I still remember the first chilly evening when I decided to make this Turkey Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup. The wind outside was sharp, and all I wanted was a bowl of something hearty, warm, and filling. That night, I pulled together tender gnocchi, crispy turkey bacon, and rich cheddar cheese into one creamy pot of goodness. The result was so comforting that it instantly became a family favorite. Every spoonful reminded me how food can truly warm the heart and soul, especially when shared around the table with loved ones.

This soup is more than just a recipe—it’s a cozy experience in a bowl. The smooth cream, the chewy gnocchi, and the salty crunch of turkey bacon blend perfectly with melted cheddar, making it both indulgent and satisfying. When I make it, I often prepare extra because everyone always comes back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this soup stands out, but here are the highlights:

• Versatile – This soup can be adjusted easily. You can make it spicier with extra chili flakes, add more vegetables for freshness, or switch the type of cheese to your preference. It works equally well for weeknight dinners or for serving guests.

• Budget-Friendly – Despite its rich flavor, this recipe uses simple and affordable ingredients like gnocchi, carrots, onions, and cheese. Turkey bacon is also a great option that adds smokiness without being costly.

• Quick and Easy – With a cooking time of just 30 minutes, it’s ideal when you want homemade comfort without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Turkey Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

• 8–10 slices turkey 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)

  How to Make Turkey Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

  Making this soup is one of my favorite kitchen moments. The process is simple, but the flavors that come together are so rich that it feels like a dish from a cozy restaurant. I like to prepare all my ingredients ahead of time—dicing the onion, slicing the carrots, and cooking the turkey bacon until perfectly crisp. That way, the whole recipe flows smoothly, and dinner is on the table in no time.

  Step-by-Step Instructions for Making

  Step 1 – Cook the Turkey Bacon
  Start by cooking the turkey bacon in a skillet until it’s crisp and golden. Once cooked, transfer it to a paper towel to absorb any extra fat. Chop it into small pieces and keep it aside for later. This step adds both flavor and crunch to the soup.

  Step 2 – Sauté the Vegetables
  In a large soup pot, melt the butter or heat olive oil. Add the diced onion and sliced carrots, stirring often until they become soft and fragrant. This step builds the base of the soup and enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables.

  Step 3 – Add the Broth
  Pour the chicken broth into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. At this stage, the kitchen already starts smelling delicious, and the broth takes on a deeper flavor.

  Step 4 – Mix in the Cream and Cheese
  Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half slowly. Add shredded cheddar cheese a little at a time, stirring continuously so it melts smoothly. This is where the soup begins to transform into a creamy and indulgent dish. Make sure the heat stays low to prevent the cheese from separating.

  Step 5 – Add Seasonings
  Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, garlic powder or minced garlic, thyme, and chili flakes if you want some heat. Stir gently to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. Taste the broth at this stage and adjust the flavors as needed.

  Step 6 – Cook the Gnocchi
  Now add the gnocchi directly to the simmering soup. Cook for about two minutes, or just until the gnocchi turn tender and fluffy. Be careful not to overcook them, as they soften quickly.

  Step 7 – Finish with Turkey Bacon
  Finally, add the crispy chopped turkey bacon back into the pot. Stir everything together, then let the soup simmer for another minute to bring the flavors together. Turn off the heat and serve hot.

  Quick and Easy

  This soup only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a fantastic choice for busy evenings. You don’t need special equipment or complicated techniques—just one pot, a skillet, and a little patience while the flavors blend.

  Customizable

  One of the best parts about this recipe is how adaptable it is. If you love extra veggies, you can stir in spinach, peas, or corn during the last few minutes of cooking. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or reduce the cheese slightly. Want more spice? Add extra chili flakes or even a dash of hot sauce. You can also swap the cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any cheese you prefer.

  Crowd-Pleasing

  Whenever I make this soup, everyone at the table enjoys it. The gnocchi make it filling, the cheese keeps it indulgent, and the turkey bacon adds a smoky depth. Whether it’s for family dinner, a gathering with friends, or just a quiet evening at home, this recipe has something for everyone. Serve it with a crusty loaf of bread or a light salad, and you’ll have a complete meal that satisfies every craving.

  FAQs

  Can I make this soup ahead of time?
  Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, warm it gently over low heat and add a splash of broth or milk to refresh the creamy texture.

  Can I freeze this soup?
  Freezing is possible, but the cream and cheese may separate once thawed. If you want to freeze it, prepare the base without cream and cheese first. Then, add the dairy when reheating for a smoother finish.

  Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
  Absolutely. Most pre-packaged gnocchi work well and cook quickly in the broth. If you prefer homemade gnocchi, you can also use that for a more rustic touch.

  How do I make this recipe lighter?
  To lighten the soup, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use low-fat cheddar. Adding extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini is another way to balance richness with freshness.

  What can I serve with this soup?
  Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a light green salad pair beautifully. They make the meal complete without overpowering the creamy, cheesy flavors.

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  Turkey Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

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  This Turkey Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. With tender gnocchi, crispy turkey bacon, and melted cheddar in a rich broth, it’s the ultimate comfort meal ready in just 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

  Ingredients

  Scale 1x2x3x

  • 8–10 slices turkey 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)

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  Instructions

  • Cook the turkey bacon in a skillet until crisp and golden. Transfer to a paper towel, then chop into small pieces. Set aside.

  • In a large soup pot, heat butter or olive oil. Add the diced onion and sliced carrots. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until tender and fragrant.

  • Pour in the chicken broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

  • Reduce the heat slightly and stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Add shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy.

  • Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder or minced garlic, thyme, and chili flakes if using. Stir well and taste to adjust seasoning.

  • Add the gnocchi directly to the simmering soup. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the gnocchi become tender and fluffy.

  • Stir in the chopped crispy turkey bacon. Let the soup simmer for 1 more minute to blend flavors.

  • Remove from heat and serve hot with bread or salad.

  Notes

  • For extra veggies, add spinach, peas, or corn at the end.

  • To lighten the soup, replace heavy cream with half-and-half.

  • Leftovers thicken as they cool; add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.

  • Author: Layla
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes