why make this recipe
Crockpot Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. The combination of crispy bacon, creamy cheddar, and soft gnocchi creates a delicious blend of flavors and textures. This soup is not only easy to make, but it also fills your home with a wonderful aroma as it cooks. Plus, using a crockpot means you can set it and forget it until meal time, making it great for busy families or meal prep days.
how to make Crockpot Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 package gnocchi
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a skillet, cook the diced bacon until crispy, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
- In the Crockpot, add the cooked bacon, sautéed onions, and garlic, chicken broth, and gnocchi.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
how to serve Crockpot Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
This soup is best served hot. You can garnish it with extra shredded cheddar cheese or a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness. Serve it alongside a slice of crusty bread or a simple salad to complete the meal.
how to store Crockpot Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
tips to make Crockpot Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
- For a smokier flavor, try using smoked bacon.
- You can add vegetables like carrots or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Gruyère, for a unique taste.
variation
If you want a lighter version, you can use turkey bacon and half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works perfectly! Just add it to the Crockpot directly without thawing.
2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge or freeze it for later. Just reheat before serving.
3. How do I know when the soup is done?
The soup is done when the gnocchi is soft and has puffed up a bit. This usually takes about 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high in the Crockpot.
Crockpot Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package gnocchi
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a skillet, cook the diced bacon until crispy, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
Cooking
- In the Crockpot, add the cooked bacon, sautéed onions, and garlic, chicken broth, and gnocchi.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.