Description
This Tasty Baked Gnocchi Mac and Cheese is a comforting and delicious twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring pillowy gnocchi coated in a rich, creamy cheese sauce made with Gruyère, Fontina, and Parmesan. Baked to golden bubbly perfection, this dish combines the best of Italian flavors with a satisfying cheesy goodness, perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi
- 1 pound gnocchi (packaged or homemade)
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
- 3/4 cup full-fat milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Fontina cheese
- Salt and white pepper to taste
Topping
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the gnocchi mac and cheese later.
- Cook the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook for 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface, indicating they are done. Drain them carefully and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce base: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in flour to create a roux, then gradually whisk in the full-fat milk to avoid lumps.
- Add seasonings and cheeses: Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, and white pepper for flavor. Then add the grated Gruyère and Fontina cheeses, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine gnocchi and sauce: Toss the cooked gnocchi in the cheese sauce ensuring they are well coated with the creamy mixture.
- Bake to finish: Transfer the gnocchi mixture into a nonstick baking dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the dish is bubbly and the top turns a beautiful golden brown.
Notes
- For a crispier top, you can broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
- Feel free to substitute the cheeses with others like mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- If homemade gnocchi is not available, store-bought gnocchi works perfectly well in this recipe.
- Adjust the salt and white pepper according to taste, especially considering the saltiness of the cheeses used.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
