Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup: Your Cozy Weeknight Delight

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is the kind of dish that warms your heart and soul. With a rich, creamy base filled with tender gnocchi, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, each spoonful is a delightful combination of flavors. The vibrant carrots and aromatic herbs add a touch of freshness, making it perfect for cozy weeknights or gatherings with friends and family. When you serve this soup, it’s sure to become a favorite, inviting everyone to take a seat and enjoy.

The sensory experience is nothing short of blissful! Imagine the sound of bacon sizzling and the mouthwatering aroma of garlic and onion wafting through your kitchen. In this article, you will discover how to put together this comforting dish with step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and various ways to customize it. Let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fresh ingredients make every bite delightful.
2. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
3. Nutrient-rich vegetables paired with comforting flavors.
4. Versatile enough to adapt to your taste preferences.
5. The beautiful presentation is sure to impress your guests.
   You’ll find that this recipe checks all the boxes for a satisfying meal!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total time: 40 minutes
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
  (Note: Times may vary.)

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 6 slices Bacon (Adds smoky flavor and crunch; can substitute with turkey bacon.)
• 1 pound Ground Sausage (Provides savory depth; Italian or chicken sausage work well.)
• 2 tablespoons Butter (Used for sautéing; olive oil is a great dairy-free substitute.)
• 1 medium Onion (Creates an aromatic base; shallots can be replaced.)
• 2 medium Carrots (Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color.)
• 2 cloves Garlic (Enhances flavor; fresh cloves provide the best taste.)
• 2 tablespoons Flour (Creates a roux to thicken the soup; gluten-free flour works as well.)
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (Delivers a rich, smoky depth.)
• 4 cups Chicken Broth (Serves as the soup base; vegetable broth works for a vegetarian version.)
• 1 cup Milk (Infuses creaminess; half-and-half or coconut milk can substitute.)
• 1 cup Cream (Adds richness to the soup.)
• 1 pound Gnocchi (Fresh or frozen; adjust cooking time accordingly.)
• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (Provides creaminess and flavor; sharp cheddar enhances taste.)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (Adds freshness as a garnish; can substitute with chives.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add ground sausage. Cook until browned, then remove excess fat.
3. Add butter, onion, carrots, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened.
4. Sprinkle flour and smoked paprika, stirring for a minute.
5. Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring to combine.
6. Add milk and cream, bringing the mixture to a low simmer.
7. Stir in gnocchi and cook until they float, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Mix in cheddar cheese until melted.
9. Garnish with chopped bacon and fresh parsley before serving.

How to Serve

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with parsley.
2. Serve with warm crusty bread or a salad for a complete meal.
3. Offer generous portions that allow everyone to enjoy.
4. Pair with a light, crisp white wine or non-alcoholic sparkling water.
   This soup is sure to be a hit at your table!

Additional Tips

• For added flavor, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Customize by adding your favorite vegetables or greens.
• Serve with grated cheese on the side for extra richness.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños for heat.
2. Vegetarian Style: Use chickpeas instead of sausage and vegetable broth.
3. Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh thyme or rosemary for extra aroma.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Special Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?
Yes, just adjust cooking time as needed.

2. Is this dish healthy?
It contains fresh vegetables and protein, making for a balanced meal.

3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! It reheats well, making it great for meal prep.

4. How can I customize this recipe?
Feel free to swap proteins, add in more vegetables, or adjust seasonings.

5. Can I prepare it in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the meat first and then combine ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Conclusion

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is not just delicious; it’s an experience that will fill you with warmth. With its comforting flavors, this recipe suits any night of the week and brings the family together. So, why not try your hand at making this delightful dish and treat your loved ones to something special? You won’t regret it!

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

A comforting soup with tender gnocchi, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for cozy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 6 slices Bacon Adds smoky flavor and crunch; can substitute with turkey bacon.
• 1 pound Ground Sausage Provides savory depth; Italian or chicken sausage work well.
• 2 tablespoons Butter Used for sautéing; olive oil is a great dairy-free substitute.
• 1 medium Onion Creates an aromatic base; shallots can be replaced.
• 2 medium Carrots Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• 2 cloves Garlic Enhances flavor; fresh cloves provide the best taste.
• 2 tablespoons Flour Creates a roux to thicken the soup; gluten-free flour works as well.
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Delivers a rich, smoky depth.
• 4 cups Chicken Broth Serves as the soup base; vegetable broth works for a vegetarian version.
• 1 cup Milk Infuses creaminess; half-and-half or coconut milk can substitute.
• 1 cup Cream Adds richness to the soup.
• 1 pound Gnocchi Fresh or frozen; adjust cooking time accordingly.
• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Provides creaminess and flavor; sharp cheddar enhances taste.
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley Adds freshness as a garnish; can substitute with chives.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add ground sausage. Cook until browned, then remove excess fat.
3. Add butter, onion, carrots, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened.
4. Sprinkle flour and smoked paprika, stirring for a minute.

Cooking

1. Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring to combine.
2. Add milk and cream, bringing the mixture to a low simmer.
3. Stir in gnocchi and cook until they float, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Mix in cheddar cheese until melted.

Serving

1. Garnish with chopped bacon and fresh parsley before serving.
2. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with parsley.
3. Serve with warm crusty bread or a salad for a complete meal.

Notes

For added flavor, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes. Customize by adding your favorite vegetables or greens. Serve with grated cheese on the side for extra richness.