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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 11 reviews

This Tasty Baked Gnocchi Mac and Cheese is a comforting and indulgent twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring pillowy gnocchi baked in a creamy blend of Gruyère, Fontina, and Parmesan cheeses with a hint of Dijon mustard for depth. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbly, it delivers a rich, cheesy flavor with a delicate garlic undertone – an ideal cozy meal for cheese lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Gnocchi

  • 1 pound packaged or homemade gnocchi
  • Nonstick cooking spray

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 & 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 the package instructions or your homemade recipe. Drain well, then spread the cooked gnocchi in a single layer 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 the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Whisk in the flour and cook, allowing it to bubble and thicken to a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and Dijon mustard, continuing to whisk and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Add the Cheese and Season the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the Gruyère and Fontina cheeses. Add the cheese gradually to the thickened milk mixture, stirring until each handful melts completely before adding more. Season the cheese sauce with salt and white pepper to taste.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the gnocchi in the baking dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the gnocchi puff up slightly and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  5. Rest and Garnish: Remove the baked gnocchi from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Just before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic and colorful finish. Serve warm and enjoy this rich, cheesy delight!

Notes

  • You can substitute the cheeses with similar melting cheeses if needed, but Gruyère, Fontina, and Parmesan provide the best flavor balance.
  • For a richer sauce, use whole milk or even half-and-half.
  • Gnocchi can be homemade or store-bought; cooking times may vary slightly accordingly.
  • White pepper is used for seasoning to avoid black flecks in the sauce, but black pepper can be used if preferred.
  • To enhance the garlic flavor, you may add a bit more garlic or use roasted garlic for a milder taste.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in an oven or microwave; fresh basil garnish is best added after reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked gnocchi, gnocchi mac and cheese, cheese sauce, Gruyère recipe, Fontina cheese, Parmesan, comfort food, Italian-American, cheesy pasta bake

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