Description
This Gnocchi Mac and Cheese recipe combines tender gnocchi with a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from Gruyère, Fontina, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Baked until golden and bubbly, it offers a comforting twist on traditional mac and cheese that’s perfect as a side dish or a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb gnocchi or homemade gnocchi
- Cooking spray
Cheese Sauce
- 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
Garnish
- Basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking the gnocchi mac and cheese.
- Prepare Gnocchi: Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until tender, then drain well. Spread the gnocchi in a single layer in a 1.5-quart shallow baking dish that has been lightly coated with cooking spray.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Whisk in the flour and cook until it thickens and bubbles. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and Dijon mustard. Continue to whisk and cook the sauce until it thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in the Gruyère and Fontina cheeses by the handful, stirring each batch until fully melted before adding the next. Season the cheese sauce with table salt and white pepper to taste.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the gnocchi in the baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano. Place in the oven and bake until the gnocchi puffs up and the cheese topping turns golden and bubbly, about 25 minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish individual servings with fresh basil leaves if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade gnocchi for this recipe.
- Make sure to drain the gnocchi well to avoid a watery dish.
- Use whole milk for a richer sauce, but you can substitute 2% milk for a lighter version.
- Basil garnish is optional but adds a fresh note to the rich dish.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
