When the chilly winds begin to whisper through the trees, there’s nothing quite like the soothing comfort of a warm bowl of soup. Enter my Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon—a dish that feels like a cozy hug on a frosty night. Picture the enticing scent of crispy bacon mingling with aromatic rosemary and savory vegetables, setting the stage for a delightful dining experience.
As I stirred this hearty concoction in my kitchen one evening, the sensation of soft potato gnocchi dancing in the creamy broth instantly transported me to my childhood, where every spoonful felt like a nurturing embrace. What makes this soup even better? It’s versatile enough to whip up in just 40 minutes using a stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal without the hassle.
Inviting and satisfying, this soup invites you to gather around the table and share a moment of joy. With options to make it vegetarian-friendly by simply omitting the bacon, there’s a special place for everyone at your dinner table! So, let’s dive in and discover how to create this comforting masterpiece together.
Why is Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon irresistible?
Comfort in Every Spoonful: This soup wraps you in warmth, reminiscent of grandma’s kitchen on chilly days.
Quick and Easy: Prepare it in just 40 minutes using your preferred method—stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot!
Adaptable for All: Easily transform this dish to suit dietary needs by omitting the bacon for a delightful vegetarian option.
Hearty and Filling: Soft potato gnocchi and rustic vegetables make this soup a satisfying meal all on its own.
Perfect for Sharing: Gather family and friends around the table; this flavor-packed dish is sure to impress and delight!
Crave-Worthy Aroma: The heavenly scent of rosemary and bacon wafts through your home, building anticipation for the meal ahead.
For even more cozy recipes, check out our guide on hearty comfort soups.
Creamy Gnocchi Soup Ingredients
For the Soup Base
• Thick Cut Bacon – Adds saltiness and flavor; substitute with turkey bacon or omit for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Fresh Chopped Rosemary – Provides aromatic depth and flavor; dried rosemary can be used but adjust the quantity.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Used for sautéing; feel free to substitute with any neutral oil.
• Yellow Onion – The base flavor for the soup; no substitutions necessary.
• Carrots – Adds sweetness and color; can be substituted with parsnips if desired.
• Celery – Contributes texture and flavor; no substitutions necessary.
• Garlic – Enhances the taste; fresh garlic is ideal, but powdered can work as a last resort.
• Fresh Thyme Leaves – Adds herbal notes; dried thyme can be used if fresh is unavailable (just adjust the amount).
• Dried Basil – Introduces Italian flavors; substitute with Italian seasoning if needed.
• Fennel Seeds – Adds a unique flavor; can be omitted if not to your taste.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Adds heat; adjust according to your spice preference.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning; use to taste.
For Creaminess
• Salted Butter – Adds richness and helps thicken the soup; you can use unsalted and adjust the salt accordingly.
• All-Purpose Flour – Thickens the soup for a creamy texture; can be substituted with gluten-free flour if needed.
• Low Sodium Vegetable Broth – The base liquid for the soup; chicken broth is a great alternative for non-vegetarian options.
• Kale – Provides nutrition and color; spinach can be an excellent substitute.
• Canned Coconut Milk or Heavy Cream – Adds creaminess; can replace with whole milk or a dairy-free alternative.
• Grated Parmesan or Asiago Cheese – Enhances flavor; nutritional yeast can be used for a vegan version.
• Fresh Potato Gnocchi – The main ingredient providing heartiness; can substitute with gluten-free gnocchi or pasta if desired.
This Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon is about to become a favorite in your kitchen!
How to Make Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon
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Cook the Bacon: In a large Dutch oven, cook thick-cut bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Add the fresh chopped rosemary in the last minute for extra flavor, then remove the bacon and retain 1 tablespoon of grease.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Using the reserved bacon fat, sauté the yellow onion for 5 minutes until golden brown. Then, add the chopped carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, dried basil, fennel seeds, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the mixture becomes wonderfully aromatic.
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Make it Creamy: Stir in salted butter and all-purpose flour, cooking for about 1 minute to create a roux. Next, slowly pour in the low sodium vegetable broth and let it simmer for 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
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Add the Goodness: Incorporate kale, canned coconut milk or heavy cream, grated cheese, and fresh potato gnocchi. Adjust the thickness with more broth if desired, and simmer for around 10 minutes until the gnocchi become soft and pillowy.
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Finish & Serve: Serve the soup piping hot, topped with the crispy bacon you set aside and additional cheese if you like it extra cheesy. Enjoy it alongside hearty crusty bread!
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon?
Gathering around a table filled with delightful dishes amplifies the joy of a cozy meal shared with loved ones.
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Crusty Bread: A warm loaf is perfect for dipping into the creamy goodness of the soup, adding a satisfying crunch with every bite.
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Mixed Green Salad: Light and refreshing, a simple salad with tangy vinaigrette complements the rich soup perfectly, balancing flavors and textures.
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Garlic Toast: Crispy, buttery garlic toast elevates the experience, bringing in that familiar umami note while providing a hearty crunch.
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Roasted Vegetables: A colorful medley of roasted seasonal vegetables adds a delightful sweetness and earthiness that pairs beautifully with the creamy soup.
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Cheesy Cauliflower Bake: For those craving more comfort, serve this rich, cheesy side that harmonizes with the buttery notes of the gnocchi soup.
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Apple Crisp: End the meal on a sweet note with a warm apple crisp, its warm spices echoing the comforting essence of the soup, creating a lovely finish.
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Warm Apple Cider: This spiced beverage adds a cozy touch and enhances the flavors of the dish while comforting your senses.
