Decadent Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Fast forward to last winter, I stared at a pack of gnocchi in my pantry and craving soup. Not just any soup, though something hearty, warm, and indulgent enough to feel like a hug in a bowl. That’s how this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup came to life.

The sizzling bacon fills the kitchen with its irresistible aroma, and when it hits the pot with caramelized onions and carrots, the whole space starts to smell like home. Then comes the gnocchi, little clouds that soak up the rich broth, creamy cheddar, and smoky bacon.

I’ve tested this recipe on friends who normally don’t care much for soup, and let me tell you, they went back for seconds. It’s decadent, yes, but also customizable you can lighten it up or make it extra cheesy depending on your mood. Every spoonful delivers comfort, crunch from the bacon, and silky creaminess from the broth.

Short Description

A creamy, cheesy soup loaded with smoky bacon, pillowy gnocchi, and savory vegetables this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights in.

Key Ingredients

• 8–10 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1–2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder or 4 cloves minced garlic
• ¼ tsp dried thyme
• ½–1 tsp red chili flakes
• 16 oz gnocchi
• 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp)

Tools Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Ladle
• Cheese grater

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Discard most of the grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add butter or olive oil to the pot, then stir in onions and carrots. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and chili flakes. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

Add gnocchi and cook according to package instructions (usually about 2 minutes) until tender and floating.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Cheese

Lower heat to medium-low. Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring gently. Gradually add cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

Step 6: Add Bacon and Serve

Mix in most of the bacon, reserving some for garnish. Ladle into bowls and top with extra cheddar and crispy bacon pieces. Serve hot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and filling, perfect for cold evenings

Balanced flavors: smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and tender gnocchi

Quick to prepare, ready in under 45 minutes

Easy to customize with different cheeses or added veggies

Feels indulgent yet is approachable for any home cook

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Mistake 1: Overcooking the gnocchi
Solution: They only need about 2 minutes; leaving them too long makes them mushy. Solution: cook until they float, then immediately reduce the heat.

Mistake 2: Clumpy cheese
Solution: Dumping in cheese all at once can make it seize. Solution: add gradually over low heat, stirring constantly.

Mistake 3: Too salty soup
Solution: Bacon and broth already have salt. Solution: taste before adding extra salt and adjust only at the end.

Mistake 4: Greasy soup
Solution: Using all the bacon grease makes the broth heavy. Solution: keep just 1 tablespoon for flavor and discard the rest.

Mistake 5: Soup breaking or curdling
Solution: Adding cream over high heat can cause separation. Solution: lower the heat before stirring in cream.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up the creamy broth.

Pair with a fresh green salad for balance.

For drinks, try a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer.

Serve family-style in a big pot for cozy dinners or plated individually for a more elegant touch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk.

Avoid the microwave for reheating, as it can separate the cream and cheese.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, just add directly to the simmering broth no need to thaw.

2. Can I substitute the cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the soup will be less rich.

3. What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar gives the boldest flavor, but mild cheddar, Colby Jack, or Gruyère also work well.

4. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, skip the bacon and use vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.

5. How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
Simmer uncovered for a few more minutes, or stir in 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with water.

Tips & Tricks

Grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded it melts smoother.

Add a handful of spinach at the end for extra nutrients and color.

Use a Dutch oven for even heat distribution.

For extra depth, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after sautéing vegetables.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Kick: Add extra chili flakes or diced jalapeños before simmering.

Loaded Veggie: Stir in mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini along with the carrots.

Italian Twist: Replace cheddar with Parmesan and add basil for a more classic Italian flavor.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken for added protein.

Lightened-Up Version: Use half-and-half instead of cream and turkey bacon in place of regular bacon.

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is one of those recipes that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Every spoonful is rich, smoky, and satisfying, yet the recipe itself is straightforward enough for a weeknight. It has that restaurant-level decadence but feels cozy and approachable, the kind of meal you’ll want to curl up with on the couch while binge-watching your favorite show.

The best part is how flexible it is you can make it extra cheesy, lighten it up, or load it with veggies depending on what you have on hand. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself on a chilly evening.