Amazing Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

There’s just something about coming in from the cold and being greeted by a steaming bowl of comfort, isn’t there? For me, nothing hits the spot quite like a really good, hearty soup. And let me tell you, my Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is *everything* you want on a chilly evening. It’s got these little dumpling clouds of potato gnocchi that just melt in your mouth, tons of crispy bacon, and that oh-so-creamy, cheesy goodness that makes you want to curl up on the couch. Honestly, I whipped this up the other night when the wind was howling, and it was an instant hit!

It’s super straightforward to make, which is a big win on a busy weeknight, but it tastes like it took hours. This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is definitely a keeper!

Why You’ll Love This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Seriously, who can resist a soup that’s basically a hug in a bowl? This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a total winner for so many reasons:

• Ridiculously Creamy: The blend of half-and-half and sharp cheddar makes the base so rich and luxurious. It’s like velvet!
• Salty, Savory Perfection: Crispy bacon bits and savory Italian sausage? Yes, please! It’s a flavor explosion that just works.
• So Easy, So Fast: You can totally make this on a weeknight. It comes together quicker than you think and tastes like you slaved away for hours.
• Ultimate Comfort: Tender gnocchi, hearty sausage, all wrapped up in a cheesy broth – it’s the definition of cozy.

Ingredients for the Perfect Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to soup success! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup truly shine. Trust me, using good quality stuff makes all the difference:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For getting everything started in the pot.
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage – This gives the soup a fantastic savory depth. You can use mild or hot, depending on your mood!
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion – About one medium onion, finely chopped.
• 1 cup chopped carrots – Peeled and diced. these add a touch of sweetness and color.
• 1 cup chopped celery – Diced up, this adds a nice aromatic base.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic makes everything better, right?
• 6 cups chicken broth – Use a good quality broth, it really shines through.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Or about 1 tablespoon fresh if you have it!
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is always best!
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – You can always add more at the end if needed.
• 1 (16 ounce) package potato gnocchi – The star of the show! Grab your favorite kind.
• 1 cup half-and-half – This is what makes our soup so luxuriously creamy.
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese – Gotta have that sharp cheddar for maximum flavor!
• 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon – For that essential smoky crunch.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – Just a little bit for freshness and a pop of green at the end.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Alright, let’s get this amazing Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup on the go! It might seem like a few steps, but each one is super simple and totally worth it. Grab your favorite big pot – a Dutch oven is perfect here – and let’s make some magic happen! It’s almost as easy as whipping up a batch of my creamy chicken parmesan soup!

Sautéing Aromatics and Browning Sausage

First things first, let’s get that flavor base going. Heat up that tablespoon of olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your ground Italian sausage. Now, break it all up with your spoon like you’re having a little kitchen dance party! Cook it until it’s nicely browned all over. Then, using a slotted spoon, scoop all that beautiful sausage out and set it aside for later. Leave those yummy drippings in the pot – that’s pure gold! Now, into those drippings go your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Stir them around and let them soften up, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. You want them tender, not mushy. Next, toss in your minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until you can really smell that amazing aroma. Careful not to burn it!

Building the Broth and Cooking Gnocchi

Okay, smelling good, right? Now, pour in your chicken broth. It’s like the cozy blanket for our soup! Add in your dried thyme, that black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Give it all a good stir and bring it up to a gentle simmer. This is where the party really starts. Once it’s lightly bubbling, carefully add in your package of potato gnocchi. Don’t stir too wildly here! They usually cook really fast. You’ll know they’re ready when they float right up to the top, which typically takes just 2-3 minutes. So keep an eye on them!

Achieving Creaminess and Finishing the Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Now for the best part – making it super creamy! Turn the heat down a little bit. Gently stir in your half-and-half. You don’t want it to boil rapidly after adding that. Then, sprinkle in your shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir slowly and patiently until all that cheese has melted into the broth, making it wonderfully thick and rich. Oh, the smell! Last but not least, bring your reserved browned Italian sausage back into the pot. Stir it in gently to heat it all through. Make sure everything is perfectly combined and warmed up. Be gentle with those gnocchi so they don’t break apart.

