Hearty Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Recipe: https://recipestripper.com/recipes/169a7f23-76fd-4dd4-90a0-6c45f7c6afa0
Original source: https://www.pictureperfectmeals.com/recipes/hearty-bacon-cheddar-gnocchi-soup-recipe/
Recipe image: https://www.pictureperfectmeals.com/wp-content/uploads/media/02/74191894-hearty-bacon-cheddar-gnocchi-soup-recipe-pictureperfectmeals-225x225.jpg

Hearty bacon cheddar gnocchi soup brings comfort from Italian roots with American cheese and crispy bacon twists. Creamy potato base and pillowy gnocchi create a satisfying meal you'll crave on chilly evenings.
Yield: 5
Prep time: PT10M
Cook time: PT20M
Total time: PT30M

Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb (454 g) potato gnocchi
- 2 cups (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 cups (32 fl oz) chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups (12 fl oz) heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 3 tbsps unsalted butter
- 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional, for freshness)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
- 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions
1. Bacon Preparation: Crisp bacon in a spacious pot over medium heat until golden-brown and perfectly rendered, then transfer to a plate while reserving the flavorful drippings.
2. Vegetable Sauté: Utilize the bacon fat to soften aromatic vegetables, creating a rich foundational layer for the soup’s complex flavor profile.
3. Roux Development: Dust flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring consistently to craft a smooth thickening base that will provide substantial body to the soup.
4. Liquid Integration: Methodically whisk chicken broth and milk into the roux, ensuring a silky, lump-free liquid that forms the soup’s creamy foundation.
5. Gnocchi Cooking: Gently introduce gnocchi into the simmering broth, allowing them to cook tenderly and absorb the surrounding savory essence.
6. Cheese Incorporation: Melt sharp cheddar cheese thoroughly into the soup, creating a luxurious, velvety texture that binds all ingredients together.
7. Final Assembly: Reintroduce crispy bacon pieces, season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs, then garnish with additional cheese or fresh herbs before serving piping hot.