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Perfect Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful dish that's perfect for a cozy night in. It combines pillowy gnocchi with smoky bacon and sharp cheddar in a rich broth, creating a truly irresistible flavor combination that's easy to make in under an hour.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Chopped green onions, for garnish
  • Extra shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish
  • Crispy bacon crumbles, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Slotted spoon
  • Paper towels
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Ladle
  • Bowls

Method
 

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
  2. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, reserving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot.
  3. Add the olive oil to the pot with the reserved bacon grease.
  4. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream.
  7. Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
  8. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  9. Add the gnocchi to the simmering soup.
  10. Cook according to package directions, usually around 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface and are tender.
  11. Remove the pot from the heat.
  12. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is melted and smooth.
  13. Stir in most of the cooked bacon, reserving some for garnish.
  14. Ladle the Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup into bowls.
  15. Garnish with chopped green onions, extra shredded cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon crumbles.
  16. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For a thicker soup, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and slowly stir it into the simmering soup until it thickens. If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or milk until the desired consistency is reached. Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently, adding extra broth if needed. Freezing is not recommended. Try variations like Spicy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup by adding red pepper flakes, or Vegetarian Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth.