Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup: A Hearty Comfort Food Masterpiece

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Introduction

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food—a silky, cheese-laden broth studded with pillowy potato gnocchi and crisp, smoky bacon. This recipe is all about bold flavors and hearty textures, making it a standout dinner option for anyone who loves rich, satisfying soups. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family gatherings.

Deliciously Unique Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Imagine a creamy cheddar soup base, each spoonful bursting with the smokiness of crispy bacon and the pillowy softness of gnocchi. The cheddar adds sharpness and depth, while gnocchi brings a delightful chew. This soup is beloved for its blend of classic and cozy flavors, making it the soup you’ll crave on chilly days or whenever you need a flavorful, soothing meal.

The Creamy, Flavor-Packed Base

The key to this soup’s signature decadence is the balance between tangy sharp cheddar, savory broth, and just the right touch of cream. Fresh garlic and aromatic herbs like thyme and parsley lift the flavor, while the gnocchi soaks up all the goodness. For added richness, a splash of heavy cream and a touch of Dijon mustard are stirred in just before serving.

Assembling Your Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Start by cooking the bacon until crisp, then use the rendered fat to sauté onions and garlic—a base that infuses every layer with savory notes. Add your broth, bring it to a simmer, and toss in the gnocchi until perfectly tender. Whisk in shredded cheddar, ensuring it dissolves smoothly into a thick, velvety soup. Finish with crumbled bacon and fresh herbs for the ultimate finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions for a Show-Stopping Bowl

Top each bowl with extra cheddar, more crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley. Serve alongside a slice of crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal that feels both comforting and gourmet. Whether enjoyed as the star entrée or an indulgent starter, this soup always shines.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6 generous servings. Each bowl contains approximately 400 to 500 calories, depending on the exact amount of cheese, bacon, and cream. It’s a hearty meal best enjoyed as part of a balanced, satisfying dinner.

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup (Recap)

Combining the savory essence of bacon, the creamy tang of cheddar, and the satisfying texture of gnocchi, this soup is a flavorful, nourishing dish that stands out at any meal. It’s both fuss-free and packed with indulgent flavor—perfect for making any dinnertime memorable.

Ingredients

5 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 tablespoon butter
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
1 pound (about 500g) potato gnocchi
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish

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Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 7–8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate, reserving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
  2. Add butter to the pot, then stir in onion and sauté until softened, 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and thyme and cook, stirring, for 1 minute more.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
  4. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in half-and-half (or heavy cream) and potato gnocchi. Allow the soup to bubble gently until the gnocchi float and are cooked through, 3–4 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until melted and smooth. Add Dijon mustard (if using), then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Stir in half the cooked bacon and most of the parsley or chives (save some for garnish).
  7. Ladle soup into bowls and top with remaining bacon, extra cheddar, and fresh herbs. Serve hot with bread or salad.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is an excellent addition to any weekly meal plan, offering a hearty, homemade option that can be prepped ahead or enjoyed as leftovers. Save and schedule this recipe to your meal plan for seamless shopping and cooking.

Planning Benefits:

  • Calculates the total ingredient needs when planning multiple recipes
  • Sorts your shopping list by grocery store section
  • Reduces duplicate purchases and forgotten items
  • Simplifies and streamlines weekly meal prep

Pro tip: When organizing this soup alongside other meals, schedule your recipes in advance. The ingredient calculator ensures you buy just the right amount of bacon, cheese, and herbs—helping you avoid both shortages and unnecessary extras. Less stress, less waste, more delicious meals!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

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