Tips for the Best Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

I’ve made this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup SO many times, and I’ve picked up a few little tricks that really make it sing. Here are my top tips to make sure yours is absolutely perfect:

• Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Seriously, they cook in a flash! Watch them like a hawk. When they float, they’re done. Overcooked gnocchi can get a bit gummy, and we definitely don’t want that. It’s kind of like my garlic herb potato soup – timing is everything for that perfect texture.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: I know, I know, pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but trust me on this one. Shredding your own sharp cheddar from a block melts SO much smoother and creamier into the soup. It makes a huge difference in how those cheesy dreams come true!
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before you serve, always give it a quick taste. The saltiness from the sausage and bacon can vary, so you might need a little more salt or pepper to really make all those flavors pop. It’s your soup, make it taste amazing for YOU!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Gnocchi Soup

Sometimes a little tweak here or there can make all the difference, right? When I make this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup, I’ve found a few things that just work perfectly. For the sausage, I usually grab regular Italian sausage because it’s got that fantastic savory flavor, but honestly, spicy Italian sausage is also amazing if you like a little kick! For the cheese, sharp cheddar is my go-to because it melts so beautifully and has a great bite, but a good Gruyere or even a little smoked gouda would be fantastic spies in this soup, too! Looking for options? You can totally use gluten-free gnocchi if you need to, and there are some really tasty plant-based sausage crumbles out there if you want to make this vegetarian. It’s kind of like how I play with different cheeses in my creamy gnocchi spinach feta recipe – experimenting makes it fun!

Serving and Storing Your Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Now that you’ve made this glorious Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup, let’s talk about serving it up right! I love to ladle it into big, cozy bowls and then sprinkle on that reserved crispy bacon and a generous pinch of fresh, chopped parsley. It just adds that little extra something, you know? If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just let the soup cool completely before popping it into an airtight container in the fridge. It should last a good 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, a gentle simmer on the stovetop is best. Sometimes the gnocchi can get a little soft on the second go-around, but it’s still delicious, maybe a bit like reheating my cheesy vegetable chowder!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Got questions about whipping up this amazing Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup? I’ve got answers! It’s a pretty straightforward soup, but here are a few things people often ask:

Can I use store-bought potato gnocchi?

Absolutely! Store-bought potato gnocchi is totally fine and makes this soup super quick. Just follow the package directions – they usually cook in just a couple of minutes until they float to the top. They’re honestly perfect for this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You sure can! To make this vegetarian, just skip the Italian sausage and the bacon. You could sauté some extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini in the beginning for more flavor, and maybe add a pinch more herbs. It’ll still be delicious and creamy!

How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?

If your soup is too thick, just stir in a little more chicken broth or even some milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin? No worries! You can mash a few of the cooked gnocchi against the side of the pot with your spoon to help thicken it up, or stir in a little more shredded cheese. It’s a bit like adjusting my creamy chicken ramen!

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is my favorite for this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup because it has a really nice, robust flavor that holds up well in soup. But honestly, Gruyere or even a good Monterey Jack would be delicious too if you have them on hand. The key is to shred your own cheese from a block – it melts so much smoother!

Nutritional Information

Just a little note that these numbers are approximate since everyone’s pantry staples are a bit different! This hearty Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is pretty satisfying. A serving (about 1.5 cups) typically comes in around 450 calories. It’s got a good balance of protein and carbs, with about 25g of protein and 30g of carbs. The fat content is around 25g, which is mostly from that yummy sausage, bacon, and cheese. You can see all the details, but remember, this is just a guide! If you’re curious about specific recipes, maybe check out my high protein chicken parm for another gauge.

Share Your Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Creations!

Okay, now it’s YOUR turn! I absolutely LOVE hearing from you guys and seeing what you create in your own kitchens. If you make this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup, please, please, PLEASE drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out! Did you love it? Did you tweak it? I’m always curious! And if you snap any photos, tag me on social media – I’d be thrilled to see your beautiful bowls of soup. It just makes my day knowing you’re enjoying these recipes, just like I do when I’m making them. You can even read more about my kitchen adventures over on my about me page!

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