Description
A creamy and comforting Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup that combines crispy bacon, tender gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is rich, hearty, and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meats
- 8-10 slices Bacon
Vegetables
- 1 large Onion, diced
- 2 large Carrots, peeled and sliced into small pieces
Liquids
- 1 Tablespoon Butter or Olive Oil
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 2 cups Heavy Cream or Half-n-Half
Seasonings
- 1 to 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (or 4 cloves minced garlic)
- 1/4 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
Others
- 16 ounces Gnocchi
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Cook bacon: Cook the bacon using your preferred method until crispy. The oven method is recommended: preheat to 400°F, line a baking sheet with foil, place bacon slices in a single layer, and bake for 20-27 minutes, usually 25-27 minutes for crispiness. Drain on paper towels and once cooled, cut into small pieces.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add butter or olive oil. Add diced onions and sliced carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften further.
- Add cream and spices: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half and add salt, pepper, garlic powder (or minced garlic), dried thyme, and red chili flakes. Allow the soup to simmer gently until it starts to reduce slightly, being careful not to let it boil to avoid clumping when adding cheese.
- Incorporate cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese in increments, stirring continuously to melt it smoothly into the soup without clumping.
- Cook gnocchi: Add the gnocchi and cook for about 2 minutes, until tender and heated through.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the bacon pieces. Taste and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with green onions, extra grated cheese, and more bacon bits.
Notes
- The best way to cook bacon is in the oven for even crispiness – bake at 400°F on foil-lined sheet for 20-27 minutes.
- Alternatively, bacon can be cooked in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally.
- Do not let the soup boil after adding cream to prevent curdling or cheese clumping.
- If using minced garlic instead of garlic powder, add it with the onions and carrots during sautéing.
- Adjust red chili flakes according to your desired spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
