Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – A Rich and Creamy Comfort Meal
There’s something undeniably cozy about a warm bowl of soup on a crisp autumn evening. The air is filled with the faint scent of fallen leaves, and the sun sets a little earlier, inviting a sense of quiet comfort. It’s during these moments that I like to gather around the table with my loved ones, sharing stories and laughter over hearty dishes that nourish both body and soul. Today, I’m excited to share my beloved Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup, a rich and creamy comfort meal that warms you from the inside out. It’s the perfect dish for an easy weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend treat. Trust me; this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting & Rich: This soup is packed with the soul-satisfying flavors of bacon and cheddar, creating a creamy hug in a bowl.
- Quick & Easy: This comforting meal comes together in just under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the cheesy goodness and soft gnocchi.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your delicious creation!
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or spices to make it uniquely yours!
What You’ll Need
To whip up this delightful Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup, gather these simple 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 (optional)
- 16 oz gnocchi
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp)
Let’s Make It Together
- Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, chop it into bite-sized pieces and set aside for later.
- In the same pot, heat the butter or olive oil. Add in the diced onions and sliced carrots, sautéing until they’re tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream, followed by the seasonings and the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted into a creamy, luscious broth.
- Gently add the gnocchi to the pot and cook for about 2 minutes or until they’re puffy and soft.
- Finally, stir in the crispy bacon, adjust the seasoning to your taste, and serve the soup hot.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Zesty Lemon Spin: Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice and zest to brighten the flavors of the soup.
- Greens Galore: Add a handful of fresh spinach or kale for a nutritious twist that’s vibrant and fresh.
- Creamy Garlic Burst: Swap the garlic powder for roasted garlic for an indulgent depth of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: For those who crave a little heat, try adding sliced jalapeños or a dash more red chili flakes.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Magic: This soup can be made in advance! Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and just reheat gently. You may want to add a splash of broth to help loosen it up as it thickens in the fridge.
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute the bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner option or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian version—just add more hearty vegetables!
- Slicing Tricks: To easily chop carrots, first cut them into logs before slicing them into coins for even cooking.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. Just like a warm hug, you’ll want to savor it again!
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: ~450
- Carbs: 30g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 14g
- Sodium: 800mg
reader FAQs About Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – A Rich and Creamy Comfort Meal
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! You can substitute bacon for turkey bacon or add different vegetables based on your preference.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It reheats beautifully!
How long does it last?
When stored properly, this soup lasts for about 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Cozy Closing Note
This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is not just a recipe; it’s an invitation to slow down and savor the richness of life’s simplest moments. Perfect for chilly nights or any time you need a little extra warmth, this soup is bound to become a staple in your home. So, why not save this recipe to your cozy meals board? You’ll always have it on hand when the craving for warmth and comfort strikes!
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Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A rich and creamy comfort meal perfect for chilly evenings, packed with the soul-satisfying flavors of bacon and cheddar.
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 (optional)
- 16 oz gnocchi
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Chop it into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- In the same pot, heat the butter or olive oil. Add the diced onions and sliced carrots, sautéing until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream, seasonings, and shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Gently add the gnocchi, cooking for about 2 minutes until puffy and soft.
- Stir in the bacon, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Notes
This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge or frozen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: soup, gnocchi, bacon, comfort food, quick dinner, creamy soup