Introduction
Warm up your kitchen with the delightful aroma of our Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup! This hearty dish is the perfect blend of crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and tender gnocchi, inviting you to wrap your hands around a warm bowl on a chilly day. With its rich and savory flavors, it’s a soul-soothing meal that brings comfort in every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (16 oz) package of gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions and Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it turns crispy and golden brown. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the flavorful fat in the pot.
- Add the diced onion to the rendered bacon fat and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and tender.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until the kitchen fills with its delightful aroma.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.
- Add the gnocchi to the boiling broth and cook according to the package instructions—typically 2 to 3 minutes—until they float to the surface and are tender.
- Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, dried thyme, salt, and pepper, letting all the flavors mingle beautifully.
- Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts into a wonderfully creamy consistency.
- Fold in the fresh spinach and the reserved crispy bacon, cooking just until the spinach wilts down and turns vibrant.
- Taste the soup, adjusting the seasoning as necessary before serving to your hungry friends and family.
Notes or Tips
This soup is wonderfully versatile! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition. For an extra kick, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. If you want to make it a little lighter, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream without sacrificing much of the creamy texture.
Cooking Techniques
Cooking the bacon first not only renders its fat but also infuses the soup with incredible flavor. Sautéing the onions until they are translucent creates a sweet base, and be careful not to burn the garlic to maintain that sweet aroma. The key to perfect gnocchi is to watch for them to float; this means they’re done and ready to soak up all that creamy goodness!
FAQ
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just note that the gnocchi may absorb some broth as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.
Can I freeze Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup?
It’s best not to freeze this soup as the cream can separate when frozen and thawed. Instead, enjoy it fresh, or refrigerate leftovers for a quick warm meal.
Conclusion
This Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl! Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re simply craving something cozy, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete experience and watch your loved ones bask in the warmth of this delicious creation!