1. In a large pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside, leaving a little bit of the bacon grease in the pot.

2. Add the butter to the pot, then sauté the onion and carrots until they’re softened. Stir in the garlic powder to infuse the mixture with its aromatic essence.

3. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the salt, pepper, thyme, and chili flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Carefully add the gnocchi to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the top, indicating they’re cooked through.

5. Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together and the soup to thicken slightly.

6. Finally, mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and the soup is deliciously creamy. Stir in the chopped bacon, reserving some for garnish.

7. Ladle the Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup into bowls, garnishing each serving with extra bacon and cheddar cheese. Serve warm and savor every comforting spoonful.