Ever notice how the smoky sizzle of bacon clings to your sweater like a hug from Sunday brunch? This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup has that same feel—now taking over TikTok and Pinterest with its rich, slurpy goodness. I tweaked and tasted till it hit just right. Creamy, cheesy, deeply satisfying. Beginner-friendly, ready in under an hour, and that smell? Heaven.
It’s a cozy gnocchi soup dish that warms the soul. Just crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, pillowy gnocchi—stuff you’ve probably got on hand. Like mom’s potato soup, but trendier (and cheesier). Fast comfort in one steamy bowl. Full details in the blog!
Saturday mornings, we used to stir soups with my mom, window cracked for fresh air and bacon grease scent curling through the house. This one took a few rounds to nail—but it’s worth it. No fancy gadgets, just feel-your-way cooking and one creamy surprise twist. Can’t wait for you to try.
Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite
There’s something magical about the way bacon crackles in a cast-iron skillet on a quiet Saturday morning. For my family, soup days were all about gathering around the stove, adding ingredients with care (and maybe a little messiness). This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup brings me back to those moments. It’s reminiscent of the thick potato soups my mom made but with modern upgrades—chewy gnocchi and melting ribbons of cheddar. What’s better than that?
Sure, it’s creamy and indulgent, but it’s also reliably easy. Whether you’re a frequent kitchen dabbler or someone who panics at the thought of recipes with more than five steps, this soup feels like home. Every bite has that warm, familiar flavor, like a hug in a bowl. Trust me, it’s the kind of meal you’ll make again and again.
The Ingredients That Elevate
This recipe leans on simple, quality ingredients to shine. First, there’s the bacon—thick-cut and freshly cooked for the richest smoky crunch. Pro Tip: While pre-cooked bacon is tempting, frying fresh bacon adds extra depth since those drippings get whisked into the soup’s base for a flavor boost.
The sharp cheddar is your cheesy MVP. Medium or sharp varieties work best here for that tangy punch without overpowering the dish. And let’s not forget the star—pillowy gnocchi! Shelf-stable gnocchi makes this quick and fuss-free but tastes like hours of work. Choose a reliable brand, and you’re golden.
A splash of heavy cream rounds out the base, but it’s the little extras—thyme, garlic, and chili flakes—that give the soup its cozy, layered flavor. Don’t skip those small seasonings—they make all the difference.
Step-By-Step Tips From My Kitchen
Start with your bacon—chop and cook it in a large pot until perfectly crispy. Pro Tip: Cook on medium heat and stir often so it doesn’t burn. Remove the bacon once crisp, but leave a little fat behind for that deeply savory base. Add butter, onions, and carrots next, cooking until tender and fragrant.
Deglaze the pot with chicken broth, scraping up all those golden bits. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and chili flakes. Bring to a simmer, then gently drop in the gnocchi. They cook in just 2–3 minutes, floating to the top when ready. Don’t overcook or they’ll turn mushy!
Stir in heavy cream off the heat and slowly fold in shredded cheddar one handful at a time. Note: To avoid clumping or curdling, make sure the soup isn’t boiling when adding cheese. Keep stirring until silky and smooth.
Troubleshooting and My Testing Notes
If your soup feels greasy, you might have too much leftover bacon fat—just drain a bit before adding vegetables. If the gnocchi sticks to the bottom, give it a gentle stir right after adding it to the broth. This keeps everything flowing.
I learned the hard way that rushing the cheese step is a no-go! Add it slowly, stirring between handfuls, so it melts evenly into the broth. If your soup feels too thick, loosen it with a splash of chicken broth or cream until it’s just right.
Tested and tweaked for perfection, this recipe is forgiving and flexible—don’t be afraid to adjust to your taste!
Serving and Storage Suggestions
Top each bowl with extra shredded cheddar or a sprinkle of crispy bacon for bonus points. Feeling fancy? Add a bit of chopped parsley or a crack of fresh black pepper. Serve with crusty bread to sop up every last drop or pair it with a simple green salad for balance.
Leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. As the gnocchi sits, it absorbs more broth, so when reheating, add a splash of chicken stock or cream to restore the original texture. Warm it gently on the stove, stirring to keep it creamy and smooth. This soup is just as good—if not better—the second day!
| Ingredient | Simple Swaps |
|---|---|
| Bacon | Turkey bacon, pancetta |
| Cheddar Cheese | Gruyère, Monterey Jack |
| Gnocchi | Mini potatoes, small pasta |
| Step | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Cook Bacon | 8 minutes |
| Simmer Broth | 15 minutes |
| Add Gnocchi | 2–3 minutes |
Expert Insight: The Appeal of Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
The combination of creamy cheddar and smoky bacon elevates this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup into a comforting yet sophisticated dish. The tender gnocchi not only adds heartiness but also absorbs flavors beautifully, making each spoonful rich and satisfying without overwhelming the palate.
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Perfecting My Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup took several weekends and a few burned pots to get perfect. I kept tweaking the balance of smoky bacon and sharp cheddar, learning with every simmer how to create that comforting, creamy bowl my family now loves. It’s a recipe shaped by patience and plenty of taste tests, but absolutely worth it.
FAQs ( Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup )
How do I store Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup?
To keep your Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do it gently on the stove over low heat to keep the cheese from separating. If you want to freeze it, skip adding the gnocchi beforehand and add fresh gnocchi when reheating.
Can I make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Preparing the soup a day ahead lets the flavors meld beautifully. Just hold off on adding the gnocchi until you’re ready to serve so they don’t get mushy. Reheat it slowly and enjoy a fresh, comforting bowl anytime.
What can I substitute for bacon in this soup?
If you want to ditch the bacon, smoked turkey or tempeh bacon make great alternatives that still bring a touch of smoky flavor. For a vegetarian twist, try adding smoked paprika and some sautéed mushrooms to simulate that rich, savory taste.
Is Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup gluten-free?
Traditional gnocchi usually contains wheat flour, so this soup isn’t gluten-free by default. However, you can swap in gluten-free gnocchi, which are available in many grocery stores, to make it safe for gluten-sensitive folks without sacrificing deliciousness.
How can I make this soup healthier?
To lighten up your Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup, try using low-fat cheese and milk or a lighter cream alternative. Adding extra veggies like spinach or kale boosts nutrition and adds vibrant color. It’s a tasty way to enjoy comfort food with a guilt-free twist!
Time to Cozy Up With This Soup
This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup comes together in under an hour, delivering creamy, smoky comfort with every spoonful. Easy enough for a weeknight, hearty enough to feel special—warmth and family memories swirl in every bite. You’ll wanna make it again, trust me.
Feeling playful? Swap bacon for pancetta or stir in a handful of spinach for extra greens. Leftovers keep well—just reheat gently with a splash of broth to keep gnocchi tender. A tip I’ve treasured from years of kitchen adventures: slow cheese folding makes all the difference.
Did this recipe remind you of a favorite soup from your childhood? I’d love to see your photos or hear your twists—sharing these moments makes this cozy corner feel like home. Pass it on to a friend who needs a little extra comfort today.
PrintBacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
A creamy and comforting bowl of bacon cheddar gnocchi soup, perfect for chilly days. Packed with rich cheddar cheese, tender gnocchi, and smoky bacon in a savory broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 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
- 16 oz gnocchi
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups cheddar cheese medium or sharp shredded
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large pot until crisp then remove and chop.
- Add butter or olive oil to the pot and sauté onion and carrots until soft.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and red chili flakes then reduce heat to simmer.
- Stir in gnocchi and cook until tender.
- Pour in heavy cream and add cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese melts and soup thickens.
- Add cooked bacon back into the soup and heat through.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, use half heavy cream and half half-and-half
- Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
