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Tasty Baked Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe

Tasty Baked Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 21 reviews

A comforting and cheesy baked dish featuring tender gnocchi smothered in a creamy Gruyère and Fontina cheese sauce, topped with Parmesan, and baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make recipe combines the pillowy texture of gnocchi with classic mac and cheese flavors for a delightful twist on a traditional favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Gnocchi

  • 1 pound packaged or homemade gnocchi
  • Nonstick spray for baking dish

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
  • 1 tablespoon regular flour
  • 3/4 cup full-fat milk
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup grated Gruyère cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Fontina cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • White pepper to taste

Topping and Garnish

  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: fresh basil leaves for decoration

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Gnocchi: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until tender, then drain. Spread the cooked gnocchi in a single layer in a 1.5-quart shallow baking dish that has been coated with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the Cheese Sauce Base: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, to form a smooth paste. Slowly whisk in the milk and Dijon mustard, continuing to whisk and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  3. Add the Cheese and Season the Sauce: Combine the Gruyère and Fontina cheeses in a bowl. Gradually stir in the cheese handful by handful into the warm sauce, making sure each addition is fully melted before adding the next. Season the sauce with salt and white pepper to taste.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the gnocchi in the baking dish. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the gnocchi puff up and the top is golden and bubbly.
  5. Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes to set. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves for added aroma and color. Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy baked gnocchi.

Notes

  • For a richer sauce, use full-fat milk or substitute part of the milk with cream.
  • Feel free to add cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added texture and nutrients.
  • Use freshly grated cheeses for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded packaged cheeses.
  • You can prep the sauce ahead of time and assemble just before baking.
  • If you prefer a crispier top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking but watch closely to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: gnocchi, mac and cheese, baked gnocchi, cheesy pasta, comfort food, Italian recipe, Gruyère, Fontina

Find it online: https://islawhite.com/tasty-baked-gnocchi-mac-and-cheese-recipe/