This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor! Filled with pillowy soft gnocchi, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a velvety broth, this comforting soup is perfect for chilly nights or when you’re craving a cozy, hearty meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra creamy and cheesy with crispy bacon.
- Soft, pillowy gnocchi for a unique twist on classic soup.
- Quick and easy—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Soup Base:
- Bacon, chopped
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- Russet potato, diced (optional for extra heartiness)
- Italian seasoning
- Black pepper
- Salt (adjust as needed)
For the Cheesy Gnocchi:
- Gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Cornstarch (to thicken, if needed)
Optional Toppings:
- Green onions or chives
- Extra crispy bacon
- Extra shredded cheese
Directions
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot.
2. Sauté the Onion & Garlic:
Add diced onion and cook until soft (about 3 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Add Broth & Seasonings:
Pour in chicken broth and add potatoes (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until potatoes are tender.
4. Add Gnocchi & Cheese:
Stir in gnocchi and cook for 3-5 minutes until they float. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan until melted.
5. Adjust & Serve:
If the soup is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir in. Let simmer for another 2 minutes. Stir in crispy bacon and serve warm with your favorite toppings!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Veggie-Packed: Add spinach, kale, or carrots for extra nutrients.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi and check that your broth is GF.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended (cream-based soups tend to separate).
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding extra broth if needed.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes! Shelf-stable, refrigerated, or homemade gnocchi all work.
2. How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
Use freshly shredded cheese and stir it in slowly over low heat.
3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook bacon separately, then add everything except cheese and cream to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4 hours, stir in cream and cheese, then cook for 15 more minutes.
4. Can I use another cheese?
Absolutely! Gruyère, smoked gouda, or Monterey Jack work well.
5. How do I make this soup thicker?
Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the soup.
6. Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes! Turkey bacon works but won’t render as much fat.
7. What’s the best side dish?
Serve with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a fresh salad.
8. Can I add chicken?
Yes! Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein.
9. Is this soup keto-friendly?
Not quite, but you can swap gnocchi for cauliflower to make it low-carb.
10. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut milk and dairy-free cheese for a creamy alternative.
Conclusion
This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is comfort food at its best—creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky bacon and soft gnocchi. Whether you’re making it for dinner, meal prep, or a cozy night in, this soup is guaranteed to be a new favorite. Try it today and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Print
Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Description
This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with pillowy potato gnocchi, crispy bacon, and a rich cheddar broth. It’s the perfect cozy comfort food for chilly nights! Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes, this soup is a crowd-pleaser for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional, for freshness)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 2 tbsp of bacon grease in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Add onion to the pot and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Soup Base
- Add butter and melt it into the onions.
- Sprinkle in flour and stir for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
- Add the potato gnocchi and let cook for 3–4 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
Step 5: Add Cheese & Bacon
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until smooth.
- Add back the crispy bacon and stir in baby spinach (if using).
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm!
Notes
- Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth.
- Thicker Soup: Add ½ cup mashed potatoes for extra creaminess.
- Storage: Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days (best enjoyed fresh, as gnocchi may absorb liquid over time).