Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup: A Comfort Bowl You’ll Crave Again and Again

There’s something about a big, steaming bowl of soup that instantly feels like home. When the weather turns chilly or you just want something cozy and indulgent, nothing hits the spot like this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup. It’s rich, cheesy, and absolutely loaded with flavor from crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and pillowy soft gnocchi. This is the kind of recipe that makes everyone around the table sigh happily with each spoonful.

The beauty of this soup is how it blends two comfort food favorites into one irresistible dish: the creamy richness of cheddar cheese soup and the hearty, satisfying bite of Italian gnocchi. Add smoky bacon to the mix and you’ve got a bowl of pure happiness. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make at home with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup doesn’t just taste amazing—it also comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something homemade and hearty. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or planning a cozy weekend dinner, this soup will check all the boxes. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s bound to become a new family favorite.

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What Makes This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Special?

• Ultra Creamy and Cheesy: The cheddar melts into the broth, creating a velvety base that feels indulgent but not overly heavy.

• Crispy Bacon in Every Bite: Bacon isn’t just sprinkled on top—it’s cooked right into the soup for maximum smoky flavor.

• Hearty Gnocchi Texture: Instead of plain pasta, the gnocchi adds a pillowy, soft bite that makes the soup feel like a full meal.

• Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this recipe takes under 40 minutes, making it weeknight-friendly.

• Family-Friendly Flavor: It’s rich enough for adults to love but mild and cheesy enough for picky eaters to enjoy too.

This recipe uses simple cooking techniques like sautéing and simmering, but the results taste like something from a restaurant. One time-saving tip: use pre-cooked bacon or a bag of shelf-stable gnocchi to cut prep time even further.

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Ingredient Notes

Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:

• Bacon: Provides smoky, savory depth. For a lighter option, you can use turkey bacon, though the flavor will be milder.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is best—it melts smoothly and adds bold flavor. You can swap in white cheddar or Colby if needed.

• Potato Gnocchi: Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly, but homemade gnocchi adds an extra touch if you have time.

• Onion & Garlic: Build the flavor base. If you don’t have fresh garlic, use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.

• Chicken Broth: Gives the soup a savory foundation. Vegetable broth works if you want it meatless.

• Heavy Cream: Makes the soup silky. Half-and-half or whole milk can be used for a lighter version.

• Carrots & Celery: Add color, texture, and a touch of sweetness.

• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and thyme balance the flavors. A pinch of smoked paprika enhances the bacon flavor.

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How To Make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook 6–8 slices of bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving 1–2 tablespoons of drippings.

   • Tip: Drain excess grease so the soup doesn’t feel heavy.

2. Sauté the Veggies: Add diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.

3. Make the Base: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the veggies, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw taste. Slowly whisk in 4 cups of chicken broth.

   • Look for: A slightly thickened broth with no lumps.

4. Simmer the Gnocchi: Stir in the gnocchi and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the gnocchi float and turn tender.

5. Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.

6. Finish with Bacon: Chop the cooked bacon and stir half into the soup, saving the rest for topping. Taste and adjust seasonings.

7. Serve: Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with bacon and extra cheese, and serve hot with crusty bread.

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Storage Options

• Room Temperature: Not recommended beyond 2 hours.

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: This soup doesn’t freeze well due to the cream and cheese separating. If freezing, leave out the dairy and add it after reheating.

• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken broth for veggie broth and use meatless bacon crumbles.

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

• Seasonal Veggies: Stir in spinach, kale, or roasted red peppers for extra nutrients.

• Different Cheeses: Try smoked gouda, pepper jack, or fontina for unique flavors.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi and swap the flour for cornstarch slurry.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but store the soup without the gnocchi and add them fresh when reheating.

2. Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Absolutely—just cook a few minutes longer.

3. Why did my soup turn grainy?
Cheese can separate if added over high heat. Always lower the heat before stirring in cheddar.

4. Can I lighten this recipe?
Yes, use half-and-half instead of cream and reduce the cheese slightly.

5. What should I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a crisp salad balance out the richness.

6. Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Use a large stockpot, but be mindful of simmering time—it may take a bit longer.

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Conclusion

This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is pure comfort in a bowl—cheesy, smoky, hearty, and unbelievably satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special enough for a weekend meal but simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner. Once you try it, it’ll become a repeat request in your household. Give it a go, share it with loved ones, and don’t forget to make extra—you’ll want leftovers!

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