This creamy, comforting Gnocchi Soup with Bacon Cheddar is like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for a chilly evening. With soft potato gnocchi, sharp cheddar cheese, and savory bacon, it’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying one-pot meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.
This soup always takes me back to a blustery November evening, with rain tapping against the windowpanes. My dad, came home from a long day, his shoulders slumped with weariness. The sight of this steaming, cheesy soup on the stove made his face light up. He always said a good soup could fix anything, and watching him savor that first spoonful, the warmth returning to his eyes, was all the proof I ever needed. It’s more than a meal; it’s a memory of simple, hearty love.
A Few Reasons This Soup Is So Special
- Quick & Easy: A comforting, restaurant-quality soup ready in just 30 minutes.
- One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup incredibly simple.
- Creamy & Comforting: The perfect combination of soft gnocchi, melted cheddar, and rich broth.
- Family-Friendly: A hearty and flavorful dish that even the pickiest eaters will love.
What to Gather from Your Pantry
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Let’s Make This Bowl of Comfort, Step by Step
First, A Gentle Sizzle in the Pot
In a large pot, melt your butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, which usually takes about 4–5 minutes. This is my favorite part, the simple, wonderful smell that begins to fill the kitchen is the first promise of a delicious meal.
Next, A Whisper of Garlic
Now, stir in your minced garlic and cook for just a minute more until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be sure to keep an eye on it, as garlic can go from fragrant to burnt in a heartbeat!
Then, Let the Gnocchi Pillows Dance
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Add the potato gnocchi and cook according to the package directions. It’s usually very quick, only about 3–4 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when those lovely little pillows float to the surface.
Now, for the Creamy, Cheesy Heart
Reduce the heat to low, this is important to prevent the dairy from separating. Stir in the half-and-half, the shredded cheddar, and the smoked paprika. Continue to stir gently until the cheese has completely melted into a smooth, creamy soup. Don’t rush this step; low and slow is the key.
Seasoning, Straight from the Heart
Taste your soup and season it with salt and black pepper. The amount you need will depend on the saltiness of your broth and bacon, so it’s always best to taste as you go.
Finally, Dress It Up and Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Finish it off with a generous sprinkle of crispy turkey bacon and fresh chives. Now, it’s ready to be enjoyed.
A Little Note on Nutritional Values
Please note that the nutritional information provided here is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The values are calculated per serving for your general guidance.
If You’re Craving a Lighter Touch
- Whole Wheat Gnocchi: For a little extra fiber and a nuttier flavor, feel free to swap the traditional potato gnocchi for a whole wheat version.
- Add Some Greens: To boost the vitamins, stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or kale during the last couple of minutes of cooking, allowing it to wilt right into the soup.
- Lighter Creaminess: If you want to reduce the fat content, you can substitute the half-and-half with evaporated milk or even a mixture of whole milk and a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt (stirred in off the heat).
How We Love to Enjoy This Soup
- With Crusty Bread: This soup is practically begging to be served with a side of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. It’s perfect for soaking up every last delicious drop.
- A Simple Green Salad: The richness of the soup pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. The acidity from the dressing cuts through the creaminess perfectly.
- Extra Toppings Bar: Set out small bowls of extra shredded cheese, sour cream, and chives so everyone can customize their own bowl just the way they like it.
My Little Secrets for a Perfect Soup
- Boiling After Adding Cheese: Once you add the half-and-half and cheese, it’s crucial to keep the heat on low. Bringing the soup to a boil can cause the dairy to curdle and the cheese to become grainy.
- Overcooking the Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks very quickly. If you leave them in the simmering broth for too long, they can become mushy and fall apart. Remove the pot from the heat as soon as they float to the top.
- Forgetting to Taste and Season: Don’t just follow the recipe blindly. The saltiness of your broth and bacon will greatly affect the final taste. Be sure to taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Saving a Bowl for Another Day
If you have leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling it. I don’t recommend freezing this soup, as the dairy can separate and the gnocchi can become a bit dense upon thawing.
From My Kitchen to Yours
Food is so much more than just what we eat; it’s the warmth, the comfort, and the memories we create around the table. I hope this simple soup brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. May it warm you on a cold day and give you a moment of peace. I encourage you to gather your loved ones and make some memories of your own.
Just in Case You Were Wondering…
Can I use classic pork bacon instead?
Of course! Pork bacon works wonderfully here. I recommend cooking it until crisp, crumbling it, and then using a tablespoon of the rendered bacon fat instead of butter to sauté the onions for an extra layer of flavor.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
It’s very easy to adapt! Simply substitute the chicken broth with a quality vegetable broth and omit the bacon. For a smoky flavor, you can add a pinch more of the smoked paprika or even a dash of liquid smoke.
My soup seems a little thin, how can I fix it?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can create a small slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering soup and cook for another minute or two until it has thickened to your liking. Adding a little extra cheese will also help thicken it up.
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The Best Gnocchi Soup with Bacon Cheddar
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy, comforting Gnocchi Soup with Bacon Cheddar is like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for a chilly evening. With soft potato gnocchi, sharp cheddar cheese, and savory bacon, it’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying one-pot meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half (or heavy cream)
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add gnocchi and cook according to package directions, about 3–4 minutes or until gnocchi float.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in half-and-half, cheddar cheese, and smoked paprika. Stir gently until cheese melts and soup is creamy.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled turkey bacon and chopped chives. Serve hot.
Notes
Keep heat low after adding dairy to prevent curdling. Don’t overcook gnocchi to avoid mushiness. Taste and adjust seasoning based on broth and bacon saltiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: gnocchi soup, bacon cheddar soup, creamy soup, comfort food