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Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – Creamy, Cheesy & Cozy Comfort Food

When the weather turns chilly and comfort food cravings hit, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of creamy soup to warm your heart and soul. Enter the Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup — a luxuriously rich, cheesy, and ultra-cozy dish that combines everything you love about comfort food in one spoonful. Imagine soft, pillowy gnocchi swimming in a velvety cheddar cream broth, flecked with tender carrots, sautéed onions, and crispy beef or turkey bacon. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and cheesy — a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. 🥣💛 This soup is easy enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough for gatherings. It’s hearty, comforting, and sure to become your new family favorite during the cold months. So grab your pot and your coziest sweater — it’s time to make a pot of pure comfort. 🧀✨
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Here’s everything you’ll need to make your cozy creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup:
🍖 Meat
  • 8 slices beef or turkey bacon cooked and chopped
🥕 Fruits & Vegetables
  • 2 large carrots peeled and diced
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon red chili flakes optional, for heat
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
🥫 Canned Goods
  • 4 cups chicken broth low sodium preferred
🍝 Pasta & Grains
  • 16 ounces gnocchi fresh, frozen, or shelf-stable
🧂 Spices & Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
🧈 Oils & Fats
  • 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
🧀 Dairy
  • 2 cups medium or sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
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Equipment

  • You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe — just a few kitchen essentials:
  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle
  • Cheese grater

Method
 

  1. This soup comes together in under 45 minutes and fills your kitchen with irresistible cheesy aromas!
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon Substitute
  1. Cook beef or turkey bacon in a large soup pot or skillet over medium heat until crispy.
  2. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble or chop into small pieces.
  3. Set aside and reserve 1 tablespoon of the rendered fat in the pot for extra flavor (or use olive oil if preferred).
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
  1. In the same pot, add butter or olive oil and heat over medium.
  2. Add the onion and carrots and cook for 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Stir in the garlic powder, thyme, and red chili flakes. Cook for another minute to let the spices bloom.
Step 3: Build the Broth
  1. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender.
Step 4: Add the Gnocchi
  1. Stir in the gnocchi and cook for 3–4 minutes (or according to package directions) until they float to the top and are soft.
  2. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Make It Creamy & Cheesy
  1. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half.
  2. Gradually stir in the cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until melted and smooth.
  3. Continue stirring until the soup thickens slightly and becomes velvety.
Step 6: Add the Bacon & Seasoning
  1. Stir in most of the crisped beef/turkey bacon, saving a little for garnish.
  2. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
  1. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with:
  2. A sprinkle of cheddar cheese
  3. Crumbled bacon bits
  4. A dash of chili flakes for color and spice
  5. Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for the ultimate comfort meal. 🍞🧀🥣

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
To Store:
Allow soup to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Freeze:
Freeze before adding the gnocchi and cream for the best texture. Reheat and add them fresh before serving.
To Reheat:
Warm over medium heat, stirring often. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen.
🥄 Variations
This soup is endlessly customizable! Try one of these delicious variations:
Loaded Potato Twist: Replace gnocchi with diced potatoes for a hearty baked potato-style soup.
Broccoli Cheddar Fusion: Add chopped broccoli florets for a veggie-packed version.
Spicy Kick: Increase chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for heat.
Herb Lovers’ Blend: Mix in rosemary, basil, or parsley for extra depth.
Cheese Mix-Up: Combine cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan for complex flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth for a lighter version.
Protein Boost: Stir in cooked shredded chicken or turkey for added heartiness.
Bacon-Free Flavor: Add smoked paprika for a “bacon-like” smoky essence if you skip the meat.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes! Fresh, frozen, or shelf-stable gnocchi all work beautifully.
2. How can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely — use vegetable broth and skip the bacon.
4. Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the soup will be thinner. Thicken it by simmering longer or adding a cornstarch slurry.
5. What kind of cheddar is best?
Sharp cheddar offers the most flavor and melts beautifully.
6. Can I add greens?
Yes — stir in spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
7. Can I use other bacon alternatives?
Yes — turkey bacon or beef bacon work great for the same salty crunch.
8. How do I keep the cheese from clumping?
Add it gradually over low heat and stir constantly.
9. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — prepare the base and add gnocchi and cheese just before serving.
10. What can I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread, garlic rolls, or a simple green salad pair beautifully.
🏁 Conclusion
This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is the definition of comfort in a bowl — creamy, rich, and brimming with cheesy goodness. The gnocchi adds a soft, pillowy texture that absorbs all that savory flavor, while the crispy bacon (or turkey bacon) brings a satisfying crunch and smoky undertone.
It’s cozy, hearty, and utterly indulgent — everything you want on a cold night. Each spoonful delivers layers of flavor, from the sweetness of carrots and onions to the richness of cheddar and cream.
Whether you make it for a family dinner, a comforting weekend meal, or a cozy gathering, this soup will have everyone coming back for seconds. 🧀🥣✨
So grab a spoon, wrap yourself in a blanket, and savor every warm, cheesy, bacon-kissed bite of this unforgettable comfort food classic.