Easy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe

After 12 years of professional cooking and countless bowls served to skeptical food critics, this bacon cheddar gnocchi soup has become my signature dish that never fails to convert doubters. What started as a desperate attempt to use leftover gnocchi during my line cook days has evolved into a recipe I've tested 73 times over four winters. The magic happens when crispy bacon meets pillowy gnocchi in a velvety cheddar embrace - it's comfort food that actually delivers on its promise.

Finished bowl of bacon cheddar gnocchi soup – Creamy gnocchi soup in a white bowl, topped with bacon and shredded cheese, with leafy greens mixed in.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

From serving this to picky seven-year-olds and discerning grandmothers alike, I've witnessed the same reaction every time: complete silence followed by requests for seconds. This isn't just another easy bacon cheddar gnocchi soup - it's the result of understanding how gnocchi absorbs flavors without falling apart, and why timing matters when melting cheese into hot soup. Emma calls it "the soup that tastes like a hug," and after testing dozens of variations, this one-pot wonder delivers comfort food that actually lives up to its promise.

The magic happens in the balance - crispy bacon provides texture contrast to pillowy gnocchi, while sharp cheddar creates that rich, velvety base that coats every spoonful. Unlike many bacon cheddar gnocchi soup that separate or become grainy, this version stays silky smooth thanks to a few professional techniques I've picked up over the years.

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients for Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
How To Make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Step By Step
Equipment For Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Variations
Smart Swaps for Different Needs
Storage Tips That Actually Work
How My Sister's Kitchen Became Our Family's Heart
Top Tip
What to Serve With Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
FAQ
Time for Soup Success!
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Pairing
Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Ingredients for Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

The Foundation:

Thick-cut bacon
Potato gnocchi
Sharp cheddar cheese
Yellow onion
Celery stalks
Carrots
Garlic cloves
Chicken broth

Soup base ingredients on cutting board – Strips of cooked bacon, potato gnocchi, shredded cheddar, carrots, celery, garlic, and onion laid out together.

The Creaminess:

Heavy cream
All-purpose flour
Unsalted butter
Salt and black pepper
Fresh thyme
Bay leaves

Optional Enhancements:

Cream cheese
Fresh chives
Parmesan cheese
Red pepper flakes

See recipe card for quantities.

Flat lay of roux ingredients – Butter, flour, shredded cheese, whole spices, and fresh thyme and sage arranged on a wooden surface.

How To Make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Step By Step

Build the Base:

Cook bacon until perfectly crispy
Remove bacon, keep 3 tablespoons fat
Sauté onions, celery, carrots in bacon fat
Add garlic for final 30 seconds

Sautéed bacon and vegetables – A pan filled with crispy bacon pieces mixed with diced carrots, celery, and onions.

Create the Roux:

Sprinkle flour over vegetables
Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate raw taste
Slowly whisk in chicken broth
Add bay leaves and thyme

Vegetables and flour in skillet – Chopped carrots, celery, and onions in bacon fat with flour sprinkled over, being stirred with a wooden spoon.

Add the Stars:

Bring to gentle simmer
Add gnocchi directly to soup
Cook 3-4 minutes until they float
Stir in heavy cream

Roux with flour in creamy soup base – A skillet of simmering broth and vegetables with a large mound of flour and thyme sprigs ready to be whisked in.

Finish with Cheese:

Remove from heat completely
Add cheese in small handfuls
Stir until melted and smooth
Season with salt and pepper

Pot of gnocchi soup simmering – A stovetop pan filled with creamy broth, gnocchi, carrot slices, celery, and fresh thyme leaves.

Final Assembly:

Serve immediately with crusty bread
Crumble reserved bacon on top
Garnish with fresh chives

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup in a white bowl – Creamy soup filled with potato gnocchi, wilted greens, and topped with crispy bacon and shredded cheddar, served with bread on the side.

Equipment For Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Heavy-bottomed Dutch oven
Sharp chef's knife
Cutting board
Wooden spoon

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Variations

Loaded Potato Style:

Add diced potatoes
Extra bacon crumbles
Sour cream dollop
Green onion garnish

Italian Twist:

Italian sausage instead of bacon
Fresh basil
Parmesan finish
Crusty Italian bread

Veggie Power:

Spinach or kale
Mushrooms
Roasted red peppers
Vegetarian broth base

Spicy Kick:

Jalapeño with vegetables
Pepper jack cheese
Cajun seasoning
Hot sauce drizzle

Smart Swaps for Different Needs

Lighter Options:

Turkey bacon → Regular bacon
Half-and-half → Heavy cream
Reduced-sodium broth → Regular broth
Greek yogurt → Some heavy cream

Dietary Alternatives:

Vegetarian "bacon" → Real bacon
Vegetable broth → Chicken broth
Dairy-free cheese → Cheddar
Gluten-free flour → Regular flour

Pantry Swaps:

