Ingredients
– 8-10 slices bacon for that smoky, crispy texture
– 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil to sauté the veggies and add richness
– 1 large onion, diced for a sweet and savory base
– 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced into small pieces to add tenderness and nutrients
– 4 cups chicken broth forms the flavorful foundation of the soup
– 1 to 2 teaspoons salt to enhance all the flavors
– 1 teaspoon pepper for a bit of kick
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 4 cloves minced garlic to boost aroma and taste
– 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme for a subtle herbal note
– 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red chili flakes to add a touch of heat, adjustable to your preference
– 16 ounces gnocchi the soft, hearty star of the show
– 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half for that creamy smoothness
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese melts into a tangy, cheesy delight
– Optional toppings: green onions or scallions, extra crispy bacon, extra grated cheddar cheese to garnish and elevate your bowl
Instructions
1- Alright, let’s dive into making this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup it’s simpler than you might think! Start by cooking the bacon until it’s nice and crisp; you can do this in the oven at 400°F for 20-27 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat. Once done, set it aside to cool and cut it into small pieces for later.
2- Next, heat a large pot over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter or add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and sliced carrots until they’re tender, which takes about 10-15 minutes, then pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Once the vegetables are soft, lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the 2 cups of heavy cream or half-and-half, along with 1 to 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes. Let it simmer gently to reduce a bit, but don’t let it boil to keep the cheese from clumping.
3- Now, gradually add the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring in small increments until it’s fully melted and smooth. Then, mix in the 16 ounces of gnocchi and cook for about 2 minutes until they’re tender. Finally, stir in the crispy bacon pieces and serve it hot with any optional toppings like green onions or extra cheese. This whole process takes just 38 minutes total, with 10 minutes prep and 28 minutes cooking, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🥕 Season onions and carrots while sautéing to build deep flavor.
🥛 Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or blend to reduce fat.
🥓 Try pancetta or prosciutto instead of bacon for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 557
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1736 mg
- Fat: 37 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 88 mg