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Chardonnay: A glass of crisp white wine brings a delightful acidity that balances the richness of the soup, making each spoonful even more enjoyable.
How to Store and Freeze Creamy Gnocchi Soup
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Fridge: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick lunch or dinner.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup (excluding gnocchi) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Gnocchi can become mushy when thawed, so it’s best to keep them separate.
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Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little broth if needed to restore creaminess.
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Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon in advance, and store ingredients separately to maintain their freshness, especially the gnocchi.
Creamy Gnocchi Soup Variations
Customize this creamy dish to fit your tastes and dietary needs while still enjoying that cozy, flavorful goodness!
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Meatless Delight: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth for a robust vegetarian version that’s equally satisfying.
This allows the vegetables’ natural flavors to shine through, embracing the comforting essence of the soup without the meat. -
Turkey Twist: Swap thick-cut bacon for turkey bacon or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
This variation offers the same savory satisfaction while cutting down on calories; perfect for those mindful of indulgence! -
Leafy Greens Swap: Replace kale with spinach, Swiss chard, or even arugula for a fresh twist.
Each green lends its unique flavor and nutrition, ensuring your soup remains delightful and packed with goodness. -
Spice it Up: Add diced jalapeños or more crushed red pepper flakes to lend an extra kick to the soup.
Those who love a bit of heat will find this addition elevates the dish, creating a warm sensation on chilly nights. -
Gnocchi Alternatives: Use mini gnocchi or even substitute the gnocchi with gluten-free pasta for a different texture.
Mini gnocchi offers a fun bite-sized treat, while gluten-free options ensure everyone can partake in the deliciousness. -
Coconut Cream: For a tropical twist, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
This enhances the soup’s creaminess while adding a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rosemary and vegetables. -
Cheesy Goodness: Mix in additional shredded cheese like cheddar or pepper jack for a rich flavor boost.
A cheese-laden concoction brings velvety indulgence that pulls everything together, catering to the cheese lovers in your life. -
Nutty Enhancement: Optionally, stir in a spoonful of almond or cashew cream for a richer, nutty flavor that complements the dish.
This substitution not only adds richness but also elevates the soup’s healthy profile with nutritious fats!
Tips for the Best Creamy Gnocchi Soup
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor of your Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon, making it vibrant and delicious.
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Perfect the Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer adequately after adding the cream and gnocchi to achieve that ideal creamy texture, without any gummy bits.
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Avoid Soggy Gnocchi: If you’re making this soup ahead of time, store the gnocchi separately to prevent it from getting mushy when reheated.
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Adjust for Thickness: Don’t hesitate to tweak the consistency of the soup; adding more broth can lighten it up while still retaining its cozy charm.
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Taste as You Go: Season well! Adjust the salt and pepper based on your personal preference—this is your comforting masterpiece after all.
Make Ahead Options
This Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon is a fantastic candidate for make-ahead meal prep, allowing you to save precious time on busy weeknights. You can prepare the soup base (without the gnocchi and cream) up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate it. Additionally, the crispy bacon can be cooked up to 24 hours ahead and stored separately to retain its crunch. When you’re ready to enjoy this comforting dish, simply reheat the soup over medium heat and stir in the gnocchi and cream just before serving. This method ensures the gnocchi maintains its soft texture, allowing you to savor every bite of this delicious meal!
Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting potatoes for gnocchi?
Absolutely! When choosing potatoes for gnocchi, I recommend looking for starchy varieties like russets. They should feel firm and smooth. Avoid any with dark spots or blemishes, as these may indicate that the potatoes are past their prime.
How can I store leftover Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use the stovetop for best results to maintain the soup’s creamy texture. Just add a splash of broth if it thickens too much!
Can I freeze Creamy Gnocchi Soup? If so, how?
Yes! To freeze, prepare the soup without the gnocchi and let it cool completely. Pour the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding cooked gnocchi just before serving for the best texture.
What if my soup comes out too thick?
Very common! If your Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon turns out thicker than you’d like, simply stir in additional broth or a splash of cream while gently reheating. A little extra liquid can make a significant difference in achieving the desired consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for someone with a gluten allergy?
Absolutely! You can easily make this soup gluten-free by substituting regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free gnocchi or pasta. Be sure to check labels for broth and other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
Can I make Creamy Gnocchi Soup vegetarian?
Yes! To make this delicious soup vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the bacon. You can add a bit more olive oil for sautéing and perhaps toss in some extra vegetables or mushrooms for added depth and flavor. This way, everyone can enjoy a warm, comforting bowl!
Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon for Ultimate Comfort
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large Dutch oven, cook thick-cut bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Add the fresh chopped rosemary in the last minute for extra flavor, then remove the bacon and retain 1 tablespoon of grease.
- Using the reserved bacon fat, sauté the yellow onion for 5 minutes until golden brown. Then, add the chopped carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, dried basil, fennel seeds, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the mixture becomes wonderfully aromatic.
- Stir in salted butter and all-purpose flour, cooking for about 1 minute to create a roux. Next, slowly pour in the low sodium vegetable broth and let it simmer for 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Incorporate kale, canned coconut milk or heavy cream, grated cheese, and fresh potato gnocchi. Adjust the thickness with more broth if desired, and simmer for around 10 minutes until the gnocchi become soft and pillowy.
- Serve the soup piping hot, topped with the crispy bacon you set aside and additional cheese if you like it extra cheesy. Enjoy it alongside hearty crusty bread!