Welcome to Sweet Emily, where we make baking and cooking simple and fun! Get ready to warm up with this incredible Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup. This dish offers a delightful blend of rich, creamy broth, savory bacon, and tender gnocchi. It is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for those cozy nights at home when you crave something truly satisfying. You will love how easy it is to create such a flavorful meal.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup quickly becomes a family favorite thanks to its irresistible qualities. It delivers a deeply satisfying experience with every spoonful.
- Rich, Savory Flavor Profile: You will enjoy a perfect harmony of smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and aromatic seasonings. This creates a comforting and complex taste.
- Luxuriously Creamy Texture: The soup features a velvety, smooth broth that coats your palate beautifully. It feels wonderfully indulgent without being overly heavy.
- Satisfying Bites: Enjoy the delightful contrast of crispy bacon bits and soft, pillowy gnocchi. Each spoonful offers a textural pleasure you will adore.
- Surprisingly Easy to Prepare: Despite its gourmet taste, this soup is straightforward to make. It is perfect for busy parents and beginner cooks looking for a quick, impressive meal.
- Perfect for Cozy Nights: This hearty soup is ideal for chilly evenings or simply when you need a comforting pick-me-up. It truly warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients for this delightful Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup. Fresh, quality components make all the difference in this comforting dish.
- 8-10 slices Bacon: Choose your favorite type, thick-cut works wonderfully.
- 1 Tablespoon Butter or Olive Oil: For sautéing vegetables if not using bacon fat.
- 1 large Onion: Diced into small, even pieces.
- 2 large Carrots: Peeled and sliced into small pieces.
- 4 cups Chicken Broth: Low sodium is a great option to control saltiness.
- 1 to 2 teaspoons Salt: Adjust to your taste, especially if using salted broth.
- 1 teaspoon Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds more flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Or use 4 cloves of minced fresh garlic for a bolder taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon Dried Thyme: A classic herb that complements the savory notes.
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes: For a touch of warmth and spice, adjust as desired.
- 16 ounces Gnocchi: Shelf-stable potato gnocchi cooks quickly.
- 2 cups Heavy Cream or Half-n-Half: For creamy richness.
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded sharp cheddar is highly recommended.
Notes & Substitutions
You can customize this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup to fit your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to make these simple swaps.
- Gnocchi Options: While potato gnocchi is traditional, feel free to use cauliflower gnocchi for a lighter, gluten-friendly option. Fresh gnocchi from the refrigerated section cooks even faster than shelf-stable.
- Bacon Types: Experiment with applewood smoked bacon for extra flavor or even turkey bacon for a leaner alternative. Ensure it is cooked until perfectly crispy.
- Cheese Choices: Sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheddar-jack blend work beautifully too. Freshly grate your cheese for the best melting.
- Cream Base: Heavy cream provides the richest, most decadent texture. For a slightly lighter version, use half-n-half. Avoid milk as it can curdle easily.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs are always lovely. If using, substitute 1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme for the dried amount. You can also add a bay leaf during simmering for extra depth.
Equipment
You don’t need fancy tools to create this delicious soup. Simple kitchen essentials are all it takes to make our creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup.
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for simmering the soup evenly and accommodating all ingredients. A heavy-bottomed pot prevents sticking.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For safely dicing your onion and carrots, and preparing the bacon.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
- Whisk or Spoon: To stir the soup, especially when adding cheese, ensuring it melts smoothly.
- Grater (optional but recommended): For freshly shredding cheddar cheese.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your hearty and comforting Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup. This recipe is designed to be straightforward and rewarding, even for beginners.
- Cook the bacon: Place 8-10 slices of bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook until crispy, turning as needed. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve about one tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pot, discarding any excess. If you prefer, bake the bacon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until crisp. Once cooled, cut the cooked bacon into small, crumbled pieces.
- Sauté vegetables: If not using bacon fat, add 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil to the pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sliced carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and tender, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. This step builds the flavor base for your delicious Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook until the carrots are very tender, ensuring they are soft enough to easily mash with a spoon. This typically takes another 5-7 minutes.
- Add cream and spices: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in 2 cups of heavy cream or half-n-half along with 1-2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1/2-1 teaspoon of red chili flakes. Let the soup gently simmer for a few minutes until it begins to thicken slightly, being careful not to let it come to a rolling boil. Boiling cream can cause it to separate or curdle.
- Melt the cheese: Gradually add 2 cups of freshly shredded cheddar cheese to the soup, stirring constantly after each addition. This incremental method prevents the cheese from clumping and ensures a smooth, creamy texture. Continue stirring until all the cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the soup base.
- Cook the gnocchi: Gently add the 16 ounces of gnocchi directly into the simmering soup. Cook the gnocchi for just 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Fresh gnocchi cooks very quickly, so avoid overcooking, which can make them gummy.
- Stir in bacon and season: Stir in the cooked, crumbled bacon pieces. Take a taste of the Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or chili flakes to your preference.
