Introduction

Tasty Baked Gnocchi Mac and Cheese is a comforting twist on a classic favorite, featuring pillowy gnocchi baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This dish offers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that’s perfect for a cozy meal any night of the week.

A close-up of a baked gnocchi dish in a white rectangular baking dish, showing a single layer of small, round gnocchi covered with a creamy white sauce that is browned and bubbly in spots, with golden crispy patches on top. The sauce has a smooth, rich texture and is sprinkled with small pieces of dark green chopped herbs. There are also whole fresh green basil leaves scattered on top, adding a bright contrast to the creamy and golden tones. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound packaged or homemade gnocchi
Nonstick spray
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
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: basil leaves for decoration

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Cook the gnocchi according to package directions, then drain and spread them in a single layer in a 1.5-quart shallow baking dish sprayed with nonstick spray.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Whisk in flour and cook until bubbly, then gradually whisk in milk and Dijon mustard. Continue whisking and cooking until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Combine Gruyère and Fontina cheeses in a bowl. Gradually add the cheeses to the sauce, stirring until fully melted after each addition. Season the sauce with salt and white pepper to taste.
Step 4: Pour the cheese sauce over the prepared gnocchi. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven until the gnocchi puff up and the top is golden and bubbly, about 25 minutes.
Step 5: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving for an aromatic touch.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top along with the Parmesan before baking.
Replace Gruyère or Fontina with sharp cheddar for a different cheese flavor.
Add cooked mushrooms or spinach to the gnocchi before pouring the cheese sauce for added veggies.
If you like a hint of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.

Storage

Store leftover baked gnocchi mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 350 degrees F or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

The image shows a white dish filled with bubbling, golden brown gnocchi covered in melted cheese, with some fresh green herbs sprinkled on top. The gnocchi are round, plump, and browned in spots from baking. A woman's hand is raising a spoonful of gnocchi, stretching gooey melted cheese that pulls away from the dish. The background is a white marbled texture, with steam rising from the hot baked gnocchi. A single fresh green basil leaf is visible on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. Just cook according to the package instructions without thawing first, then proceed with the recipe as usual.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it uncovered for a few hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Tasty Baked Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 147 reviews

This Tasty Baked Gnocchi Mac and Cheese is a comforting and cheesy baked pasta dish featuring pillowy gnocchi coated in a rich Gruyère and Fontina cheese sauce, topped with Parmesan for a golden, bubbly crust. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal, it combines the creamy goodness of classic mac and cheese with the delightful texture of gnocchi, finished with fresh basil for a fragrant touch.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

Gnocchi

1 pound packaged or homemade gnocchi
Nonstick spray, for coating the 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: fresh basil leaves for decoration

Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Gnocchi: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Cook the gnocchi according to the package directions or your homemade recipe instructions. Once cooked, drain the gnocchi well and spread them in a single layer in a 1.5-quart shallow baking dish that has been lightly coated with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Make the Cheese Sauce Base: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture bubbles and forms a thick paste. Slowly whisk in the milk and Dijon mustard, continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Add the Cheese and Season the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the grated Gruyère and Fontina cheeses. Gradually stir the cheeses into the warm milk mixture a handful at a time, stirring continuously until each addition melts completely before adding more. Once all cheese is melted into the sauce, season with salt and white pepper to taste, adjusting for your preference.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the prepared gnocchi in the baking dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the sauce. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the gnocchi become puffed and the top cheese layer is golden and bubbly.
Rest and Garnish: Remove the baked gnocchi from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to set. Just before serving, garnish each portion with fresh basil leaves for added aroma and color. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious baked gnocchi mac and cheese!

Notes

Using full-fat milk and a combination of Gruyère and Fontina cheeses ensures a rich and creamy sauce.
Make sure to cook the gnocchi fully before baking to avoid a chewy texture.
You can substitute the basil with fresh parsley or thyme depending on your taste preference.
For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Keywords: gnocchi mac and cheese, baked gnocchi, cheesy gnocchi, comfort food, Italian mac and cheese, gruyere cheese sauce