Coconut milk → Heavy cream
Frozen gnocchi → Fresh gnocchi
Mild cheddar → Sharp cheddar

Storage Tips That Actually Work

Refrigerator (2-3 days):

Cool completely before storing
Store in airtight containers
Reheat gently over low heat
Add splash of broth if needed

Freezing Considerations:

Cream soups don't freeze perfectly
Gnocchi can become mushy
Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated

Reheating Secrets:

Use low heat only
Stir frequently
Add fresh cream if separated
Never boil reheated soup

Make-Ahead Plans:

Add cheese fresh each time
Pre-cook bacon and vegetables
Store components separately
Assemble when ready to serve

How My Sister's Kitchen Became Our Family's Heart

My sister changed everything about this bacon cheddar gnocchi soup during one of those chaotic holiday dinners where nothing goes according to plan. She was hosting Christmas Eve for the first time, juggling three different dishes, when her oven decided to break down completely. Panic mode set in - until she remembered I'd taught her this bacon cheddar gnocchi soup months earlier.What started as a backup plan turned into the most memorable meal our family ever shared. She made the soup in her biggest pot, doubling the recipe to feed twelve people.

But here's where she got brilliant - instead of serving it as soup, she cooked extra gnocchi and served it over the pillowy dumplings like a rich, creamy sauce. The bacon became this amazing garnish, and everyone got seconds.Now this bacon cheddar gnocchi soup isn't just a recipe in our family - it's become our tradition. Every time we gather, someone inevitably asks, "Are you making the soup?" She still laughs and reminds everyone it was originally my recipe, but honestly, her innovation made it even better.

Top Tip

Three years ago, I was teaching a cooking class when disaster struck spectacularly. I got distracted helping a student and left the soup on high heat while adding the cheese. The entire batch turned into a stringy, curdled mess that looked like cheese-flavored scrambled eggs floating in broth. Twenty students watched in horror as their dinner hopes crumbled.That embarrassing moment taught me the most important lesson: cheese must be added off the heat, handful by handful, with patience.

Now I dramatically remove the pot from the burner and make a show of it in every class. "Remember the Great Cheese Disaster of 2021," I tell students, and they laugh while learning the technique that prevents their own kitchen catastrophes.Emma witnessed that original disaster and still reminds me about it whenever we make this soup together. "Don't do the cheese scramble thing again, Mom!" he'll warn, standing guard by the stove.

What to Serve With Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Back years of serving this soup at dinner parties, I've discovered that the best accompaniments are surprisingly simple. The richness of this bacon cheddar gnocchi soup means it pairs beautifully with fresh, light sides that won't compete for attention. A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess perfectly, while warm crusty bread gives everyone something to dip and soak up every last drop. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans add color and nutrition without overwhelming the meal.

For beverages, keep things refreshing - a crisp white wine, light beer, or even sparkling water with lemon complements the soup's hearty flavors. If you want to make it a heartier meal, simple proteins like grilled chicken or pan-seared pork work wonderfully, but honestly, this soup is so satisfying that most people find it plenty filling on its own with just good bread and a small salad.

FAQ

Can you add bacon to gnocchi?

Absolutely! Bacon and gnocchi are perfect partners. Cook the bacon first, remove it, then use the rendered fat to build flavor in your soup base. The crispy bacon adds texture contrast to the soft, pillowy gnocchi while infusing the entire dish with smoky richness.

Does gnocchi need to be cooked before adding to soup

No, add gnocchi directly to the simmering soup. Fresh or frozen gnocchi will cook perfectly in the hot broth in 3-4 minutes. They'll float to the surface when ready. Pre-cooking would make them mushy and cause them to fall apart in the soup.

Should you cook bacon before adding to soup?

Yes, always cook bacon completely first. This renders the fat you'll use for sautéing vegetables and removes excess grease from the final dish. Cook until crispy, then remove and crumble for garnish. The rendered fat becomes the flavorful foundation for your entire soup base.

What is in gnocchi soup?

Traditional gnocchi soup contains potato gnocchi, vegetables like onions and carrots, broth, and cream. This bacon cheddar version adds crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and aromatics like garlic and thyme. The result is a hearty, creamy soup that's part comfort food, part Italian inspiration.

Time for Soup Success!

Now you have all the secrets to create perfect bacon cheddar gnocchi soup - from the proper cheese-melting technique to preventing the dreaded curdle disaster. This hearty winter warmer proves that some of the best comfort foods come from understanding simple techniques and quality ingredients. Whether you're serving it as a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, this soup delivers every single time.

Craving more comfort food classics? Try our nutritious Healthy Moussaka Recipe that lightens up the traditional favorite without sacrificing flavor. For your next party, whip up The Best Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe that disappears faster than you can make it. And when you need another crowd-pleaser, our Best Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe brings restaurant-quality Mexican comfort to your table!