Name: Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half); 1 lb potato gnocchi; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste); ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth); 2 cups baby spinach (optional, for freshness); 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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

Units Scale

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)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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).