If you’re craving a cozy, creamy, and deeply satisfying soup that comes together quickly, this Creamy Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a comforting option many people enjoy. It combines soft potato gnocchi, smoky bacon, tender vegetables, and a velvety cheddar broth that feels rich without being heavy. The entire recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a suitable choice for busy nights, cold evenings, or when you want a warm, hearty bowl of soup.
This soup is flexible and suitable for a variety of tastes. You can add greens, swap cheeses, or adjust seasonings based on your preferences. With simple ingredients and a single pot, it offers a smooth, creamy broth, soft gnocchi, and crisp bits of bacon in every spoonful. Whether cooking for yourself or preparing for family meals, this recipe creates a nourishing, satisfying dish with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Rich but balanced: cheddar melts into a smooth, comforting broth
- Fast & weeknight-friendly: ready in about 30 minutes
- Many families enjoy the creamy gnocchi and mild flavors
- One-pot convenience: minimal cleanup
- Flexible: easy to add greens or change cheeses
Ingredients You’ll Need
Bacon & Vegetables
- 8–10 slices bacon
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, sliced
Liquids
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
Cheese & Gnocchi
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
Seasonings
- 1–2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder or 4 minced cloves
- ½–1 tsp dried thyme
- ¼–½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
Before You Begin
Preheat your pot over medium heat and prepare all ingredients. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your stove and vegetable thickness. Keep heat low after adding cream and cheese to prevent separation. Adjust seasoning and texture as needed.
How to Make Creamy Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Step 1 — Cook the Bacon
Cook bacon in a large pot over medium heat until lightly crisp and browned at the edges, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a plate and chop when cool. Leave a small amount of bacon fat in the pot for flavor.
Step 2 — Sauté Vegetables
Add butter (if needed), onion, and carrots. Cook until lightly softened, about 8–12 minutes.
Visual cue: onions should turn translucent and carrots should begin to soften.
Step 3 — Add Broth & Simmer
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer for 3–5 minutes.
Step 4 — Add Cream & Seasonings
Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream, salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, and chili flakes.
Safety note: Keep heat low to prevent the dairy from separating. Avoid boiling and stir gently as needed.
Step 5 — Add Cheese Slowly
Add shredded cheddar gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.
Visual cue: broth should thicken slightly and become creamy.
Step 6 — Cook the Gnocchi
Add gnocchi and cook about 2–3 minutes, or until soft and tender.
Visual cue: gnocchi should float and feel soft when pressed.
Step 7 — Finish & Serve
Stir in chopped bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with herbs, bread, or extra cheese.
How to Serve
- with warm garlic bread
- with a simple side salad
- with toasted cheesy biscuits
- with crusty bread to dip
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: up to 3 days in airtight containers
Freezer: up to 3 months (gnocchi will soften slightly)
Reheat: warm gently and add broth or milk to adjust texture; avoid boiling
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- boiling after adding cream — may cause separation
- adding cheese all at once — can clump
- undercooking vegetables — keeps them too firm
- overcooking gnocchi — becomes mushy
- not stirring after adding dairy — uneven texture
FAQ
Can I use shelf-stable gnocchi?
Yes—fresh or shelf-stable both work. Cooking time may vary.
How do I prevent clumping?
Keep heat low and add cheese gradually.
Can I lighten the soup?
Use half-and-half instead of cream and reduce cheese slightly.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes—spinach, kale, peas, or zucchini work well added at the end.
Conclusion
This Creamy Cheddar Gnocchi Soup with Crispy Bacon brings together richness, comfort, and simplicity in a single pot. With soft gnocchi, smoky bacon, and a smooth cheddar broth, it delivers warm, cozy flavor in every spoonful. It’s adaptable, quick to prepare, and easy to reheat, making it a great option for cold evenings, meal prep, or weeknight dinners.
Recipe Card
Creamy Cheddar Gnocchi Soup with Crispy Bacon
Author: Isaac Blogger
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American
Before You Begin
Preheat your pot and prepare all ingredients. Keep the heat low after adding cream and cheese to prevent separation. Cooking times and results may vary based on stove settings and ingredient sizes.
Ingredients
- 8–10 slices bacon
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 1–2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½–1 tsp dried thyme
- ¼–½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook bacon until gently crisp, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and chop.
- Add onion and carrots. Sauté until softened, about 8–12 minutes.
- Pour in broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat. Add cream, salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, and chili flakes.
- Add cheddar gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Add gnocchi and cook about 2–3 minutes, or until soft and tender.
- Stir in bacon. Adjust seasoning. Serve warm.
Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
Calories: ~420
Protein: ~18g
Fat: ~30g
Carbs: ~26g
Sodium: ~900mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients. Values vary depending on ingredients, brands, and serving size
