Pillowy soft gnocchi, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese come together in a creamy broth loaded with flavor. Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food — a hearty, one-pot recipe that’s rich, soul-warming, and ready in just 30 minutes. It’s like a loaded baked potato soup but with gnocchi and extra indulgence.
Introduction
If comfort had a flavor, this soup would be it. Smoky bacon crisps golden before mingling with sautéed onions and garlic, soft potato gnocchi soak in a cheesy cream base, and shredded cheddar melts into velvety bliss. Every spoonful feels indulgent — hearty enough for dinner, yet comforting like a big hug after a long day.
This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup takes the familiar flavors of classic baked potato soup and turns them into something extra special with tender gnocchi instead of spuds. It’s cozy, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy — everything comfort food should be.
Perfect for fall nights, lazy weekends, or quick weeknight meals, this soup delivers restaurant-worthy flavor with pantry staples and minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ultra creamy & cheesy: Loaded with melted cheddar, cream, and savory broth.
Fast & easy: 30-minute one-pot recipe with no special tools required.
Comfort food made simple: Feels decadent yet easy enough for any night.
Family favorite: Bacon, cheese, and gnocchi — what’s not to love?
Customizable: Perfect plain or with veggies for extra color and comfort.
What Makes This Soup Special
The soup’s magic lies in its texture and balance: the chewy gnocchi plays perfectly against the creamy base, while crisp bacon adds that smoky crunch that keeps every bite exciting. The broth thickens naturally as the gnocchi cooks, giving the soup its irresistible body — no heavy roux or complicated steps needed.
The combination of cheddar and cream gives this dish layered richness, while onions, garlic, and herbs add just the right amount of savory warmth. It’s everything you want on a cold day in one pot.
Essential Ingredients
Base
- 6 strips bacon, diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp flour (to thicken)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half and half (or whole milk)
Main Add-Ins
- 16 oz potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
Garnish
- Extra bacon bits
- Green onions or chives
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- Extra cheese (because why not?)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Add butter to the pot with the bacon drippings. When melted, stir in chopped onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Thicken the Broth
Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir for 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Add Cream & Gnocchi
Pour in half and half (or milk) and add the gnocchi. Stir gently, then simmer for 6–8 minutes until gnocchi are tender and the soup thickens naturally.
Step 5: Make It Cheesy
Lower heat to medium-low. Add cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. Avoid boiling to keep the cheese from separating.
Step 6: Finish & Serve
Stir in the cooked bacon. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls, top with extra cheese, bacon, and green onions. Serve warm for ultimate coziness.
Pro Tips for Success
A few tricks will make your soup restaurant-worthy every time:
- Shred your own cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar melts creamier than pre-shredded blends.
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi: They should be tender but pillowy, not mushy.
- Low heat for melting: Once cheese is in, keep heat gentle — boiling will break the sauce.
- Add-ons: Stir in baby spinach, corn, or diced carrots for extra nutrition and color.
- Flavor boost: A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika enhances the creamy cheddar flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is perfectly satisfying on its own, but you can elevate it even further with:
- Warm crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping.
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness.
- Roasted vegetables on the side for a wholesome plate.
Want to turn it into a complete cozy-night dinner? Pair with a glass of white wine or apple cider and light candles for instant comfort vibes.
Variations and Customizations
Loaded Gnocchi Soup: Add steamed broccoli, shredded chicken, or chopped scallions for a super-filling version.
Spicy Twist: Stir in diced jalapeños or top with hot sauce for heat.
Vegetarian Version: Leave out bacon and use vegetable broth — still rich and satisfying.
Extra Cheesy: Stir in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for stretchier texture.
Creamier Option: Replace milk with heavy cream or stir 2 oz cream cheese for extra velvety texture.
Why It Works
This soup works because it hits every note of great comfort food: texture, flavor, and richness. Gnocchi provides the potato-like heartiness, bacon and cheddar bring savory depth, and cream ties it all together. Each ingredient supports the other — the smokiness of bacon balances the warm richness of cheese, while the light chew of gnocchi keeps it fun to eat.
The result is a perfectly balanced comfort soup: creamy but not heavy, satisfying but not overwhelming.
Nutrition Snapshot (per serving)
Calories: 480
Carbs: 28g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 910mg
Rich and filling, yet lighter than traditional baked potato soup thanks to gnocchi replacing dense potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Freeze: Not recommended (dairy may separate), but you can freeze before adding gnocchi and cream.
Reheat: Warm on low with a splash of milk or broth. Do not boil — keep the texture creamy and smooth.
Perfect Pairings
| Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Garlic Bread | Perfectly crispy dipper for creamy soup |
| Apple Kale Salad | Adds freshness and crunch |
| Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Counterbalances the richness |
| Crispy Chicken Tenders | Family-friendly complete meal |
Conclusion
Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup (Creamy, Cheesy & Cozy Comfort Food) proves that soups don’t need to be complicated to be unforgettable. Each bowl is filled with warmth, flavor, and that perfect trifecta of bacon, cheese, and cream. It’s hearty enough for dinner, impressively quick for weeknights, and so satisfying it’ll become an instant repeat recipe.
