Description
This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a rich and creamy comfort food perfect for chilly days. Featuring crispy bacon, tender gnocchi, sharp cheddar cheese, and a flavorful blend of vegetables and spices, this soup is hearty and satisfying. The combination of savory broth, creamy dairy, and melted cheese makes for an indulgent meal that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 Tablespoon Butter or Olive Oil
- 1 large Onion, diced
- 2 large Carrots, peeled and sliced into small pieces
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 to 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
Main Ingredients
- 8-10 slices Bacon
- 16 ounces Gnocchi
- 2 cups Heavy Cream or Half-n-Half
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Cook the bacon using your preferred method (oven or skillet) until crispy. For the oven method, preheat to 400°F, lay bacon on foil-lined baking sheet, and cook for 20-27 minutes. Once cooked and cooled, cut bacon into small pieces and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add butter or olive oil. Add diced onions and sliced carrots and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow the vegetables to soften fully.
- Add Cream and Spices: Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream or half-n-half along with salt, pepper, garlic powder (or minced garlic), dried thyme, and red chili flakes. Let the soup simmer gently without boiling to avoid clumping when cheese is added.
- Incorporate Cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese in increments, stirring continuously to ensure it melts smoothly without clumping into the soup.
- Cook Gnocchi: Stir in the gnocchi and cook for approximately 2 minutes until the gnocchi is heated through and tender.
- Final Seasoning and Assembly: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as desired. Stir in the bacon pieces, then serve hot. Garnish with green onions, additional grated cheese, and extra bacon if desired.
Notes
- Bacon can be cooked in the oven (preferred) or in a skillet. Oven method: preheat to 400°F, cook bacon for 20-27 minutes on a foil-lined sheet for even crispiness.
- Do not let the soup boil after adding dairy to avoid cheese clumping.
- For a spicier soup, increase red chili flakes to taste.
- Use half-n-half as a lighter alternative to heavy cream, adjusting richness to preference.
- Gnocchi cooks quickly; avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
