Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm, comforting soup on a chilly evening, especially when it’s packed with flavour and guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup recipe has become a firm favourite in our house, especially with the little ones. I’ve been tweaking it for years, trying to find the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and that satisfying bacon crunch. Honestly, after countless attempts, I think I’ve finally cracked it! This soup is quick enough for a midweek meal but feels special enough for a weekend treat. Trust me, even the fussiest eaters will be asking for seconds. You’ll end up with a hearty, flavourful soup that’s sure to become a family staple.

Why This Recipe Works

As a busy mum of two, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and practical. This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup ticks all the boxes. It’s a straightforward, family-friendly meal that’s ready in under an hour. After 8+ years of home cooking, I know how valuable that is!

• Child-Approved: My kids absolutely adore this soup, especially the gnocchi and crispy bacon.
• Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are readily available in most UK supermarkets and won’t break the bank.
• Quick & Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal on the table fast.

Ingredients

• 200g smoked streaky bacon, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 litre chicken stock
• 500g gnocchi
• 200ml double cream
• 150g mature cheddar cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Notes

The quality of your ingredients can really make a difference. Smoked streaky bacon adds a lovely depth of flavour to the soup, but you can use back bacon if that’s what you have on hand. The mature cheddar gives the soup a nice sharp cheesy taste, but mild or medium cheddar will also work if you prefer. If you can’t find gnocchi, small pasta shapes like ditalini or macaroni will do in a pinch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Fry the bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pot. The smell alone is enough to get everyone excited for dinner!

Step 2: Add the olive oil to the pot with the bacon fat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and dried thyme, and cook for another minute until fragrant. This is where the flavour really starts to build.

Step 3: Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions, usually about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Through trial and error, I’ve learned that it’s best to slightly undercook the gnocchi, as they’ll continue to cook in the soup.

Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the double cream and grated cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. Be careful not to boil the soup at this stage, as it can cause the cheese to separate.

Step 5: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the bacon is already salty, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed. My children prefer when I add a little extra pepper!

Step 6: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crispy bacon and fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy! I sometimes add a swirl of cream for a bit of extra decadence.

My Kitchen Tips & Tricks

• Bacon Perfection: For extra crispy bacon, cook it in a single layer in the pot. Avoid overcrowding it, or it will steam instead of crisping up.
• Time-Saving Tip: Chop the onion and garlic ahead of time to save even more time during the cooking process. I often do this whilst the children are doing their homework.
• Cheese Matters: Use a good quality mature cheddar cheese for the best flavour. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
• Child-Friendly Adjustment: If your children are sensitive to strong flavours, use a mild cheddar cheese and reduce the amount of garlic.
• Make-Ahead Strategy: You can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add the gnocchi just before serving to prevent them from becoming too soft.
• Budget-Conscious Tip: Use leftover cooked chicken or ham instead of bacon to save money.
• Texture Booster: A handful of frozen peas or sweetcorn added in the last few minutes of cooking adds extra texture and nutrients.

Storage & Meal Prep

This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a great make-ahead meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2 months. However, the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly after freezing and thawing.

Reheat the soup gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or water to thin it out.

You can easily double or triple this recipe for batch cooking. It’s perfect for meal prepping on the weekend and enjoying throughout the week. Just be sure to store it in separate containers to prevent the gnocchi from becoming too soft.

Substitutions & Variations

This recipe is very adaptable to different dietary needs and preferences.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the double cream with a dairy-free cream alternative, such as oat cream or cashew cream. Use a dairy-free cheddar cheese alternative. I haven’t personally tried this, but I’ve heard good things about some of the vegan cheese options available now.
• Vegetarian: Omit the bacon and add a tin of drained and rinsed cannellini beans for extra protein and texture.
• Seasonal Variation: Add roasted butternut squash or pumpkin puree in the autumn for a seasonal twist.
• Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have chicken stock, vegetable stock will work just as well. You can also use dried rosemary instead of thyme for a different flavour profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this soup the night before?

Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavours have had time to meld together. Just store it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently before serving. Add the parsley and bacon just before serving to keep them fresh.

How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked?

The gnocchi is cooked when it floats to the surface of the soup and is tender to the touch. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become mushy. Remember, it will continue to cook a little bit in the hot soup, so slightly undercooking it is better than overcooking it.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses. However, I find that mature cheddar gives the soup the best flavour. A smoked cheese would also add a nice depth of flavour.

How should I store leftovers properly?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the soup has cooled down completely before refrigerating it.

Will my children enjoy this soup?

In my experience, most children absolutely love this soup! The combination of cheesy, creamy goodness and crispy bacon is hard to resist. However, if your child is a picky eater, you can try using a mild cheddar cheese and reducing the amount of garlic. My youngest, Tom, who’s normally a very fussy eater, devours this every time!

Can I scale this recipe for a larger family?

Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe to feed a larger family or for meal prepping. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly. You may need to use a larger pot or Dutch oven to accommodate the increased volume.

Serving Suggestions

This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is delicious on its own as a hearty and comforting meal. However, here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more special:

• Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
• Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Serve with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

I usually serve this soup in large bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and a generous amount of crispy bacon. A portion size of about 300-400ml per person is usually sufficient, but my children often go back for seconds!

And there you have it! A simple, comforting, and family-friendly Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup that’s perfect for any occasion. I hope you and your family enjoy it as much as we do. Do give it a go and please let me know what you think in the comments. Your feedback is always welcome!

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