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Creamy Gnocchi Mac and Cheese

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

5 from 18 reviews

This Tasty Baked Gnocchi Mac and Cheese is a comforting and cheesy twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring pillowy gnocchi baked in a rich Gruyère and Fontina cheese sauce topped with a golden parmesan crust. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for a cozy dinner.

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 all-purpose 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 your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the gnocchi according to package directions until they float to the surface, indicating they are done. Drain well and spread them evenly in a 1.5-quart shallow baking dish that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the Cheese Sauce Base: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the flour to make a roux and cook until it bubbles and thickens slightly. Gradually whisk in the milk and Dijon mustard, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Add the Cheese and Season the Sauce: Combine Gruyère and Fontina cheeses in a bowl. Gradually stir in the cheeses a handful at a time into the warm sauce, ensuring each batch melts completely before adding the next. Season the cheese sauce with salt and white pepper to taste.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the prepared cheese sauce evenly over the gnocchi in the baking dish. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for a golden crust. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the gnocchi puff up and the top is bubbly and golden brown.
  5. Rest and Garnish: Remove the baked gnocchi mac and cheese from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving to add a fresh, aromatic note. Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy, comforting meal.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, use reduced-fat milk and reduce the amount of butter.
  • Feel free to substitute the Gruyère and Fontina with other melting cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar if preferred.
  • Make sure not to overcook gnocchi before baking to maintain a nice texture.
  • Fresh basil is optional but adds a lovely herbal aroma and freshness.
  • The dish can be prepared ahead up to assembly, then refrigerated before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: gnocchi mac and cheese, baked gnocchi, cheesy gnocchi, comfort food, Italian-inspired, easy dinner

Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/creamy-gnocchi-mac-and-cheese/