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Tasty Baked Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe

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

5.1 from 23 reviews

This Tasty Baked Gnocchi Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring pillowy gnocchi baked in a rich, creamy blend of Gruyère, Fontina, and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly golden and bubbly from the oven, it offers a comforting and indulgent meal with a hint of garlic and Dijon mustard for added depth. Garnished with fresh basil, it’s an inviting dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy cheese lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Gnocchi

  • 1 pound packaged or homemade gnocchi
  • Nonstick spray (to grease 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 & Garnish

  • 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. While the oven heats, cook the gnocchi according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the gnocchi and spread them in a single layer in a 1.5-quart shallow baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the Cheese Sauce Base: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Whisk in flour, allowing it to cook and bubble, creating a thickened paste. Then gradually whisk in the milk and Dijon mustard. Continue to whisk and cook the mixture until it thickens slightly, approximately 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add the Cheese and Season the Sauce: Combine Gruyère and Fontina cheese in a bowl. Gradually add the cheese to the milk mixture, a handful at a time, stirring until each handful is melted before adding the next. Once all the cheese is incorporated and melted into the sauce, season it with salt and white pepper to taste.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the prepared gnocchi in the baking dish. Sprinkle Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over the top. Move the dish to the preheated oven and bake until the gnocchi puff up and the top is golden and bubbly, about 25 minutes.
  5. Rest and Garnish: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the gnocchi rest for 5 minutes to set. Before serving, sprinkle fresh basil leaves over each portion for an aromatic finish. Enjoy your deliciously cheesy baked gnocchi!

Notes

  • You can use either store-bought or homemade gnocchi depending on your preference.
  • For a smoother sauce, make sure to whisk continuously while adding milk and cheese.
  • If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, feel free to increase the amounts of Gruyère and Fontina.
  • This dish is best served immediately after resting for optimal creaminess and texture.
  • Fresh basil adds a lovely aroma and slight freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • To make gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and confirm gnocchi are gluten-free.

Nutrition

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

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