This Creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is warm, rich, and simple to make. It blends pillowy gnocchi, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar into a smooth, comforting bowl. People love it for its creamy texture and bold flavors. Make it on a chilly night or for a cozy family meal. If you want a similar take on this flavor combo, check out a related creamy bacon and cheddar gnocchi delight for more ideas.
Why make this recipe
This recipe is easy. It uses few, common ingredients. Beginners will find the steps clear and quick. You make it at home with better flavor than canned soups. It is great for weeknights. Kids and adults both enjoy it. You can make a big pot and stretch it for lunches the next day. For a cozy drink to pair with it, try the Banana Bread Latte.
What makes Creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup special
The gnocchi gives the soup a soft, chewy bite. The bacon adds a smoky crunch. Cheddar melts into a smooth, savory base. The soup feels rich but simple. It stands out because it uses gnocchi instead of pasta or rice. That change makes every spoonful more interesting. Fresh thyme and garlic lift the flavors without fuss.
Is Creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup healthy
This soup uses real ingredients. It has protein from bacon and cheese. It has some fat from cream. It also has carbs from gnocchi. You control the salt and portion size. Making it at home avoids extra preservatives. For a lighter version, use less cream or a milk alternative. I am not giving medical advice. Think about balance and enjoy in moderation.
How to make Creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
The process is simple and quick. You cook the bacon first for flavor. Then you sauté onion and garlic in the bacon fat. You add broth and gnocchi and cook until tender. Finally you stir in cream and cheese off the high heat so the cheese melts smoothly. The whole recipe is beginner-friendly and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. If you like creamy dishes, the method is similar to the creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, but with gnocchi and bacon.
Ingredients
- Gnocchi
- Bacon
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Salt
- Pepper
- Thyme

Directions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the bacon drippings. Sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the gnocchi. Cook according to the package instructions until the gnocchi float to the surface.
- Lower the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts and the soup is smooth.
- Season with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Crumble the cooked bacon and stir it back into the soup.
- Serve hot. Garnish with extra cheese if you like.
How to serve Creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Serve the soup in deep bowls so each spoon gets gnocchi and broth. Add extra shredded cheddar on top for a cheesy finish. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple green salad. It works for lunch or dinner. For a full comfort spread, serve it with another warm dish like creamy white chicken chili.

Best occasions to make Creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
- Weeknight dinner when you need a fast, filling meal.
- Weekend family lunch for a crowd.
- Potluck or casual party where you want comfort food.
- Meal prep for easy lunches later in the week.
- Cozy nights by the fire or after a day out in the cold.
How to store Creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Cool the soup to room temperature before storing.
Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: You can freeze, but texture may change. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat gently on low heat so the cream and cheese don’t separate.
Can you make Creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup ahead of time
Yes. You can cook the base and store it without adding gnocchi. Keep the broth and cream mixture in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat, add gnocchi, and cook until the gnocchi float. Add crumbled bacon just before serving for best texture.
Tips to make Creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
- Use good quality cheddar for best melt and flavor.
- Don’t boil after adding cheese to avoid grainy texture.
- Cook gnocchi in the soup so they soak up flavor.
- Crisp the bacon well for crunch. Crumble just before serving.
- For a sweet finish, serve warm bread like fluffy cinnamon rolls with creamy glaze on the side.
Creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A warm and rich soup, blending flavorful bacon, melty cheddar, and pillowy gnocchi into a smooth and comforting dish perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients
- 1 package gnocchi
- 4 strips bacon
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the bacon drippings. Sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the gnocchi. Cook according to the package instructions until the gnocchi float to the surface.
- Lower the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts and the soup is smooth.
- Season with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Crumble the cooked bacon and stir it back into the soup.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Variation
- Add vegetables: Stir in spinach, peas, or mushrooms in step 5.
- Swap bacon: Use pancetta or cooked sausage.
- Lighter cream: Use half-and-half or whole milk, but expect a thinner soup.
- Cheese swap: Try smoked gouda or fontina for a different flavor.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon and sauté vegetables in olive oil.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen gnocchi?
A: Yes. Add frozen gnocchi directly to the simmering broth and cook until they float and are tender.
Q: How long does the soup last in the fridge?
A: Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I reheat Creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup without losing texture?
A: Reheat gently over low heat and stir often. Add a splash of broth or cream if it looks too thick.


