Name: Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 slices thick-cut turkey bacon; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 16 oz potato gnocchi; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped chives for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe

There’s something about a creamy, cheesy soup that wraps you up in warmth like your coziest sweater. For me, this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup started with one of those “what can I make with what I have?” kind of nights. I had leftover bacon, a bag of potato gnocchi from a sale, and some sharp cheddar sitting lonely in the fridge. That night, I stirred everything together into a pot, and the result was magic.

My husband, always the flavor detective, took one bite and said, “This tastes like if loaded potato soup had an Italian cousin.” That was it. I knew it had to become a regular in our meal rotation. He went back for seconds, and the pot was scraped clean before I even thought to take a picture.

Now it’s one of our top-requested soups, right next to our other hearty favorites like Cajun Potato Soup. This one hits every note; rich, creamy, smoky, and incredibly satisfying.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Gnocchi Soup

Comfort food in a bowl
This cheddar gnocchi soup is packed with flavor. The creamy base, crispy bacon, and pillowy gnocchi come together in perfect harmony. It’s like mac and cheese met potato soup and had the coziest baby.

Quick weeknight dinner
You don’t need all day to make something delicious. This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or chilly weekends.

One pot, no fuss
Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor? Yes, please. You only need one pot for this soup, just like our Broccoli Cheddar Soup, another creamy fan-favorite.

Customizable for the whole family
Swap in chicken or go meatless. Add a little spice. Make it your own, this recipe is built to bend and still be delicious.

Ingredients for Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this cozy soup to life:

Ingredient	Amount
Bacon (thick-cut)	6 slices
Yellow onion, diced	1 medium
Garlic, minced	3 cloves
Chicken broth	4 cups
Heavy cream	1 cup
Cheddar cheese, shredded	2 cups
Potato gnocchi	16 oz package
Salt and pepper	To taste
Chives (optional)	For garnish

Looking for another one-pot win? Try our CrockPot Crack Potato Soup that practically cooks itself.

How to Make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Crisp the bacon
Start by cooking the bacon in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s nice and crispy, remove it and set aside. Drain most of the fat, leaving just a bit for flavor.
Sauté onions and garlic
In the same pot, sauté the diced onion until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add broth and gnocchi
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add gnocchi and cook according to the package (typically 2–3 minutes).
Make it creamy
Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar, and cooked bacon (reserve a little for topping). Let everything simmer gently until the cheese is melted and the soup thickens slightly.
Finish and serve
Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls, top with chives, and enjoy.

If you’re in a mood for something meaty and saucy next, don’t miss our rich Crockpot Lasagna Soup, the definition of comfort.

Tips & Variations

Make it spicier
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to turn up the heat. Even better? Stir in a bit of smoked paprika for a deeper kick.
Go meatless
Skip the bacon and use a bit of olive oil for sautéing. Add mushrooms for a hearty, vegetarian take that’s still rich and flavorful.
Cheese swaps
Cheddar is classic, but gouda or fontina can bring a slightly different creamy profile. Want extra sharp? Try aged white cheddar for bold flavor.
Thicken it up
For an ultra-thick soup, whisk 1 tablespoon of flour into the onions before adding broth. It’ll give you a creamy texture that feels extra indulgent.

Need more creamy inspo? Our Creamy Parmesan Beef Pasta is another weeknight hero.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The gnocchi may absorb some liquid, so you may need to add a splash of broth when reheating.

Can I freeze gnocchi soup?
It’s best enjoyed fresh. While technically you can freeze it, the texture of the gnocchi may become mushy when thawed. For best results, freeze the base without gnocchi, and add fresh gnocchi when reheating.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the soup will be slightly less rich. A splash of cream cheese stirred in can help bring back that creamy body.

Is this soup gluten-free?
That depends on your gnocchi. Some brands offer gluten-free gnocchi made from potato and rice flour. Always check the label to be sure.

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is everything comfort food should be; rich, creamy, and packed with bold, satisfying flavor. Whether you’re curled up on the couch or serving a quick dinner for your family, this recipe hits the spot every single time. It’s easy to make, totally customizable, and absolutely delicious. So grab that spoon and let this soup warm your soul, just like it did ours.

For more easy and satisfying recipes, don’t hesitate to join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!

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Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Why You’ll Love This Gnocchi Soup