Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – Creamy, Hearty, and Comfort in a Bowl
If you’re craving something cozy and satisfying, this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup delivers pure comfort in every spoonful. Packed with crispy bacon, pillowy potato gnocchi, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich, creamy broth, this soup tastes like the best parts of a loaded baked potato — transformed into a hearty, one-pot meal.
It’s warm, filling, and perfect for chilly nights or anytime you want something that feels indulgent but comes together quickly. Made with simple pantry ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich flavor and easy prep.
Serve it with crusty bread or a simple green salad, and you’ve got a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
1. Ultimate comfort food
Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bacon — everything you want in a cozy soup.
2. Quick and easy
Ready in about 30 minutes, all in one pot.
3. Simple ingredients
Uses store-bought gnocchi, bacon, cheese, and a few pantry staples.
4. Family-friendly
Even picky eaters love the rich, familiar flavors.
5. Perfect texture
Soft gnocchi, crispy bacon, and creamy broth combine for the ideal spoonful.
6. Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
Leftovers taste even better the next day.
What You’ll Need
This hearty soup comes together with a handful of classic comfort food ingredients.
For the Soup Base:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend, if needed)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 pound potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
For Flavor and Creaminess:
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
- Extra crumbled bacon
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions or chives
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy and golden.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot for added flavor (discard any excess).
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the butter to the same pot with the bacon drippings. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Build the Base
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring to dissolve the roux completely.
Add the milk and heavy cream, whisking until smooth.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Step 4: Add Gnocchi and Simmer
Stir in the potato gnocchi and smoked paprika. Let the soup simmer for about 5–7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are soft and floating at the surface.
The soup will thicken slightly as the gnocchi cooks and releases starch.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bacon
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, mixing until melted and smooth.
Add most of the cooked bacon back into the soup, reserving a bit for garnish.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra shredded cheddar, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions or chives.
Serve warm with a slice of crusty bread for dipping or a side salad to balance the richness.
Tips for Perfect Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi.
It only takes a few minutes to become tender — once it floats, it’s done. - Use freshly shredded cheese.
Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your soup grainy. - Cook the flour long enough.
Give your roux about a minute to cook before adding liquid to avoid a raw flour taste. - Simmer gently.
Boiling the soup too hard after adding cheese can cause separation. Keep it low and slow. - Add cheese off the heat.
If the soup is too hot, the cheese might clump — remove from heat before stirring it in for best texture.
Flavor Variations
Once you have the creamy base, there are endless ways to customize this soup to your taste.
Savory Twists
Broccoli Cheddar Gnocchi Soup:
Add 1 cup of chopped broccoli florets during the simmering stage for a hearty, veggie-packed version.
Spicy Bacon Gnocchi Soup:
Stir in a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce for gentle heat.
Loaded Potato Gnocchi Soup:
Add diced cooked potatoes along with the gnocchi for extra heartiness.
Ham and Cheese Gnocchi Soup:
Swap the bacon for diced ham and use Swiss or Gruyère cheese for a smoky twist.
Lighter Options
Turkey Bacon Version:
Use turkey bacon and reduced-fat cheese to cut calories without losing flavor.
Vegetable Boost:
Add spinach, kale, or diced carrots for added color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is rich and filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables on the side
- A crusty baguette for dipping
For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle extra cheese on top and broil for 1–2 minutes until bubbly.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator:
Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring often.
Add a splash of milk or broth if it thickens too much.
Freezer:
This soup can be frozen, but keep in mind that creamy soups may change texture slightly after thawing.
If you plan to freeze it:
- Cook the base without adding gnocchi or cheese.
- Freeze the soup base.
- When reheating, add the gnocchi and cheese fresh for best results.
Make-Ahead Option
You can prepare the soup base (without gnocchi and cheese) up to 2 days ahead.
Reheat gently, then add the gnocchi and cheese just before serving.
This method ensures your soup stays creamy and the gnocchi remain perfectly tender.
Troubleshooting
Soup too thick:
Add a little extra milk or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Soup too thin:
Simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to let it reduce, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water).
Cheese separating or clumping:
Remove the soup from heat before adding cheese and stir gently until melted.
Not enough flavor:
Check your salt level — cheese and bacon can vary in saltiness, so taste before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, just add it directly to the simmering soup and cook a few minutes longer.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend for thickening and gluten-free potato gnocchi (most are naturally gluten-free, but check labels).
Can I use another cheese?
Absolutely. Monterey Jack, Colby, or a mix of sharp and mild cheddar all work well.
Can I make it without bacon?
You can omit the bacon and use a tablespoon of olive oil instead, though the bacon flavor adds richness.
Is it okay to use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but your soup will be slightly lighter in texture — still creamy and delicious.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
(Nutrition values vary depending on cheese, cream, and gnocchi brands used.)
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and tender gnocchi creates a layered flavor that’s both rich and comforting. The gnocchi absorbs the creamy broth, becoming soft and flavorful while the bacon adds a perfect salty crunch.
By making a simple roux-based soup, you get a silky texture that coats every bite. The balance of cream, broth, and cheese ensures the soup is hearty but not overly heavy. It’s everything you love about loaded baked potatoes — in spoonable, cozy form.
Tips for Customizing Your Soup Routine
- Add toppings bar-style.
Let everyone top their soup with cheese, bacon bits, green onions, and sour cream for a fun, interactive meal. - Use mini gnocchi for bite-sized comfort.
They cook faster and make each spoonful perfectly balanced. - Make it vegetarian.
Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth — the cheese still provides rich flavor. - Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
The creamy soup base is perfect for soaking up every last drop. - Turn leftovers into a casserole.
Thicken slightly, top with breadcrumbs and cheese, and bake for 15 minutes until bubbly.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is the kind of meal that makes any day feel cozy. Creamy, savory, and full of comforting textures, it’s a one-pot recipe that feels indulgent yet simple enough for busy weeknights.
Every bite combines the smoky crunch of bacon, the tender chew of gnocchi, and the creamy richness of cheddar — all wrapped up in a bowl of pure comfort.
Whether you’re feeding the family or craving a warm homemade meal, this soup is sure to become one of your favorite go-to comfort dishes.
Hearty, cheesy, and irresistibly creamy — it’s comfort food done right.