- Serve immediately: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with extra crumbled bacon, a sprinkle of fresh green onions, or additional shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Enjoy your homemade, comforting meal right away!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the best results with your Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup every time by following these helpful hints. These tips address common issues and enhance flavor.
- Seasoning in Layers: Add salt and pepper at multiple stages. Season the vegetables, then the broth, and finally adjust after adding cheese. This builds depth in your creamy gnocchi soup.
- Prevent Cheese Clumping: Always shred your own cheese; pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that can make them grainy. Add cheese gradually on low heat, stirring constantly until fully melted.
- To understand why freshly grated cheese is superior for melting, consider the food science behind it, as anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese can hinder its ability to melt smoothly. Learn more about why pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt well.
- Best Bacon Cooking Methods: For perfectly crispy bacon with minimal mess, bake it on a foil-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C). Alternatively, cook it in a skillet over medium heat, draining excess fat as it renders.
- Freshly Grated Cheese is Key: Freshly grated cheddar melts much more smoothly and tastes richer than pre-packaged shredded cheese. It truly makes a difference in the soup’s texture and flavor.
- Adjust Spice Levels: For a spicier kick, increase the red chili flakes. For a milder soup, reduce or omit them entirely. Taste and adjust to suit your palate.
- Reheating Leftovers: Reheat this creamy bacon soup gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to thin it out if it has thickened too much overnight. Avoid boiling to maintain texture.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Your Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is incredibly versatile, making it easy to enjoy and customize. Make it a complete meal or store it for later.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your piping hot soup with a side of crusty bread, such as a warm baguette or focaccia, perfect for soaking up every last bit of broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover creamy gnocchi soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The gnocchi may absorb more liquid and soften further, but the soup will still be delicious.
- Freezing Guidelines: Cream-based soups generally do not freeze well, as dairy can separate upon thawing, affecting the texture. If you must freeze, do so before adding the cream, cheese, and gnocchi. You can freeze the broth and vegetable base for up to 3 months, then thaw and finish with the dairy and gnocchi when ready to serve.
- Protein Variations: Easily add cooked shredded chicken, browned Italian sausage, or even leftover ham to make your hearty gnocchi dish even more substantial. Simply stir in the cooked protein along with the bacon.
- Vegetable Additions: Boost the nutrition and color by stirring in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking until wilted. Frozen peas or corn can also be added, creating a more robust soup.
- Different Cheese Blends: Explore other cheese combinations like gruyere for nutty notes, smoked gouda for an extra smoky depth, or a blend of white cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
Nutrition
Enjoying this delicious Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup also means getting a hearty meal. This information provides a general overview of its nutritional content.
| Nutrition | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 557 | kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38 | g |
| Protein | 20 | g |
| Fat | 37 | g |
| Saturated Fat | 17 | g |
| Polyunsaturated | 3 | g |
| Monounsaturated | 12 | g |
| Trans Fat | 0.04 | g |
| Cholesterol | 88 | mg |
| Sodium | 1736 | mg |
| Potassium | 349 | mg |
| Fiber | 3 | g |
| Sugar | 6 | g |
| Vitamin A | 4740 | IU |
| Vitamin C | 4 | mg |
| Calcium | 393 | mg |
| Iron | 3 | mg |
Please note that nutritional information is an estimation based on standard ingredient calculations. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes.
Creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup: A Hearty & Flavorful Recipe
This hearty and flavorful Creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup features tender gnocchi in a rich, cheesy broth with crispy bacon, carrots, and onions. It’s a comforting meal perfect for a cozy evening.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Preparation
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then set aside to cool and cut into small pieces.
- Heat a large pot with butter or olive oil, then sauté diced onions and carrots for 10-15 minutes until tender. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, stir in heavy cream or half-n-half and all spices, then simmer until slightly reduced, being careful not to boil.
- Gradually add grated cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt completely. Stir in gnocchi and cook for 2 minutes, then adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Stir in the cooked bacon pieces and serve hot, garnished with green onions, extra cheese, and bacon.
Notes
To prevent clumping, add the cheese in increments and ensure the cream mixture does not boil before adding the cheese.
FAQ
Got questions about making your creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup? Here are some quick answers to common inquiries.
- Can I freeze this soup? Freezing cream-based soups can be tricky as the dairy might separate. For best results, freeze only the broth and vegetable base without cream, cheese, or gnocchi. Add those fresh ingredients when reheating the thawed base.
- What is the best way to cook bacon for this recipe? For ultimate crispiness, bake bacon on a foil-lined sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp, then drain.
- What should I serve with Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup? Crusty bread, like a warm baguette or sourdough, is a fantastic accompaniment for dipping. A light green salad also provides a lovely fresh contrast to the rich soup.
- Can I make this soup vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the bacon. You can add smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for a hint of smoky flavor if desired.
Conclusion
This Creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is more than just a meal; it is a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for any occasion. Its irresistible combination of rich flavors, tender gnocchi, and crispy bacon makes it an instant classic. We hope you feel confident to whip up this comforting dish in your kitchen. Give it a try tonight, and let us know what you think in the comments below! Share your delicious creations with Sweet Emily.
