Oh, you know those nights when it’s cold outside and you just crave something warm, cheesy, and completely comforting? That’s exactly when this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup comes to the rescue! Seriously, it’s like a hug in a bowl. I whipped this up the other evening when the wind was howling, and my family practically inhaled it. It’s got those pillowy soft gnocchi you just can’t resist, loaded with crispy bacon bits and all that gooey, melted cheddar goodness. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make, perfect for those evenings when you need a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a weeknight lifesaver, trust me!
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Seriously, why wouldn’t you love this soup? It’s just pure deliciousness wrapped up in comfort. Here’s why it’s a total winner:
- Super Easy to Make: We’re talking minimal effort for maximum flavor. Most of the magic happens in one pot!
- Ridiculously Quick: Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have ages to cook.
- Incredible Flavor Combo: Crispy bacon, savory broth, creamy cheese, and tender gnocchi – it’s a flavor party!
- Ultimate Comfort Food: This soup is pure warmth and happiness. It’s decadent, hearty, and deeply satisfying.
- Kid-Approved: Even the pickiest eaters usually go nuts for the gnocchi and cheesy goodness!
Gather Your Ingredients for Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Alright, let’s get down to business! To make this amazing Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup, you’re going to need some simple ingredients that pack a serious flavor punch. Don’t worry, nothing too fancy here!
For the Soup:
- Bacon: 4 slices, chopped up small. This is where all that yummy flavor starts!
- Onion: 1 medium one, chopped. It adds a nice sweet base.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Because garlic makes everything better, right?
- Chicken broth: 4 cups. Use a good quality one for the best taste.
- Heavy cream: 1 cup. This makes it super rich and creamy.
- Gnocchi: 1 package (about 16-17 oz). Make sure you grab the potato kind!
- Cheddar cheese: 1.5 cups, shredded. Sharp cheddar is my go-to for a nice bold flavor!
- Salt: About 1/2 teaspoon, or whatever tastes good to you.
- Black pepper: About 1/4 teaspoon, or a pinch more if you like it zippy.
Optional Garnishes:
- Chives: 1/4 cup, chopped. For a little pop of freshness and color.
Essential Equipment for Making Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
You don’t need a whole fancy kitchen setup for this soup! Just a few trusty basics will do the trick:
- A nice big pot (for simmering all the goodness).
- A skillet (perfect for getting that bacon nice and crispy).
- A good knife and cutting board (for all that chopping).
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Alright, ready to make some magic happen? This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup comes together so easily, you’ll wonder why you ever bought soup from a can. Just follow these simple steps and get ready for pure comfort!
Crisping the Bacon
Start by tossing your chopped bacon into a large pot over medium heat. Let it cook until it gets nice and crispy. Then, scoop it out with a slotted spoon and pop it on a paper towel to drain. Leave that golden bacon grease right in the pot – it’s pure flavor gold for the next step!
Building the Flavor Base
Now, toss your chopped onion into that pot with the bacon grease. Sauté it until it’s nice and soft, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Then, sneak in your minced garlic and let it cook for just another minute until you can smell that wonderful aroma. Don’t let it burn, just get it fragrant!
Creating the Creamy Broth
Time to get soupy! Pour in your chicken broth and give it a good stir, scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it’s simmering, stir in the heavy cream. Ah, now it’s starting to look like something special! If you’re looking for other creamy soups, you might like this zucchini potato soup.
Cooking the Gnocchi
Now for the best part – the gnocchi! Gently drop them into the simmering soup. They usually only take about 3-5 minutes to cook. You’ll know they’re ready when they float right up to the top. It’s like little edible balloons signalling they’re done! For more soupy ideas, check out this broccoli cheddar pasta recipe.
Melting the Cheddar and Seasoning
Turn the heat on the stove way down to low – we don’t want to scorch this beautiful cheesy goodness! Gradually stir in your shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, whisking gently until it’s all melted and the soup is wonderfully smooth. Taste it and add your salt and pepper until it’s just right for you. Be patient here; slow and steady wins the cheesy race!
Serving Your Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Ladle that dreamy soup into bowls. Make sure everyone gets a good share of gnocchi and that yummy broth. Now, sprinkle on that crispy reserved bacon you set aside earlier. If you’re feeling fancy, add a little sprinkle of fresh chopped chives for a pop of green and extra flavor. Enjoy every spoonful!
Tips for Perfect Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Making this soup is already pretty foolproof, but here are a few little tricks I’ve learned that take it from good to downright amazing! A little attention to detail goes a long way, and these tips will ensure your Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is totally crave-worthy every single time.
First off, don’t skimp on the bacon grease! That fat is packed with smoky, salty flavor and it’s the perfect base for sautéing your onions and garlic. Also, when you’re melting in that cheddar cheese, keep the heat on low. If it gets too hot, your cheese can get all clumpy and oily instead of beautifully smooth. For more hearty soup ideas, especially ones that pack a punch, you’ve gotta check out this spicy jalapeno popper soup – it’s a game changer!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
A few things to chat about with the ingredients in this oh-so-tasty Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup! The quality of your bacon really matters here – I love a good smoked bacon for extra depth. If you’re not a fan of pork bacon, turkey bacon can work, but it won’t have quite the same richness, so maybe add a tiny bit more oil when you cook it. For the chicken broth, any good quality store-bought kind is fine, or use homemade if you’ve got it! If you need a dairy-free option, you can swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk (the kind in the can, shaken well!) and use a dairy-free cheddar alternative. Just make sure it melts well! Trying to make a lighter version? You could try half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but it won’t be quite as luscious. For more yummy soup ideas, take a peek at this lemon chicken soup – it’s bright and refreshing!
Frequently Asked Questions about Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Got questions about this fabulous Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup? I’ve got answers! It’s pretty straightforward, but a few little things might pop into your head.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You absolutely can! To make this bacon cheddar gnocchi soup vegetarian, just skip the bacon entirely. Sauté your onions and garlic in olive oil or butter instead. You’ll miss that smoky bacon flavor, but it will still be a delicious cheesy gnocchi soup!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers are the best, right? Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gnocchi might get a little softer, but it’s still super tasty reheated.
Can I freeze this soup?
Honestly, freezing isn’t my top recommendation for this particular soup. The dairy (heavy cream and cheese) can sometimes separate and get a bit grainy after thawing, and the gnocchi can turn mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh!
What kind of gnocchi works best?
The recipe calls for potato gnocchi, which are the most common and have a lovely tender texture that works perfectly in soup. You can find them in the refrigerated pasta section of most grocery stores. They cook up so fast!
Can I add other veggies?
Definitely! If you want to bulk it up with more goodness, try adding some chopped carrots or celery along with the onions. Some spinach wilted in at the end is also a great idea. For more hearty soup ideas, check out this poblano chicken tortilla soup – it’s fantastic!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Just a heads-up, this is a comfort food recipe, so it’s on the richer side! The nutritional info can really change depending on the brands you use and how much of everything you add. Think of these numbers as a rough guide.
Per Serving (Approximate):
- Calories: 500-700
- Fat: 30-50g
- Protein: 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: 30-50g
Remember, these are just ballpark figures, folks! Enjoy your delicious Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup!
Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon grease. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream.
- Add the gnocchi to the simmering soup. Cook according to package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until they float to the surface.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the soup is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with the reserved crispy bacon and chopped chives, if desired.