Creamy Bacon and Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – Cozy Comfort Food 🥣🥓🧀
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a bowl of gnocchi soup that offers a warm, comforting, and cheesy experience, you’re in the right place. This creamy gnocchi and bacon-based soup is the perfect cozy food to enjoy on chilly days or when you need a heartwarming meal. With its rich flavors and smooth texture, this bacon cheese soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family and friends alike.
2. Ingredients for Creamy Bacon and Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
- 1 pound fresh or frozen gnocchi
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
3. Step-by-step Instructions for Making Creamy Bacon and Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Preparing the Bacon
Cook the chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside on paper towels. Keep the bacon drippings in the pot for flavor.
Sautéing Vegetables
Add diced onion to the bacon drippings and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Simmering the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for enhanced flavor. Reduce heat to low.
Cooking the Gnocchi
Add the gnocchi to the broth and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until they float to the surface.
Creating the Creamy Base
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Return the cooked bacon to the pot and stir to combine.
Finishing Touches
Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for an added pop of color and freshness.
4. Storage Tips for Gnocchi Soup
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before serving.
5. Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Gnocchi Soup
This bacon cheese soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a warm baguette. For an added boost of flavor, top each serving with extra shredded cheddar, crispy bacon bits, or fresh herbs. It makes an excellent starter or main course for a casual family dinner or cozy weekend meal.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Gnocchi Soup
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this soup?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly and saves you prep time. Fresh gnocchi can also be used for a more homemade feel.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the bacon with smoked paprika or sautéed mushrooms for a smoky flavor without meat.
How long does it take to prepare this gnocchi soup?
Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with cooking time around 15 minutes, making it an easy and quick cozy comfort food.
What are some variations I can try?
Add spinach or kale for extra greens or sprinkle hot sauce for a spicy kick. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free gnocchi and broth.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set — Ensures even heat distribution and easy cleanup when preparing your soup.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master — Perfect for chopping vegetables and prepping ingredients efficiently.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker — Useful for making large batches or keeping the soup warm during gatherings.
8. Related Recipes to Elevate Your Cooking Experience
If you’re a fan of comforting dishes like this creamy gnocchi and cheesy soup, check out Creamy Boursin Chicken Pasta or Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls for more delightful meal ideas.
9. Conclusion
This creamy bacon and cheddar gnocchi soup is the perfect embodiment of cozy comfort food. Its rich, cheesy flavor combined with crispy bacon and tender gnocchi makes it a favorite for chilly evenings or when you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a bowl of cheesy soup that feels indulgent yet nourishing. Don’t forget to customize it with your favorite herbs or add vegetables to make it even more delicious!
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Creamy Bacon and Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – Cozy Comfort Food
A hearty, cheesy soup loaded with tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar for ultimate comfort.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 packet (16 oz) potato gnocchi
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the bacon fat, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the gnocchi and cook until they float, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in milk or cream, then slowly add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper. Top with crispy bacon and herbs before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Use gluten-free gnocchi for a GF version.
- Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 75mg