Description
This rich and comforting Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup combines crispy bacon, creamy cheddar cheese, and tender potato gnocchi in a luscious broth. Perfect for chilly days, this easy-to-make soup offers a flavorful blend of smoky, cheesy, and slightly spicy notes wrapped in a velvety texture that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 6 oz bacon, chopped
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Dry Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
Liquids & Dairy
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Pasta
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot for flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the pot. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and onion mixture. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and create a roux base.
- Add Liquids: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Then add the milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir until the mixture is fully smooth and combined.
- Simmer with Gnocchi: Bring the soup base to a gentle simmer. Add the potato gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually 3-4 minutes, or until gnocchi float to the top.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted into the soup. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper if using, adjusting to taste.
- Return Bacon: Add the cooked bacon back into the pot, reserving some for garnish if desired, and stir to combine.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions and additional crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase cayenne pepper to 1 teaspoon or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Use whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter soup, though it will be less creamy.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Substitute turkey bacon for a leaner alternative, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Make sure not to overcook gnocchi to avoid them becoming too mushy; follow package instructions closely.
