Nothing beats a warm, hearty bowl of soup on a cold night, and this Beef Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. With tender gnocchi, creamy cheddar, and smoky beef bacon, this soup is rich, satisfying, and easy to make in just 30 minutes.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends, this recipe swaps traditional pork bacon for halal-friendly beef bacon, keeping the flavor smoky and delicious while respecting dietary preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Halal-Friendly: Uses beef bacon instead of pork.
- Rich & Flavorful: Creamy cheddar and smoky beef bacon create an indulgent flavor.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults.
- Comforting & Filling: Soft gnocchi adds a pillowy texture that makes each bite satisfying.
Ingredients
Servings: 4–6 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes
- 8–10 slices beef bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1–2 tsp salt, to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 4 cloves minced garlic)
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ½–1 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 16 oz gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp)
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheese)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Beef Bacon
Cook beef bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Remove, chop into small pieces, and set aside. Save a little fat for sautéing vegetables if desired.
Step 2 – Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot, heat butter or olive oil. Add diced onions and sliced carrots, sautéing for 5–7 minutes until tender and fragrant.
Step 3 – Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, and red chili flakes if using. Simmer for 5 minutes to develop the flavors.
Step 4 – Add Cream and Cheese
Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and gradually add shredded cheddar, stirring constantly to melt smoothly. This forms a rich, creamy base for the gnocchi.
Step 5 – Cook the Gnocchi
Add gnocchi to the soup and cook according to package instructions (usually 2–3 minutes) until tender and floating to the top.
Step 6 – Add Beef Bacon and Adjust Seasoning
Stir in the crispy beef bacon. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Keep warm until serving.
Step 7 – Serve and Enjoy
Ladle soup into bowls. Optionally, garnish with extra cheddar, chopped parsley, or green onions for added color and flavor.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetables Boost: Add spinach, kale, or peas for extra nutrition.
- Spicy Version: Increase red chili flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Cheese Swap: Try Gouda or Swiss for a slightly different flavor.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Make Ahead: Prepare vegetables and broth in advance, then cook and add cheese and gnocchi when ready.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Not recommended with gnocchi, as it may become mushy.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if too thick.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~420 kcal
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
- Sodium: 750 mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I omit the bacon?
A: Yes, for a vegetarian version, but the smoky flavor will be reduced.
Q2: Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
A: Absolutely — fresh or frozen gnocchi works fine.
Q3: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes, use plant-based cream and dairy-free cheddar alternatives.
Q4: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Spinach, kale, or peas work well and add color and nutrients.
Q5: How do I keep the soup creamy when reheating?
A: Reheat gently over low heat and stir in a little cream or broth to restore texture.
This Beef Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a halal-friendly, comforting, and quick meal that everyone will love. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor — perfect for cold nights or whenever you crave a satisfying, hearty soup.
Print
Beef Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup – A Rich and Creamy Comfort Meal
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that combines tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, and rich cheddar cheese in a flavorful broth. Perfect for cold nights and ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8–10 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1–2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 4 cloves minced garlic)
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ½–1 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 16 oz gnocchi
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp)
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crispy, then chop and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat butter or oil and sauté onions and carrots until tender.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream, seasonings, and shredded cheese, stirring continuously.
- Add gnocchi and cook for 2 minutes or until soft.
- Stir in bacon, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American