Creamy Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup for Cozy Nights

Most soup recipes are a polite suggestion. This one is a declaration of war on boring weeknights. I’m not here to gently simmer; I’m here to tell you that you need a bowl of this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup in your life, stat.

Forget the sad, brothy stuff. This is a creamy, cheesy, potato-pillow-filled hug that fixes bad days and wins over picky eaters. It’s the culinary equivalent of putting on sweatpants after a long day.

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a kitchen hero with minimal effort, you’ve found your recipe. Let’s get cozy.

This isn’t just another pot of soup. This is a masterpiece of comfort food engineering.

It combines the salty, smoky crunch of bacon with the sharp, melty goodness of cheddar, all swimming in a creamy broth with soft, pillowy gnocchi. It’s like a baked potato soup and a cheesy pasta dish had a delicious, beautiful baby. It’s the kind of meal that makes people hover around the stove, spoon in hand, asking “Is it ready yet?” The best part?

It comes together faster than you can decide what to watch on Netflix. Who said incredible flavor had to be complicated?

Need a cozy classic? Our America’s Most Beloved Classic Meatloaf is always a family hit, rich in nostalgia and comfort.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to soup nirvana. You’ll notice there’s nothing overly fancy here—just good, honest food that works together to create magic.

The star, of course, is the gnocchi, those little potato dumplings that soak up all the cheesy goodness. Here’s your shopping list:

• 1 lb thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
• 1 (16 oz) package shelf-stable potato gnocchi
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh chives or green onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the bacon. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
   

   Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, leaving the glorious drippings in the pot. This is your flavor foundation.

2. Sauté the aromatics. Toss the diced onion into the bacon fat and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
   

   Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Don’t burn the garlic—it’s the quickest way to bitterness.

3. Create the roux. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic.
   

   Stir constantly for about a minute to cook off the raw flour taste. This is what will thicken your creamy bacon cheddar gnocchi soup to perfection.

4. Whisk in the liquids. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
   

   Then, stir in the half-and-half. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it thicken slightly.

5. Add the gnocchi. Stir in the entire package of gnocchi.
   

   Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they float to the top of the soup.

6. Cheese, please! Turn the heat down to low.
   

   Gradually add the shredded cheddar, stirring until it’s completely melted and smooth. This patience prevents a grainy soup.

7. Finish and serve. Stir most of the crispy bacon back into the pot, reserving some for garnish.
   

   Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Ladle into bowls and top with the reserved bacon and fresh chives.

   
   If you’re craving more comfort food, try our Quick Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi—a one-pot favorite with bold flavor and simple steps.

Storage Instructions

This soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal. For the fridge, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk if it has thickened too much. To freeze, portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers.

It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Pro tip: You can cook the bacon and chop the veggies ahead of time to make assembly a 15-minute affair on a busy night.

Why You’ll Love This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

• It’s a 30-Minute Miracle. From fridge to bowl in half an hour, this recipe is faster than ordering takeout and infinitely more satisfying.
• The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser. I’ve yet to meet a person, kid or adult, who doesn’t go back for seconds.
  

  It’s the star of any potluck or cozy family dinner.

• Effortless Gourmet Vibes. It tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen, but the secret is that it’s embarrassingly simple to make. Your reputation as a great cook is safe with me.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using pre-shredded bagged cheese. The anti-caking agents can make your soup grainy. Take the extra minute to shred a block of cheddar yourself for a silky-smooth result.
• Boiling the soup after adding the cheese. This is a surefire way to break your emulsion and get a greasy, separated soup.
  

  Low and slow is the way to go.

• Overcooking the gnocchi. They only need a few minutes to cook through. If you let them boil for too long, they’ll turn into mushy little puffs of sadness.
• Not seasoning at the end. Bacon and cheese are salty, so always taste your soup at the end before adding more salt. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.

Alternatives and Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable.

For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your gnocchi are certified GF. To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and use 2 tbsp of olive oil to sauté the veggies, adding a tsp of liquid smoke for that smoky flavor. For a keto-friendly twist, swap the gnocchi for cauliflower florets and use a xanthan gum slurry instead of flour to thicken.

You can also swap the cheddar for Gruyère or add in some cooked chicken or broccoli for a heartier meal.

If you’re craving more comfort food, try our Quick Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi—a one-pot favorite with bold flavor and simple steps.

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a reliable, delicious solution for when you need comfort without the fuss. It’s the recipe you’ll return to again and again.

I hope this becomes a new favorite in your home. If you make it, I’d love to hear about it! Tag me on social or drop a comment below.

Now go forth and get your soup on.

Get inspired with more cheesy soup and dinner ideas on our Pinterest boards—your cozy kitchen starts here.