Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – A Comfort Food Classic in a Bowl

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of wrapping your hands around a warm bowl of creamy, cheesy soup on a chilly day. This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is the perfect marriage of hearty Italian potato gnocchi, smoky bacon, and rich cheddar cheese that melts into a luscious, velvety broth. It’s cozy, satisfying, and guaranteed to be a family favorite for both weeknights and special gatherings.

What Is Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup?

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a rich, creamy soup featuring pillowy gnocchi (small Italian potato dumplings), sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a velvety base often made with broth, milk, or cream. It’s a twist on loaded baked potato soup, but instead of potatoes, you get the irresistible bite of gnocchi that soaks up all the flavors of cheese and bacon.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

This soup is pure comfort food magic. The bacon provides smoky depth, the cheddar brings tangy creaminess, and the gnocchi adds a pillowy bite that makes every spoonful satisfying. It’s easy to make in under 40 minutes and uses simple pantry ingredients. Plus, it’s kid-approved and crowd-pleasing, perfect for cold evenings or holiday gatherings.

this Recipe

How Does It Taste?

Imagine the taste of a loaded baked potato with cheese, sour cream, and bacon—but creamier, cheesier, and heartier. The gnocchi adds a soft, pillowy bite that soaks up the creamy broth, while the bacon brings crispy, salty crunches in every spoonful. The cheddar makes it smooth and velvety with a slight sharpness, while green onions on top add a fresh, bright finish.

Health & Ingredient Benefits

• Bacon – Adds protein and satisfying flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese – A source of calcium and healthy fats.
• Gnocchi – Made with potatoes, providing comfort carbs and energy.
• Broth – Adds hydration and minerals to the soup base.
• Green Onions – A fresh garnish full of vitamins A and C.

Though indulgent, this soup is well-balanced when enjoyed in moderation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Bacon (crispy, chopped)
• Gnocchi (shelf-stable or fresh)
• Cheddar cheese (shredded, preferably sharp)
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Heavy cream or half-and-half
• Onion
• Garlic
• Butter
• Flour (to thicken the soup)
• Salt and pepper
• Green onions (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board and knife
• Cheese grater
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle for serving

Optional Substitutions & Additions

• Swap bacon with turkey bacon or pancetta.
• Use mozzarella or Gruyère instead of cheddar for a different cheesy flavor.
• Add spinach or kale for extra greens.
• Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Make it gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.

How to Make

1. Cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic in butter until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle flour over and whisk to form a roux.
4. Slowly pour in broth, whisking to avoid lumps.
5. Stir in cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Add gnocchi and cook until tender (about 3–4 minutes).
7. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
8. Add bacon back into the soup, reserving some for topping.
9. Season with salt and pepper.
10. Serve hot, topped with green onions and extra cheese.

What to Serve With

• Crusty bread or garlic bread
• A simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• A glass of crisp white wine or apple cider

Tips for Success

• Shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded it melts better.
• Don’t overcook the gnocchi; it cooks quickly and can become mushy.
• Add cream after the broth to avoid curdling.
• Taste before salting, since bacon and cheese already add saltiness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding gnocchi too early (they’ll turn mushy).
• Using low-quality cheddar, which won’t melt smoothly.
• Skipping the roux, which helps create a thick, creamy base.
• Forgetting to reserve bacon for topping (crispy garnish makes a difference).

How to Store & Reheat

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended (gnocchi gets mushy).
• Reheat: Gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth. You can add smoked paprika for a hint of smoky flavor.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes, but cook the gnocchi separately and add when reheating to prevent sogginess.

What type of gnocchi works best?
Shelf-stable gnocchi is sturdy and holds up well, but fresh gnocchi adds extra pillowy softness.

Nutritional Info (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 26g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Conclusion

This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort dish. With its creamy, cheesy base, smoky bacon, and soft gnocchi, it’s a bowl of pure happiness that you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for chilly nights, family dinners, or when you simply crave something warm and satisfying this soup will always hit the spot.

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September 10, 2025 by Melissa