Bacon Gnocchi Soup

Ingredients:

• 12 oz bacon, chopped
• 2 tbs butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 tbsp flour
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 32 oz gnocchi 
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp thyme 

Directions:

1. In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving bacon fat in the pot.
2. Add butter to the pot, followed by the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, making a roux.
4. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy whipping cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Add the gnocchi and cook for about 5 minutes or until the gnocchi float to the surface.
6. Stir in the cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper.
7. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the soup to thicken.
8. Garnish with bacon.