Why Make This Recipe
Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is the perfect dish for a cozy night in. This rich and creamy soup combines the delicious flavors of bacon and cheddar with soft gnocchi, making it a satisfying and comforting meal. It's great for chilly days and is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s easy to make and requires simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen.
How to Make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
- 8-10 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1-2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 4 cloves minced garlic)
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ½-1 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 16 oz gnocchi
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp)
Directions
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then chop it and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat the butter or olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions and carrots until they are tender.
- Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream, seasonings, and shredded cheese. Mix continuously until the cheese is melted and well combined.
- Add the gnocchi to the soup and cook for about 2 minutes or until they are soft.
- Stir in the chopped bacon, adjust the seasoning to taste, and serve hot.
How to Serve Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Serve the soup in bowls with a sprinkle of extra cheddar on top and a few pieces of crispy bacon for garnish. You can also add a side of crusty bread for dipping. This soup works well as a main dish or as a starter in a meal.
How to Store Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
If you have leftovers, you can store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you reheat it, you may want to add a splash of extra broth or cream to loosen it up, as the gnocchi will absorb some liquid as it sits.
Tips to Make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
- For extra flavor, you can add some fresh herbs, like parsley, at the end of cooking.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red chili flakes according to your preference.
- If you want to lighten up the soup, you can use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, though it may not be as creamy.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables such as corn or spinach to mix things up. You can also swap the bacon for cooked sausage or a meatless option like mushrooms for a different taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just add them directly to the soup without thawing, and cook until they float to the top, which usually takes about 3 minutes.
2. What can I use if I don't have chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth is a great substitute. You can also use water, but it will be less flavorful.
3. Can I make this soup in advance?
You can prepare the soup in advance, but it’s best to cook the gnocchi just before serving. This way, they will maintain their texture and not become mushy.
Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then chop it and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat the butter or olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions and carrots until they are tender.
- Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream, seasonings, and shredded cheese. Mix continuously until the cheese is melted and well combined.
- Add the gnocchi to the soup and cook for about 2 minutes or until they are soft.
- Stir in the chopped bacon, adjust the seasoning to taste, and serve hot.
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