Tasty Baked Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe
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.
- 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
