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This Velvety Gnocchi Soup with Herb-Infused Bacon brings comfort in every spoonful – just what you need when it's freezing outside. The pillowy potato dumplings, fresh veggie mix, silky broth, and crunchy herb-scented bacon come together beautifully. You can throw this together on your stove, let it bubble away in a slow cooker, or speed things up with an instant pot – either way, you'll get an easy, soul-warming meal.
What Makes This Dish Special
You'll fall for this rich, smooth soup that's bursting with amazing flavors. The soft gnocchi makes it filling, and the herb-infused bacon adds that perfect salty crunch. It's simple enough for Tuesday dinner but fancy enough when friends come over. And the best part? Everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup won't be a hassle.
Key Components Explained
- Potato Gnocchi: These little pillows suck up all that creamy goodness wonderfully.
- Bacon: Gives that crunchy, salty kick with rosemary notes throughout.
- Rosemary: Brings that woodsy, fragrant touch that works magic with the bacon.
- Vegetables: The onion, carrots, and celery create the essential flavor foundation.
- Butter and Flour: They team up to thicken everything into that perfect creamy texture.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: This liquid base carries all the tasty flavors.
- Asiago Cheese: Adds that bold, nutty taste that takes the broth up a notch.
- Milk or Cream: Transforms everything into silky, rich deliciousness.
- Herbs and Spices: The Italian seasoning mix plus salt and pepper bring all the warmth and depth.
How To Make It
- Make Bacon Extra Tasty
- Get your bacon nice and crispy in a Dutch oven. Toss rosemary into the bacon fat until it smells amazing. Set them aside for later.
- Cook Your Veggies
- Using that same pot with all those tasty bits, cook down your onions, carrots, and celery until they're soft.
- Build Your Soup Foundation
- Drop in butter and flour, stirring them together. Slowly pour in your broth while whisking to avoid clumps, then let it bubble gently.
- Finish It Off
- Pour in your milk or cream, sprinkle in Asiago, and drop in the gnocchi. Let everything simmer until gnocchi turns tender. Top with your crispy bacon-rosemary mix before eating.
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Ways To Switch It Up
Want it meat-free? Just skip the bacon and go with veggie broth instead. Throw in some spinach or kale to get your greens in, or try Parmesan if you don't have Asiago. Need it gluten-free? Look for gluten-free gnocchi and swap in gluten-free flour for thickening.
Keeping It Fresh
Pop leftover soup in a sealed container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Smart move: take out the gnocchi before storing so they don't soak up all the liquid. When you want more, warm it slowly on low heat and add extra broth if it's thickened up too much. Don't try freezing this one – creamy soups don't usually thaw well.
Perfect Pairings
This soup tastes amazing with some crusty bread or garlic twists for dunking. Balance out the richness with a simple green salad – maybe arugula with a squeeze of lemon dressing. Got wine? A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc goes perfectly with these creamy flavors.
Insider Cooking Tricks
Always grab fresh rosemary instead of dried for better aroma. Cook it in the bacon fat to make it even tastier. Keep whisking when you add flour to your broth so everything stays smooth. Don't let those gnocchi cook too long or they'll turn mushy.
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Different Takes To Explore
Mix in some pulled chicken or crumbled sausage if you want more protein. Try swapping gnocchi for tortellini to change up the texture. Want more flavor? Stir in a spoon of pesto right before serving. A tiny sprinkle of red pepper flakes can give it a slight kick.
Fixing Common Issues
If your soup looks too thick, just splash in more broth or milk until you like how it flows. Got flour lumps? Whisk really hard when adding liquid to smooth things out. Don't cook those gnocchi forever – they'll fall apart and turn to mush.
Smart Do-Ahead Tips
Want to save time? Make everything except adding the gnocchi and bacon, then stick it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, heat it up and throw in the gnocchi and bacon. This way everything stays the right texture and tastes just-made fresh.
Making It Look Fancy
Ladle your soup into earthy-looking bowls, then top with those crispy bacon bits, some freshly grated Asiago, and a scattering of chopped parsley. Put a basket of bread on the table and you've got a picture-perfect setup for those nights when everyone needs something warm and cozy.
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Common Recipe Questions
- → How can I prepare this dish?
- You’ve got options: use the stovetop (40 mins), go for a slow cooker (6-8 hrs on low), or try the Instant Pot (30 mins total).
- → What kinds of milk work here?
- You can pick from heavy cream, whole milk, or coconut milk. Each gives the dish a slightly different richness.
- → How do I adjust the texture of the soup?
- Too thick? Just pour in more broth until it’s perfect. The blend of cheese and flour is what thickens it.
- → What sides pair well with this?
- Grab crusty bread! It soaks up the creamy broth and makes every bite satisfying.
- → Can I prep anything earlier?
- Yep! Chop the veggies and cook the rosemary bacon ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge till you're ready.