why make this recipe
Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a warm and comforting dish that brings together creamy flavors with a hearty texture. The combination of crispy bacon, rich cheddar cheese, and soft gnocchi makes this soup a favorite for many. It’s perfect for chilly nights or when you want something satisfying. Plus, it’s a quick and easy recipe that can be made in about 30 minutes!
how to make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients:
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 pound of gnocchi
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
Directions:
- In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
- Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon grease and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the flour to the pot and stir for 1-2 minutes until it forms a roux with the onion and garlic.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream, thyme, and smoked paprika.
- Add the gnocchi to the soup and cook for 3-5 minutes or until the gnocchi floats to the top.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat, and sauté the spinach until wilted, then add it to the soup.
- Stir the cooked bacon back into the soup, reserving some for garnish if desired.
- Simmer the soup for a few more minutes to blend the flavors.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup!
how to serve Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Serve the soup hot in bowls. You can garnish with extra crispy bacon and a sprinkle of cheese on top. Pair it with warm bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
how to store Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Allow any leftover soup to cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. If the soup thickens, you can add a little chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
tips to make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother melt.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, add more flour to the roux.
- Experiment with different herbs like parsley or oregano for added flavor.
- You can replace bacon with turkey bacon or leave it out for a vegetarian version.
variation
You can add vegetables like carrots or mushrooms to the soup for extra nutrition. For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade gnocchi in this recipe?
A: Yes, homemade gnocchi can be used in this soup. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: Is there a dairy-free option for this soup?
A: You can use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and nutritional yeast can be added for a cheesy flavor.
Q: Can I freeze Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup?
A: It’s best to avoid freezing gnocchi soup, as the gnocchi may become mushy. However, you can freeze the base (without gnocchi) and add fresh gnocchi when reheating.
Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 6 slices slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 pound of gnocchi
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
- Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon grease and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the flour to the pot and stir for 1-2 minutes until it forms a roux with the onion and garlic.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream, thyme, and smoked paprika.
- Add the gnocchi to the soup and cook for 3-5 minutes or until the gnocchi floats to the top.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat, and sauté the spinach until wilted, then add it to the soup.
- Stir the cooked bacon back into the soup, reserving some for garnish if desired.
- Simmer the soup for a few more minutes to blend the flavors.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup!