Name: Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb gnocchi or homemade gnocchi; Cooking spray; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/4 cup shredded Gruyère cheese; 1/4 cup shredded Fontina cheese; Table salt to taste; White pepper to taste; 1/3 cup shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano; Basil leaves for garnish (optional)

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If you have a soft spot for comfort food and crave something truly spectacular, this Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe is just what you need to wow your taste buds. It’s like the classic mac and cheese you love, but with pillowy gnocchi taking center stage, swimming in a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and utterly irresistible. Every forkful is a fantastic celebration of gooey melted cheeses, subtle garlic warmth, and a perfect golden crust. Trust me, this dish will quickly become your go-to when you want to treat yourself or impress friends with a cozy yet elegant meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a silver cooking pan filled with a smooth, pale yellow sauce with a few tiny orange specks, stirred gently by a metal whisk with a black handle. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface, and a blue and white striped cloth is seen folded in the background. The sauce looks creamy and thick but easy to mix, with the whisk slightly lifting from the center of the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple yet high-quality ingredients is key to making this Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe sing with flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role, from the tender gnocchi that provide the perfect base, to the blend of cheeses that create that melt-in-your-mouth decadence.

1 lb gnocchi or homemade gnocchi: Choose fresh or store-bought for soft, pillowy bites that soak up the sauce beautifully.
Cooking spray: Helps to prevent sticking while baking, ensuring an easy release and perfect crust formation.
2 tbsps butter: Adds richness and helps create a flavorful roux for the sauce.
1 tsp minced garlic: Provides a gentle kick and aromatic depth to the creamy cheese sauce.
1 tbsp all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce, giving it that smooth, luscious texture.
3/4 cup whole milk: The creamy liquid base that balances out the cheese’s richness.
1 tsp Dijon mustard: A subtle tang that brightens and layers the flavors beautifully.
1/4 cup shredded Gruyère cheese: Melts with a sweet and nutty character, elevating the sauce.
1/4 cup shredded Fontina cheese: Offers smooth, mild creaminess that blends perfectly.
Table salt to taste: Enhances every flavor and ensures the dish is perfectly seasoned.
White pepper to taste: Adds a mild heat without overpowering the delicate flavors.
1/3 cup shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano: Sprinkled on top for that irresistible golden, bubbly crust.
Basil leaves for garnish (optional): Fresh herbs add a refreshing pop of color and aroma.

How to Make Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Gnocchi

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F so it’s ready when you are. Cook the gnocchi according to the package directions until they’re tender and just right. Drain them well and arrange in a single layer in a baking dish that’s been lightly sprayed with cooking spray. This even layer helps the gnocchi cook perfectly and absorb the delicious sauce.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and immediately stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned—that little aromatic burst sets the tone for the sauce. Next, whisk in the flour, cooking until it thickens and bubbles gently. Slowly add the milk and Dijon mustard while whisking steadily; this avoids lumps and builds a silky base. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken to creamy perfection.

Step 3: Add the Cheeses and Season

Combine the Gruyère and Fontina cheeses, then add them gradually to the milk mixture, stirring well after each handful so everything melts smoothly. Once you have a velvety, cheesy sauce, season it with salt and white pepper to suit your taste. This layered melting process ensures the sauce is rich with balanced flavor and texture.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the luscious cheese sauce evenly over the gnocchi in your baking dish, making sure every pillow is coated. Then, sprinkle the shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano over the top—it’s this cheese that will create that glorious golden crust when baked. Slide your dish into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes until the cheese bubbles happily and the top turns a mouth-watering golden brown.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Once out of the oven, let the gnocchi rest for 5 minutes. This brief pause lets everything settle, improves the texture, and makes serving easier. Finish by sprinkling fresh basil leaves on top for a vibrant burst of color and a fresh, herbal aroma that complements the rich cheese sauce beautifully.

How to Serve Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe

The image shows two white plates on a white marbled surface, each filled with small, soft gnocchi pieces covered evenly in a creamy, pale yellow sauce. Both plates have silver forks resting partly on their edges, with one fork slightly pushed into the sauce in the foreground plate. The creamy sauce has a smooth texture, giving the gnocchi a shiny, moist look, and the background plate is softly out of focus, drawing attention to the closer plate of food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves are a classic garnish that lift the earthy, cheesy flavors with their subtle peppery notes. For a touch of crunch, try toasted breadcrumbs or crispy pancetta bits. A drizzle of olive oil or a dusting of smoked paprika can add an exciting twist to the presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

This Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple green salads dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Steam some seasonal vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to add freshness and color on the plate. A crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon also complements the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for an instantly impressive presentation. Alternatively, layer the dish into a gratin-style casserole for sharing, garnished with fresh herbs on the side, making it feel special for dinner guests or family gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to cool the dish completely before sealing to preserve the creamy texture and keep flavors fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Freeze it in portions or as a whole casserole, wrapped tightly to avoid freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain that wonderful creamy consistency.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. For quicker reheating, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heat and avoid drying out the sauce. Add a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works just as well—just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions and drain it thoroughly before baking to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can swap the cheeses and milk with plant-based alternatives, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ from the classic version. Nutritional yeast can be a great substitute for a cheesy flavor in vegan sauce bases.

Is this recipe suitable as a main course?

Yes, this Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe is hearty and filling enough to serve as a main dish, especially when paired with a fresh salad or vegetable side.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely! Cooked chicken, crispy bacon, or even sautéed mushrooms make wonderful additions that enhance the dish and add variety in flavor and texture.

What is the best cheese substitute if I can’t find Gruyère or Fontina?

Look for cheeses that melt well with a mild nutty flavor, such as mozzarella mixed with a sharp white cheddar. These alternatives maintain the creaminess and flavor balance in the sauce.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—your new comfort food obsession in the form of this unforgettable Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, perfectly textured, and surprisingly easy to make, offering a fresh spin on a beloved classic. So, grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this tasty, cozy dish that’s sure to earn a permanent place in your recipe collection.