Velvety Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

After a long day of helping my kids with their school projects and folding what felt like an endless mountain of laundry, I wanted something that would warm the whole house without keeping me in the kitchen all night. The weather had turned chilly, and I had a bag of gnocchi sitting in the pantry waiting to be used. That little discovery sparked the idea for this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup.

Cooking it reminded me of weekends at my grandmother’s house, where the aroma of a hearty soup drifted through the halls and gathered everyone at the table. I cooked the bacon while my youngest hovered by the stove, waiting for her “taste test slice,” and the sizzling sound immediately made the kitchen feel alive. The cream and cheddar gave the soup a luxurious finish, and the gnocchi plumped up in the broth like little pillows.

I served it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread, and even my pickiest eater went back for seconds. The next day, a small reheated bowl was my quiet lunch after a busy morning, and it tasted just as cozy as the night before.

This soup is the kind of recipe that slips easily into family life: satisfying, hearty, and perfect for gathering everyone together, whether it’s a snowy evening or just a Tuesday night after a whirlwind day.

Short Description

A rich and creamy soup filled with smoky bacon, pillowy gnocchi, and sharp cheddar cheese, this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a hearty one-pot meal that’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for company.

Key Ingredients

• 8–10 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1–2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder or 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp dried thyme
• ½–1 tsp red chili flakes
• 16 oz gnocchi
• 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp)

Tools Needed

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle for serving

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate. Discard most of the grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add butter or olive oil to the pot. Stir in onions and carrots. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, and red chili flakes. Let simmer for about 5 minutes to develop flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Add gnocchi directly to the simmering broth. Cook according to package directions, usually about 2 minutes, until they float to the top.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Cheese
Lower heat to medium-low. Slowly stir in cream, followed by shredded cheddar a handful at a time to prevent clumping. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Add Bacon and Serve
Mix in most of the bacon, reserving a little for garnish. Ladle soup into bowls and top with extra bacon and cheddar if desired.

Troubleshooting Tip: If the soup feels too thick, add a splash of broth. If it seems thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and comforting with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and tender gnocchi.

One-pot recipe that makes cleanup quick and easy.

Flexible enough to adjust heat with more or less chili flakes.

A full, hearty meal perfect for cold nights or family gatherings.

Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Adding cheese too quickly: It can clump. Add gradually on low heat.

Overcooking gnocchi: They turn mushy fast. Pull them as soon as they float.

Too much salt: Bacon and cheddar are already salty—season gradually.

High heat with cream: It may curdle. Always reduce the heat before adding cream.

Skipping the bacon grease: That little bit of rendered fat boosts the soup’s depth.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with warm crusty bread or homemade garlic knots.

Pair with a light green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance richness.

Offer it in mugs for a casual game-night dinner or in bowls for a family-style meal.

A crisp apple cider or sparkling water with lemon makes a refreshing drink pairing.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent cheese separation.

If reheating in the microwave, use 50% power and stir every 30 seconds.

Avoid freezing, as dairy and gnocchi don’t hold up well after thawing.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes, shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi both work well.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the base and add gnocchi and cheese just before serving.

3. What’s the best cheddar to use?
Medium or sharp cheddar gives the best balance of flavor without overwhelming the soup.

4. Can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly.

5. Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely. Spinach, peas, or mushrooms are great additions.

Tips & Tricks

Cook bacon in the oven for less mess, then crumble into the soup.

Shred your own cheddar—pre-shredded can have additives that affect melting.

Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.

Double the recipe for easy leftovers or meal prep.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Kick: Swap cheddar for pepper jack and increase chili flakes.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken with the cream.

Vegetarian Version: Omit bacon, use vegetable broth, and add mushrooms for depth.

Broccoli Cheddar Gnocchi Soup: Add steamed broccoli florets with the gnocchi.

Italian Twist: Replace cheddar with Parmesan and add chopped spinach at the end.

Final Thoughts

The steam rising from the pot carried the scent of smoky bacon and melted cheddar through the house, drawing my kids into the kitchen before I even set the table. What I love most is that it’s not fussy; it doesn’t require hours of prep, yet it tastes like something special you’d find at a cozy mountain lodge.

When life feels rushed, a bowl of this soup slows things down. It’s hearty, satisfying, and brings everyone to the table with smiles and second helpings. I can already see it becoming one of those recipes I reach for again and again, especially on cold evenings when we just want comfort and good company.