Go Back
Adam

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – A Rich and Creamy Comfort Meal (Pork-Free Version!)

If you're craving the kind of warm, comforting, ultra-creamy soup that instantly soothes the soul and satisfies the appetite, this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is about to become your new obsession. Traditionally made with pork bacon, this version is crafted using beef bacon or turkey bacon, keeping it 100% pork-free while still delivering that smoky, savory flavor everyone loves. This soup is thick, rich, cheesy, and full of cozy flavors — tender gnocchi, melted cheddar, golden sautéed onions, sweet carrots, and crispy smoky bacon all simmered in a velvety cream broth. It feels like a restaurant-quality dish but made easily at home with simple ingredients. It’s the perfect meal for: Cold evenings Quick weeknight dinners Family gatherings Pinterest holiday cooking Comfort-food lovers Cheese lovers One-pot recipes Meal prep Let’s make a bowl of pure comfort — creamy, cheesy, smoky, and absolutely irresistible.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes
Adem Recipes Daily Icon

Adem Recipes Daily App 🍽️

Discover more than 1700+ delicious recipes you can cook at home. Easy, step-by-step instructions with new recipes added every day.

Download on the App Store
Google Play Coming Soon Coming Soon
Adem Recipes Daily Preview

Ingredients
  

  • Your exact list — but with pork bacon replaced by beef bacon or turkey bacon.
Meat
  • 8 slices Beef bacon or turkey bacon cooked and chopped
Vegetables
  • 2 large carrots diced
  • 1 large onion chopped
Broth
  • 4 cups chicken broth
Pasta
  • 16 oz gnocchi
Oils & Butter
  • 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
Dairy
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
Adem Recipes Daily Icon

Adem Recipes Daily App

Discover more than 1700+ delicious recipes you can cook at home. Easy, step-by-step instructions with new recipes added every day.

Download on the App Store
Google Play Coming Soon Coming Soon
Adem Recipes Daily Preview

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Ladle
  • Cheese grater
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Bacon
  1. Cook beef or turkey bacon in a pan until crisp.
  2. Chop into small pieces and set aside.
  3. Reserve 1 tbsp of bacon drippings if desired (optional for flavor).
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
  1. In a large soup pot, heat butter or olive oil.
  2. Add:
  3. Chopped onion
  4. Diced carrots
  5. Sauté 6–8 minutes until onions are golden and carrots slightly softened.
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
  1. Pour in the chicken broth.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat.
  3. Simmer 10 minutes until carrots are tender.
Step 4: Add the Gnocchi
  1. Add gnocchi directly into the soup.
  2. Let cook 3–4 minutes until they float and become tender.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
  1. Lower heat.
  2. Pour in heavy cream or half-and-half.
  3. Stir until the soup becomes creamy.
  4. Add shredded cheddar cheese gradually.
  5. Stir continuously until melted and smooth.
Step 6: Add Bacon
  1. Stir in chopped beef/turkey bacon.
  2. Reserve a little for garnishing on top.
  3. Simmer on low for 5 minutes.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 7: Serve
  1. Ladle soup into bowls.
  2. Top with:
  3. Extra cheddar
  4. Extra bacon
  5. Fresh parsley
  6. Enjoy warm and creamy.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Keeps 3–4 days in airtight container.
Reheating
Warm on low heat.
Add splash of broth or cream if thickens.
Freezer
Not recommended (cream + gnocchi don’t freeze well).
🥄 Variations
1. Broccoli Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Add steamed broccoli florets.
2. Spicy Version
Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños.
3. Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Add shredded cooked chicken.
4. Veggie-Loaded
Add corn, celery, peas, or spinach.
5. Mushroom Gnocchi Soup
Add sliced mushrooms with onions.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use turkey bacon instead of beef bacon?
Yes — both work perfectly.
2. Can I make this soup thicker?
Add extra cheddar or mash a few gnocchi.
3. Can I use milk?
Yes, but it won’t be as creamy.
4. Can I use vegetable broth?
Yes — but flavor will be lighter.
5. Why did my cheese clump?
Heat was too high — lower heat when adding cheese.
6. Can I air fry the bacon?
Yes — 7–8 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
7. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free gnocchi.
8. Can I add garlic?
Absolutely — 2–3 cloves minced.
9. Why did my soup thicken too much?
Gnocchi absorbs liquid. Add more broth to loosen.
10. Can kids eat this soup?
Yes — creamy, mild, and family-friendly.
🏁 Conclusion
This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is the definition of cozy comfort food. Thick, creamy, cheesy, hearty, and smoky — every spoonful melts in your mouth. By using beef bacon or turkey bacon, you keep the dish pork-free while maintaining that delicious smoky flavor that makes this soup unbelievably satisfying.
With tender gnocchi, melted cheddar, rich cream, and sautéed vegetables, it tastes like a warm hug on a cold day. Whether you’re meal-prepping, hosting family, or wanting a quick one-pot dinner, this recipe always delivers.
Comforting, cheesy, creamy, smoky — a bowl of happiness.