Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

When I first made this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup, I didn’t expect it to be this good. You know those recipes that just happen to turn into comfort food magic? This is one of them. Imagine creamy, cheesy goodness swirling around soft, pillowy gnocchi—with crispy bacon bits adding that perfect salty crunch. Yeah, it’s that kind of soup.

A Little About This Recipe

This soup brings together everything I love about comfort food: warmth, richness, and a flavor that hugs you from the inside out. The base is velvety and cheesy, thanks to sharp cheddar, while the gnocchi adds an unexpected texture that makes it heartier than your average soup. It’s like loaded baked potato soup but fancier—and honestly, way easier to pull off.

Why This Recipe Is Special

I think what makes this soup stand out is how fast and satisfying it is. You get all the creamy, cozy flavors of a restaurant-style chowder, but you can whip it up in under 40 minutes. Plus, it’s versatile. You can make it on a chilly night for family dinner, or prep it ahead for an easy lunch that tastes even better the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra Creamy: The cheddar melts right into the broth, creating a silky, rich texture you can’t resist.
• Hearty and Filling: The gnocchi turns this into a meal—not just a starter.
• Easy to Make: No fancy steps or tricky techniques. If you can stir, you can make this soup.
• Bacon in Every Bite: Because life’s too short for soup without bacon.
• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s family-friendly, kid-approved, and perfect for cozy nights or casual get-togethers.

Tools You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll want on your countertop before starting:

• Large pot or Dutch oven: To cook the soup evenly and hold all that goodness without spilling over.
• Wooden spoon: For stirring the soup without scratching your pot.
• Ladle: To serve it up smoothly and scoop all the gnocchi.
• Tongs or slotted spoon: To remove the bacon after crisping.
• Whisk: To blend the broth, milk, and cheese into a creamy base.
• Measuring cups & spoons: Because precision matters—especially with cheese.

Ingredients

(Serves 4–6 people)

• 6 slices bacon (about 100g), chopped
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (15g)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (25g)
• 4 cups chicken broth (960ml)
• 1 cup whole milk (240ml)
• 1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
• 1 pound potato gnocchi (450g)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (200g)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

Place the chopped bacon in your large pot over medium heat. Let it sizzle and crisp up—this should take about 5–7 minutes. Once crispy, use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove it and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Don’t toss that bacon grease—it’s liquid gold.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Add the butter to the pot with the remaining bacon fat. Once melted, toss in your diced onion. Sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. You’ll start to smell that irresistible bacon-onion combo—this is where the flavor builds.

3. Make the Roux

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about a minute. It’ll form a paste and coat the onions—this thickens your soup later. Don’t rush this step; the raw flour taste needs that brief cook time.

4. Add the Liquids

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Then add the milk and cream. Keep stirring until smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.

5. Add the Gnocchi

Stir in the gnocchi and let it simmer gently for 5–7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the gnocchi starts floating to the top—it’s a little like watching edible clouds rise.

6. Melt in the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low, then add shredded cheddar one handful at a time. Stir constantly so it melts evenly and doesn’t clump. Add smoked paprika, pepper, and a pinch of salt to taste.

7. Finish with Bacon

Add most of the crispy bacon back into the pot (save a little for topping). Give it one final stir, then let the soup simmer on low for another 2–3 minutes.

Serving Ideas

Serve the soup hot, topped with the remaining bacon and a sprinkle of green onions. You can also add:

• Extra shredded cheddar for cheese lovers
• Crushed red pepper for a kick
• A dollop of sour cream for extra richness
• Toasted bread or garlic knots on the side for dipping

Variations & Customization

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth. Add sautéed mushrooms or roasted corn for depth.
• Spicy Twist: Mix in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
• Healthier Swap: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and turkey bacon instead of regular.
• Extra Veggies: Spinach, broccoli, or peas blend beautifully into this creamy base.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The soup thickens as it sits—just stir in a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
• Freeze: Avoid freezing, as dairy-based soups can separate and turn grainy.
• Make-Ahead: You can prep the bacon and sautéed onions in advance, then finish the soup fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Pro Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

Here’s the part where I share what I wish someone told me the first time I made this:

• Don’t add cheese to boiling soup—it’ll curdle. Always lower the heat first.
• Use freshly shredded cheddar, not pre-packaged. It melts smoother without the anti-caking powder.
• Avoid overcooking the gnocchi—they get mushy fast. Once they float, they’re done.
• If your soup gets too thick, add a bit more broth until you reach your desired consistency.
• Always taste before salting—the bacon and cheese already add plenty of saltiness.

Recipe Summary

Yield:	4–6 servings
Prep Time:	10 minutes
Cook Time:	30 minutes
Total Time:	40 minutes
Calories per Serving:	~460 kcal

A Warm Closing Note

If there’s one soup that can instantly turn a gloomy evening into something cozy, it’s this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup. It’s the kind of dish that makes you slow down, grab an extra spoonful, and maybe even go back for seconds without guilt. Try it out this week, and when you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you—drop a comment or share your twist on it. After all, comfort food is always better when shared.