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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 28 reviews

This Tasty Baked Gnocchi Mac and Cheese features pillowy gnocchi smothered in a rich, creamy blend of Gruyère, Fontina, and Parmesan cheeses, baked to golden perfection. A comforting, elevated twist on classic mac and cheese that’s easy to prepare and perfect for cozy meals.

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

  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional

  • Basil leaves for decoration

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Gnocchi: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Cook the gnocchi according to package directions until they float to the surface, indicating they are done. Drain well and spread the gnocchi in an even layer in a 1.5-quart shallow baking dish that has been lightly sprayed with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the Cheese Sauce Base: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until it forms a thick paste and bubbles slightly. Gradually whisk in the full-fat milk and Dijon mustard, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Add the Cheese and Season the Sauce: Combine the Gruyère and Fontina cheeses in a bowl. Add the cheeses to the thickened milk mixture a handful at a time, stirring continuously until each addition melts fully before adding more. Once all cheese is incorporated and the sauce is smooth and creamy, season with salt and white pepper to taste.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the prepared gnocchi in the baking dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the gnocchi puff up slightly and the top turns golden and bubbly.
  5. Rest and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set. Before serving, garnish each portion with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant, fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy your deliciously cheesy baked gnocchi mac and cheese!

Notes

  • You can use homemade or store-bought gnocchi; just adjust the cooking method accordingly.
  • Be sure not to brown the garlic; it should be fragrant but not burnt for best flavor.
  • For a lighter version, use reduced-fat milk and reduce cheese quantities slightly, though flavor will be affected.
  • Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce for a subtle depth of flavor.
  • If you want a crispier topping, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition

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

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