Warm up your kitchen with my Cheddar Gnocchi Soup, a creamy delight that’s pure comfort. This simple recipe blends soft potato gnocchi with rich sharp cheddar, fresh veggies, and herbs. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this cozy dish, perfect for any night. Ready to create a soup that fills your heart and stomach? Let’s dive into the ingredients and cooking steps that make this recipe a favorite.

Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting Creaminess: This soup is rich and creamy, making it the perfect comfort food for chilly days.
- Quick and Easy: With just a 30-minute total cooking time, this recipe is great for busy weeknights.
- Cheesy Goodness: The combination of sharp cheddar cheese adds a delicious depth of flavor that cheese lovers will adore.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this soup with your favorite vegetables or protein additions.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley for garnish
Gathering the right ingredients is key for a great Cheddar Gnocchi Soup. Start with 1 pound of potato gnocchi. This gives the soup its heartiness. Next, grab 4 cups of vegetable broth. This adds a rich base. You’ll need 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for that creamy, cheesy goodness. A cup of heavy cream makes the soup extra rich and smooth.
You’ll also need 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. This adds flavor when you sauté the vegetables. For the veggies, chop 1 medium onion, minced 2 cloves of garlic, and dice 2 carrots and 2 celery stalks. These will create a tasty mix. Don’t forget 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and paprika for flavor. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color.
Substitutions
You can change things up with different cheese, like gouda or mozzarella. If you want a lighter broth, chicken broth works well too. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk instead of cream.
Recommended Tools
- Pot for cooking
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and chopping board
Using the right tools makes cooking easier. A large pot is perfect for cooking the soup. A wooden spoon or spatula helps mix everything well. A knife and chopping board are great for prepping the vegetables.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
To start, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they soften. Next, stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 1-2 minutes. This will make your kitchen smell great!
Now, pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of paprika for flavor.
Cooking the Soup
Once the broth boils, it’s time to add the 1 pound of potato gnocchi. Cook them according to the package instructions. This usually takes around 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi floats to the top.
Lower the heat to a simmer. Now add 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy. Don’t forget to taste it! Adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Serving Suggestions
When serving, ladle the soup into bowls. For a pop of color, garnish with fresh chives or parsley. This makes the dish look fancy! Pair it with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness!
Tips & Tricks
How to Ensure Creamy Texture
To keep your soup creamy, avoid curdling. Add cheese when the heat is low. Stir gently as it melts. This helps create a smooth blend. If you see curds forming, take the pot off the heat. Let it cool for a moment before stirring again.
Enhancing Flavor
Want more flavor? Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley. You can also try spices like cayenne for heat. Homemade broth adds depth, too. It gives your soup a richer taste than store-bought.
Time-saving Tips
Prepare your veggies ahead of time. Chop the onion, carrots, and celery early. Store them in the fridge. You can also use quick-cooking gnocchi. Some brands cook in just one minute! This saves you time on busy days.
Pro Tips
- Perfect Gnocchi Texture: Ensure the gnocchi are cooked just until they float to maintain their delicate texture.
- Cheese Selection: Use a high-quality sharp cheddar for a more pronounced flavor in the soup.
- Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Make it Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time; just add the gnocchi and cheese right before serving to keep everything fresh.
Variations
Customizing Your Soup
You can make this soup your own. Adding proteins like chicken or sausage boosts flavor. Cook these before adding them to the soup. You can also toss in vegetables like spinach or peas. They add color and nutrition. Just add them a few minutes before serving for freshness.
Spice Level Adjustments
Want more heat? Add some chili flakes to the pot. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. For different flavor profiles, think about spices like cumin or curry powder. These will change the taste and make it unique.
Seasoning Alternatives
Herbs make a big difference in flavor. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley add brightness. Dried herbs work too but use less. You can also explore creative pairings. Try smoked paprika for a smoky twist or lemon zest for brightness. These changes can make your soup shine.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your Cheddar Gnocchi Soup fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container for best results. Let the soup cool down before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture build-up. You can also divide the soup into smaller portions. This makes it easy to grab and reheat later.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to freeze the soup, portion it into smaller containers. Each container should hold one serving. This way, you can defrost just what you need. When it's time to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat. Stir it well to ensure even warming.
Shelf Life
In the fridge, the soup lasts about three to four days. Check for signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or shows any mold, toss it out. The soup should look creamy and smooth. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes, you can use store-bought gnocchi. In fact, I often recommend it for ease. Fresh or frozen gnocchi works great too. They cook quickly and add texture to your soup. Just follow the package instructions for best results.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge. Just keep it in a sealed container. It stays good for about 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, choose gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer great options. Also, check your vegetable broth to ensure it’s gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the creamy goodness without worry.
What can I serve with Cheddar Gnocchi Soup?
You can serve this soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad. Garlic bread pairs well too, adding a nice crunch. If you want something light, a simple green salad works beautifully. These sides enhance your meal and balance the soup's richness.
Can I omit the cream for a lighter version?
Yes, you can omit the cream. Use more vegetable broth instead. This will keep the soup light while still tasty. You might miss some creaminess, but the flavors will still shine through. Consider adding a splash of milk or a dairy-free alternative for a richer taste.
In this blog post, we covered making a tasty Cheddar Gnocchi Soup. You learned about the key ingredients, steps to cook it, and ways to customize the recipe. I shared tips for creamy texture and flavor enhancements. Don't forget, you can store leftovers for later!
Explore your options with substitutions and variations to make it your own. This soup is simple yet satisfying. Enjoy every spoonful and make it a dish you love to share. Happy cookin

Cheddar Gnocchi Delight Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish fresh chives or parsley
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the thyme and paprika.
- Once boiling, add the potato gnocchi to the pot. Cook according to package instructions, usually around 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface.
- Lower the heat to a simmer and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Leave a Reply