Quick and Easy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

This delicious Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends. Seriously, what’s better than a cozy bowl of cheese and bacon goodness on a chilly night?

Ingredient Breakdown

Bacon

Bacon is hands-down the star of this recipe! It adds a smoky, savory crunch that every soup needs. I like to use thick-cut bacon for that extra bite, but any bacon will work. You can even substitute turkey bacon or pancetta if you’re looking for a lighter option.

Butter or Olive Oil

Butter is going to give you the best flavor and texture for this recipe. I prefer unsalted butter so I can control the sodium level myself. However, you can substitute olive oil if you prefer, it’s a heart-healthy option that works well in this recipe too!

Onion

A large onion, diced, is essential here. It brings a sweetness that mellows out the flavors. You could use shallots for a slightly different flavor profile, or even green onions if that’s what you have on hand.

Carrots

Two large carrots, peeled and sliced into small pieces, add color and a nice sweetness to the soup. You can swap in celery or even bell peppers if you’re in the mood for something different. Fresh or frozen veggies will work well too!

Chicken Broth

I use 4 cups of chicken broth as the base for this soup, giving it a hearty foundation. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or even homemade stock if you’ve got it handy, bonus points for freezer clean-up!

Salt and Pepper

A couple pinches of salt and pepper are necessary to bring all the flavors together. Remember, you can always adjust to your taste, especially after you add the cheese!

Garlic Powder

I typically use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for this recipe, or you can go the fresh route with 4 cloves of minced garlic. The garlic adds an aromatic depth, can you smell it already?

Dried Thyme

Just a pinch of 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme is all you need to elevate the soup. If you’ve got fresh thyme on hand, that works wonderfully too!

Red Chili Flakes

A hint of red chili flakes (1/2 to 1 teaspoon) adds a little kick to your soup. You can definitely adjust this to your spice level preferences!

Gnocchi

The star ingredient here is 16 ounces of gnocchi. I use store-bought gnocchi for the sake of time, but you can make it from scratch if you’re feeling adventurous!

Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half

To add that luscious, creamy texture, I use 2 cups of heavy cream or half-and-half. It makes the soup luxurious and velvety! If you’re trying to stay light, you can use whole milk, but it won’t be quite as thick.

Cheddar Cheese

Lastly, we have 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. The best part is you can use sharp, mild, or even a mix! Just make sure it’s good-quality cheese to ensure a creamy texture.

Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Cook the Bacon

Start by frying your bacon in a large pot over medium heat. Cook until it’s crispy, about 5-7 minutes and oh, the smell is divine! Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool, and then chop it into small pieces.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In that same pot, add butter (or olive oil) and allow it to melt, scraping up the yummy bits from the bottom left by the bacon. Toss in your diced onions and sliced carrots, stirring frequently until the onions are soft and translucent, around 10-15 minutes. This base is where the magic happens!

3. Add the Broth

Pour in your chicken broth and give it a good stir. Bring it all to a simmer, then reduce the heat to gently let it blissfully bubble away for about 5 minutes. This step ensures that all those flavors meld together beautifully.

4. Incorporate the Cream and Spices

Once those veggies are tender, reduce the heat to medium-low. Gradually stir in your heavy cream or half-and-half, then sprinkle in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and for those of us who like a bit of heat, the red chili flakes. Let this simmer until it reduces slightly, about 5 minutes.

5. Melt the Cheese

Toss in that glorious shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts smoothly into the dessert. I mean, soup. I get a little too excited sometimes!

6. Add the Gnocchi

Now for the fun part! Stir in the gnocchi and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they puff up. You may need to taste for seasoning at this point. Can you feel the excitement?

7. Finish with Bacon

Finally, mix in your crispy bacon pieces before serving. But don’t stop there, sprinkle some additional bacon on top for good measure. Trust me; it already smells amazing!

My Go-To Recipe for Every Season!

This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is my go-to recipe when I’m looking for big comfort food vibes! My family absolutely adores it, we’re talking “Can I have seconds?” from my kiddos! I’m a real sucker for soups, especially when they have cheese in them. And the best part is you can use whatever you’ve got on hand. Some leftover veggies? Toss ’em in!

If you loved this hearty recipe, be sure to check out my Lentil Soup!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This soup comes together in under 30 minutes. I mean, who doesn’t love a quick and easy dinner option?

One Pot

Minimal cleanup is required here! Everything happens in one pot, meaning you can focus on enjoying dinner rather than scrubbing pots and pans.

Comfort Food

It’s loaded with tons of flavor! This soup is the epitome of comfort food, think cozy socks by the fireplace.

Customizable

Whether you use leftover veggies or different proteins, this recipe is as flexible as your needs. It’s become my favorite clean-out-the-fridge meal for those busy weeks!

Crowd-Pleaser

And yes, I promise the whole family will love it, my picky 8-year-old actually asked for seconds!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup with crusty bread or some simple crackers. I also love topping it with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra cheese for an added gourmet touch!

Storage

This soup will keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container!

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over low heat, stirring frequently. You can also pop in the microwave, but keep an eye on it to prevent any mishaps.

Freezer Friendly

Yes! You can freeze this soup for up to three months. Just let it cool completely, and then store it in a freezer-safe container. Reheat slowly, and add a splash of cream to get that creamy texture back!

There you have it, my delicious and cozy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup, perfect for those cool evenings when you just need a hug in a bowl. Make sure to gather your loved ones around for a satisfying dinner that’s sure to warm the heart and fill the belly! Enjoy!

This soup truly represents everything I love about cooking: it’s comforting, quick to make, and bursting with flavor. I hope you enjoy every spoonful, just as much as my family does!

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