Description
This Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Made with crispy bacon, sautéed onions and carrots, tender gnocchi, and a rich cheddar cheese broth, it’s a deliciously hearty soup that comes together quickly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 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 minced garlic)
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ½–1 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
Main Ingredients
- 8–10 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 16 oz potato gnocchi (store-bought works great)
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then chop it into small pieces and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add butter or olive oil to the same pot used for the bacon. Sauté the diced onions and sliced carrots over medium heat until they become soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add chicken broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will start to build the flavorful soup base.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted completely and the soup is smooth.
- Cook the gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi to the pot and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface and are tender.
- Add bacon and season: Stir in the chopped crispy bacon. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional spices if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, enjoying the rich, cheesy, and comforting flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey bacon or omit the bacon for a vegetarian version, but it will change the flavor profile.
- Store-bought gnocchi works best for convenience, but homemade gnocchi will add a fresh touch.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer a little longer to reduce, or add a small amount of flour or cornstarch slurry before adding cream.
- Adjust the spice level with red chili flakes based on your preference for heat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cheddar Gnocchi Soup, creamy soup, cheesy soup, bacon soup, easy soup recipe, stovetop soup, potato gnocchi soup
