Description
A rich and indulgent soup combining smoky bacon, creamy cheddar, and tender gnocchi for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 16-ounce package gnocchi
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add the butter to the pot and let it melt into the bacon drippings.
- Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.
- Add the gnocchi and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and floats to the top.
- Return the crispy bacon to the pot, reserving a small amount for garnish if desired.
- Serve the soup hot, topped with fresh parsley and the reserved bacon bits. Enjoy!
Notes
[‘Don’t rush the bacon; cooking it low and slow ensures it gets perfectly crispy without burning.’, ‘Whisk constantly when adding the flour and broth to prevent lumps.’, ‘Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother texture.’, ‘Gnocchi is done when it floats to the top; avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness.’, ‘Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper to your preference.’]
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Protein: 15
Keywords: bacon soup, cheddar soup, gnocchi soup, comfort food, creamy soup, easy dinner, quick recipe