I still remember the first time I tasted this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup — it was a cozy, chilly afternoon at a friend’s house, and the moment that warm, creamy bowl met my lips, I was hooked. The surprise wasn’t just the rich bacon flavor but how the cheddar cheese gnocchi added a playful, tender bite that made it unforgettable. It’s the kind of soup that turns a simple meal into a comforting event, filling your kitchen with the scent of homemade goodness and sparking smiles across the table.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup come to life—a surprisingly simple ingredient list that delivers incredible comfort!
- 8 ounces bacon, diced (I prefer thick-cut for more flavor; the secret to amazing Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is using bacon that crisps well without burning)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (yellow onion adds the perfect sweetness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic always wins here for flavor depth)
- 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought works best for a clean base)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for that creamy bacon soup richness)
- 1 pound potato gnocchi (for the cheddar cheese gnocchi effect, you can find them in the refrigerated section)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (if you want to splurge on one Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup ingredient, let it be the quality of your cheddar—aged cheddar offers a more complex flavor)
- 2 medium carrots, finely diced (adds subtle sweetness and texture)
- 2 stalks celery, diced (for a little aromatic bite)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (adds a lovely earthy note)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
You’ll find the best ingredients for this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup at your local farmers’ market or grocery store’s fresh produce and cheese sections. If you prefer, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half to lighten this creamier bacon soup, or forgo the carrots and celery to focus on the cheddar cheese gnocchi and bacon flavors.
Pro tip: Prepare your vegetables ahead of time and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. It saves precious moments when you’re ready to dive in and make your soup shine!
Let’s Make This!
Ready to create your own cozy bowl of Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup? Follow these steps closely and trust the process. Don’t worry—this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is going to turn out beautifully!
- Cook the Bacon: Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy and browned. In my kitchen, this takes about 8 minutes. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set them aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onions, diced carrots, and celery to the bacon fat. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. Toss in the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for another minute until the aroma fills your kitchen.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Here’s a helpful tip for Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup success: keep the heat moderate so the broth stays clear and flavorful, about 10-12 minutes.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Stir in the potato gnocchi carefully and simmer for another 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface. This indicates they’re perfectly cooked and tender.
- Make It Creamy: Lower the heat and slowly add the heavy cream, stirring gently. Then sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring to melt each handful completely. This is where your Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup transforms into something truly special—a creamy bacon soup with a luscious, cheesy texture.
- Season and Finish: Taste your soup and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Add back the crispy bacon pieces and stir them in just before serving to keep some of that wonderful crunch.
If your soup seems too thick, stir in a splash more chicken broth until it reaches your preferred consistency. While cooking, take a moment to enjoy that amazing aroma filling your kitchen—it’s pure comfort on its way to your table!
Serving & Presentation
People always smile when I serve this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup at cozy family dinners or weekend get-togethers. To present it beautifully, ladle the soup into warm bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar and a few crisp bacon bits on top.
Pairing this hearty potato gnocchi soup with crusty artisan bread or a simple green salad brings balance and variety to your meal. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, casual gatherings, or whenever you crave a comforting bowl of bacon cheddar chowder goodness.
For leftovers, this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove and add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much. You can also freeze portions for busy days when you need a quick, satisfying meal.
I’ve tested seasonal variations, adding kale or spinach for greens or swapping cheddar for a mix of Gruyère and mozzarella for a different cheesy profile. Each twist makes this comfort food soup recipe feel fresh and exciting while staying true to its creamy bacon soup roots.
People often tell me they’ve never tasted gnocchi soup quite like this, and I think you’ll agree once you try it! For more comfort food inspiration, check out my garlic cheddar potato soup and loaded baked potato soup. If you want a slow cooker option, don’t miss the crockpot potato soup recipe that’s perfect for busy days.
FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions I get when sharing my Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup recipe. I’m here to help you feel confident and excited as you make this creamy bacon soup!
- Can I make this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the base soup and refrigerate it for up to two days. Add the gnocchi and cheddar cheese only when reheating to keep that perfect texture. - What if I don’t have fresh bacon on hand?
Use good-quality pre-cooked bacon or turkey bacon for a lighter version. The smoky flavor is key, so just make sure it crisps well before adding it to the soup. - How do I know when the Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is perfectly done?
Your gnocchi should float to the surface and feel tender but not mushy. The cheese should be melted fully, and the soup will have a smooth, creamy texture that coats the spoon. - Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes! Just add a minute or two to the cooking time since frozen gnocchi need extra time to cook through. - Is this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup suitable for feeding a crowd?
It sure is. Double or triple the recipe and cook it in a large pot. It’s a comforting crowd-pleaser perfect for holidays or potlucks. - What can I add to make this soup heartier?
Try adding cooked chicken, fresh spinach, or a handful of corn kernels for extra texture and flavor. - Is there a dairy-free version?
For a dairy-free creamy bacon soup, substitute the cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor will shift, but it still makes a satisfying meal.
The community often shares how this recipe fits into their routines and celebrations. One reader wrote how this bacon cheddar chowder became a family favorite at their Sunday dinners! For more cozy twists, see Cozy Cheddar Bacon Gnocchi Soup Recipe | Homemade Food Junkie or Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup inspiration. Also check out Bacon cheddar and gnocchi soup! Welcome back to my fall soup series for more inspiration.
Why This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Will Become Your New Favorite
This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup stands for everything I believe in: approachable cooking that fills your kitchen with warmth, flavor, and connection. It’s a recipe that delivers on comfort food without fuss. It’s creamy bacon soup meets cheddar cheese gnocchi magic, a hearty potato gnocchi soup that satisfies and delights.
My Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Success Tips:
- Use quality sharp cheddar for that perfect cheesy depth.
- Don’t rush cooking the bacon—crispy bits make all the difference.
- Add gnocchi toward the end to keep their texture tender and fresh.
I’ve created variations with added kale, swapped cheddar for pepper jack, and even turned it into a bacon cheddar gnocchi chowder with corn and potatoes. The version with kale and pepper jack gets the most smiles in my circle!
I encourage you to make this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup a regular in your recipe box. You’ll feel that same cozy satisfaction and joy every time you serve it. Cooking with you on this journey is a pleasure, and I can’t wait to hear about the delicious moments you create! When you make this recipe, please share your beautiful results so we can all celebrate together.
If this recipe brings you joy, you’ll love what I have on the blog: garlic cheddar potato soup, crockpot potato soup, and loaded baked potato soup. For a little extra inspiration, visit Bacon cheddar and gnocchi soup! Welcome back to my fall soup series.
Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
This creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup combines crispy smoky bacon, tender potato gnocchi, and sharp cheddar cheese for a comforting, hearty meal perfect for chilly days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
- Add diced onion to the bacon fat and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the potato gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, typically 2-3 minutes until they float to the top.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until melted and the soup is creamy.
- Return cooked bacon to the pot and stir to combine. Heat through but do not boil.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped chives before serving.
Notes
For extra richness, add a splash of white wine before adding the chicken broth, or sprinkle extra cheddar and chives on top just before serving.