Hearty Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Creamy, Cozy, and Ready in 30 Minutes

When the weather turns cool and you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen, this Hearty Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is exactly the kind of meal that delivers. Soft, pillowy gnocchi simmer in a creamy cheddar broth with onions and carrots, creating a soup that feels rich and satisfying while still coming together quickly. It’s the kind of recipe that works on busy weeknights but tastes like something you’d linger over on a slow afternoon.

#Jumptorecipecard

What makes this soup especially dependable is its balance. The broth stays smooth and velvety without feeling heavy, the vegetables add natural sweetness, and the gnocchi provide enough substance to make it a complete meal. Everything cooks gently in one pot, which keeps the flavors clean and the texture consistent. Whether you’re cooking for family or just making something cozy for yourself, this soup fits naturally into everyday home cooking and reheats beautifully for leftovers.

Why This Soup Works

This cheddar gnocchi soup follows a method that protects both flavor and texture.

The vegetables are cooked slowly at the beginning, allowing their natural sweetness to develop before any liquid is added. This creates a deeper base flavor without extra ingredients.

Once the broth is simmering, the cream is added gently and kept at a low heat, which prevents separation. Gnocchi cook quickly and absorb flavor without falling apart. The cheddar cheese is stirred in gradually, ensuring a smooth, creamy finish instead of clumps.

Because each step is controlled, this soup reheats well and stays creamy even the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This hearty cheddar gnocchi soup delivers comfort without complication.

It comes together in about 30 minutes, making it practical for weeknights. The ingredients are familiar and easy to find, yet the finished soup feels rich and cozy.

It’s also flexible. You can add vegetables, adjust the spice level, or swap cheeses while keeping the same base method. Whether you’re cooking for family or just for yourself, this soup is reliable, filling, and comforting every time.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1–2 teaspoons salt, to taste
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 4 cloves minced garlic)
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½–1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 16 ounces gnocchi
• 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Optional toppings: chopped chives, extra shredded cheddar cheese

Before you begin, read through the recipe and prepare all ingredients and cookware in advance. Cooking times and results may vary depending on heat level, cookware, and ingredient brands.

How to Make Hearty Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Sauté the Vegetables

Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the butter or olive oil. Add the diced onion and sliced carrots. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly golden. This step builds the soup’s base flavor.

Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, and red chili flakes.

Add Cream and Gnocchi

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Slowly stir in the cream, then add the gnocchi. Let the soup simmer gently for about 2 minutes, just until the gnocchi are tender.

Melt the Cheese

Lower the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly, until fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.

How to Serve

Serve hot, topped with chopped chives or extra cheddar cheese. Crusty bread is perfect for dipping, and a simple green salad balances the richness of the soup.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead

Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens.

Make-Ahead
Prepare the soup base without the cream, cheese, or gnocchi. Refrigerate, then reheat and finish the soup just before serving.

Helpful Tips

• Grate your own cheddar cheese for smoother melting
• Keep the heat low after adding dairy
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using pre-shredded cheese that doesn’t melt smoothly
• Boiling the soup after adding cream
• Adding cheese too quickly
• Rushing the vegetable sauté

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of gnocchi works best?
Both fresh and shelf-stable gnocchi work well. Shelf-stable gnocchi are convenient and hold their shape nicely.

Can I make this soup thicker?
Yes. A small cornstarch slurry added at the end will thicken the soup if needed.

Is this soup gluten-free?
Traditional gnocchi contain wheat, but gluten-free gnocchi can be used with the same method.

Can I use a different cheese?
Sharp cheddar works best, but blending with Gruyère or Colby adds depth.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes. Add cream, cheese, and gnocchi during the final 30 minutes to prevent overcooking.

Conclusion

This Hearty Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a dependable comfort food recipe that fits naturally into everyday cooking. It’s creamy without being heavy, filling without being complicated, and flexible enough to adapt to what you have on hand. Whether served fresh or reheated later, it delivers consistent, cozy results.

Recipe Card

Hearty Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Author: Isaac Blogger
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1–2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½–1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 16 oz gnocchi
• 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Sauté onion and carrots in butter or oil until tender.
2. Add broth and seasonings; simmer gently.
3. Stir in cream and gnocchi; cook 2 minutes.
4. Reduce heat and slowly melt in cheddar cheese.
5. Serve hot with optional toppings.

Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: ~14g
• Carbohydrates: ~32g
• Fat: ~28g
• Saturated Fat: ~17g
• Fiber: ~3g
• Sodium: ~780mg

Nutrition Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only and may vary based on ingredients, brands, and portion sizes used.