Description
Indulgent Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup combines pillowy potato gnocchi with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and aromatic vegetables in a rich, creamy broth. This restaurant-quality comfort food comes together in one pot for the perfect weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics:
- 1 large onion, chopped (sweet or red)
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Seasonings:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but trust me on this!)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Proteins & Dairy:
- 8 ounces thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 2 cups medium cheddar cheese, grated (add in increments to prevent clumping)
Pasta:
- 1 pound potato gnocchi (fresh or frozen)
Optional Garnishes:
- Sliced green onions
- Extra crispy bacon bits
- Additional grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
Start with your large pot over medium heat and toss in that chopped bacon. Let it sizzle away for about 6-8 minutes until it’s perfectly crispy. The smell alone will have people wandering into the kitchen asking what’s for dinner. Pull out the bacon with a slotted spoon but leave those beautiful drippings – we need that flavor!
Drop your onion and carrots right into those bacon drippings. Cook them down for 5-7 minutes until the onions go clear and the carrots get tender. Toss in the garlic for just one minute – any longer and it gets bitter on you.
Pour in that chicken broth and bring everything to a nice gentle simmer. Stir in your heavy cream, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let it all bubble together for 5-10 minutes so those flavors can really get to know each other.
This part’s crucial – add your cheese slowly, maybe half a cup at a time, stirring like your life depends on it. Rush this step and you’ll end up with a lumpy mess. Take your time and watch it melt into pure velvet.
Drop those little gnocchi pillows right in and cook them according to the package – usually just 2-3 minutes. They’ll float to the top when they’re done, like little signals saying “we’re ready!”
Stir that crispy bacon back in and taste your masterpiece. Don’t be scared to add more salt and pepper – this soup can handle it.
Ladle it up and pile on those garnishes. More bacon, more cheese, green onions.
Notes
Save some bacon for the top – people eat with their eyes first
Soup too thick? Add more broth. Too thin? Let it simmer uncovered
Drop of butter at the end makes everything taste richer
Don’t cook gnocchi to mush – nobody wants soup dumplings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American