Why Make This Recipe
Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is the perfect dish for cold days or when you’re simply craving comfort food. This soup combines the crispy goodness of bacon, the rich taste of cheddar cheese, and the soft texture of gnocchi for a delightful meal. It is quick to prepare, hearty, and satisfying.
How to Make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
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)
Directions:
- Cook the bacon until crispy. Once done, chop it and set it aside.
- In a large pot, heat the butter or olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and sliced carrots until they are tender.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream, seasonings, and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring continuously until the cheese melts.
- Add the gnocchi to the pot. Cook for about 2 minutes or until the gnocchi is soft.
- Finally, stir in the chopped bacon, adjust the seasoning as needed, and serve hot.
How to Serve Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Serve the soup in bowls and garnish with extra cheese or crispy bacon, if desired. A slice of crusty bread on the side can complement this rich soup perfectly.
How to Store Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
You can store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop. Keep in mind that the gnocchi may absorb some of the soup liquid, so you may want to add a splash of broth or cream as you reheat.
Tips to Make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
- To make the soup richer, consider adding more cheese.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of cold water.
- For added flavor, try using homemade chicken broth if you have it available.
Variation
You can customize this soup to your liking. Swap the bacon for turkey bacon or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version. You can also add other vegetables, such as spinach or peas, to increase the nutrition.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen gnocchi?
A: Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just add it directly to the soup without thawing.
Q: How long does this soup take to prepare?
A: The entire process takes about 30-35 minutes from start to finish.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – A Rich and Creamy Comfort Meal
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 until crispy. Once done, chop it and set it aside.
- In a large pot, heat the butter or olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and sliced carrots until they are tender.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream, seasonings, and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring continuously until the cheese melts.
- Add the gnocchi to the pot. Cook for about 2 minutes or until the gnocchi is soft.
- Finally, stir in the chopped bacon, adjust the seasoning as needed, and serve hot.
