Description
This Tasty Baked Gnocchi Mac and Cheese is a comforting twist on traditional mac and cheese, featuring pillowy gnocchi baked in a rich and creamy cheese sauce with a golden, bubbly parmesan crust. It combines the softness of gnocchi with the classic flavors of gruyère, fontina, and parmesan cheeses for a satisfying, easy-to-make dinner perfect for family meals or cozy nights in.
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the assembled dish.
- Cook Gnocchi: Boil salted water and cook the gnocchi for 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface, indicating they are done. Drain well and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the chopped garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in flour to form a roux, then gradually whisk in the full-fat milk to create a smooth sauce without lumps.
- Add Flavor & Cheese: Stir in the dijon mustard, salt, and white pepper. Add the grated gruyère and fontina cheeses; continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted into a creamy sauce.
- Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Toss the cooked gnocchi in the cheese sauce to coat evenly.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the cheesy gnocchi mixture to a nonstick baking dish. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Notes
- Using a mix of gruyère, fontina, and parmesan cheeses adds depth and creaminess to the sauce.
- Ensure the gnocchi are drained very well to prevent watery sauce.
- You can add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce for extra warmth and complexity if desired.
- For a crispy topping, consider adding breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan before baking.
- Serve immediately for the best texture, as the sauce will thicken upon cooling.
