and creamy comfort meal comes together in about 30 minutes and all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will absolutely love! Switch up the ingredients based on what you’ve got in the fridge or pantry, it’s a fantastic way to use up odds and ends, turning quick meals into not-so-quickly forgotten comfort food!
The Ingredients You’ll Need for Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Let’s dive into what makes this soup so delicious and creamy! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bacon : 8-10 slices, cooked and chopped
- Butter or Olive Oil : 1 tablespoon
- Large Onion : 1, diced
- Large Carrots : 2, peeled and sliced
- Chicken Broth : 4 cups
- Salt : 1-2 teaspoons
- Black Pepper : 1 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder : 1 teaspoon, or 4 cloves minced garlic
- Dried Thyme : ¼ teaspoon
- Red Chili Flakes : ½-1 teaspoon (optional)
- Gnocchi : 16 ounces
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half : 2 cups
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese : 2 cups
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Bacon (about 5-7 minutes):
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. I find that a cast-iron pot works beautifully for this recipe once it’s done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set it aside. You want that bacon grease left in the pot; it’s pure flavor!Sauté the Vegetables (about 5 minutes):
In the same pot, add your butter or olive oil and toss in the diced onion and sliced carrots. Cook these beauties for about 4-5 minutes until they’re nice and tender and the onions are translucent, stirring occasionally. The smell is just amazing, sweet and savory.Add Broth and Seasonings (about 1 minute):
Pour your chicken broth into the pot, followed by a couple pinches of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, and red chili flakes if you’re using them. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat.Creamy Goodness (about 3 minutes):
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, continuing to stir until it all melts together into a lovely creamy goodness. It’ll look so thick and delicious, you’ll already be drooling!Gnocchi Time (about 2 minutes):
Now it’s time to add the gnocchi. Cook these for about 2 minutes or until they’re soft and floating. It’s like magic watching them puff up!Finishing Touches (about 1 minute):
Toss the chopped bacon back into the pot, stir everything well, and adjust the seasoning if needed (I often find it needs just a bit more salt or pepper). And voilà! You’ve got yourself a big pot of comfort!Serve Up:
Dish it out into bowls and, if you’re feeling fancy, top with a sprinkle of extra cheddar or some fresh herbs. This soup is honestly the best served with a crusty bread on the side trust me; you’ll want to soak up every last drop!
Why I Love This Recipe
This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is totally my go-to recipe when I’m craving something warm and cozy. I remember making it on chilly evenings, and it always feels like a hug in a bowl! I’m a real sucker for comfort food that doesn’t require all day in the kitchen it’s quick, it’s easy, and the whole family digs it. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this soup is always a winner. Plus, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, making it incredibly versatile!
If you loved this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup, be sure to check out my Broccoli Cheese Soup, my Italian Penicillin Soup, or my Creamy Vegetable Soup!
Why This Recipe Works
Comfort Food
This soup is the epitome of comfort food! It’s loaded with hearty ingredients and delightful flavors that make you feel warm and cozy from the inside out. Perfect on a cold day or when you’re feeling under the weather!
Quick & Easy
The best part is, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes! You’re just a short while away from comforting, soul-soothing soup that’s as easy to make as it is to devour.
Customizable
You can literally put in whatever vegetable scraps you have hanging out in your fridge. Spinach? Zucchini? Well, why not! This is such a flexible recipe that tailors to your liking!
One Pot Wonder
Cleanup is a breeze when it comes together all in one pot. Just think about all that time you’ll save, not to mention the extra time you’ll have snuggled up on the couch with a big bowl of bliss!
Family-Friendly
With tons of flavor and the kid-friendly appeal of gnocchi and cheese, you can rest assured that this hearty dish will please even the pickiest eaters at your table!
Serving Suggestions and Storage
What to Serve With This:
This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is perfect all on its own, but if you’re feeling fancy, pair it with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad. You could also add some croutons for extra crunch!
Storage:
This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure to seal it in an airtight container.
Reheating Instructions:
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, the best method is to reheat it on the stovetop. Just warm it over medium heat until you see it bubbling gently, give it a stir! If it thickens too much, feel free to add a splash more broth or cream to bring that creamy goodness back.
Freezer Friendly:
You can freeze this soup! Just allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a sturdy freezer-safe container. It should last about 3-4 months in the freezer. Just remember to let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
And there you have it, your perfect bowl of Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup! It’s everything you need for quick and cozy weeknight dinners, loaded with flavor and easy peasy to whip up. You’re gonna want to make this again and again! Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
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Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
- In the same pot, add butter or olive oil and sauté the diced onion and sliced carrots for about 5 minutes until tender and the onions are translucent.
- Pour the chicken broth into the pot, followed by salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, and red chili flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, continuing to stir until melted and creamy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook for about 2 minutes until they’re soft and floating.
- Toss the chopped bacon back into the pot, stir well, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Dish the soup into bowls and optionally top with extra cheddar or fresh herbs. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.