Tasty Baked Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Tasty Baked Gnocchi Mac and Cheese is a comforting twist on classic mac and cheese, using pillowy gnocchi instead of pasta. This dish features a rich, creamy cheese sauce baked to golden perfection, topped with fresh basil for a burst of flavor. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special treat.

Ingredients

• 1 lb gnocchi
• Nonstick spray (like Pam, for easy cleanup)
• 1 tsp chopped garlic (freshly minced)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• White pepper
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• Salt
• 3/4 cup whole milk (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup grated Fontina cheese
• Fresh basil leaves (thinly sliced, for garnish)
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Cook the gnocchi according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and spread in a single layer in a 1.5-quart shallow baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Whisk in flour and cook briefly to form a thickened paste.
3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in the milk and Dijon mustard. Continue whisking and cooking until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Combine Gruyere and Fontina cheeses in a bowl. Add cheese to the sauce gradually, stirring until each addition is melted before adding more. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
5. Step 5: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the gnocchi. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven until the gnocchi puff and the top is golden and bubbly, about 25 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish each serving with sliced fresh basil before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream along with the milk.
• Use your favorite cheeses or add a pinch of nutmeg for a warm spice note.
• Try adding cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms before baking for more texture.
• Make sure the milk is at room temperature to prevent lumps in the sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through, about 10–15 minutes, to preserve the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving to keep the sauce smooth and the topping crisp.

How to Serve

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 package directions before assembling and baking the dish.

What can I substitute for Gruyere and Fontina cheeses?

You can substitute with other melting cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack. Combining a sharp and mild cheese will mimic the flavor profile nicely.

Tasty Baked Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 102 reviews

This Tasty Baked Gnocchi Mac and Cheese combines pillowy gnocchi with a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from Gruyère, Fontina, and Parmesan. Baked until bubbling and golden, it’s an irresistible comfort dish topped with fresh basil for a fragrant finish.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Gnocchi:

• 1 lb gnocchi
• Nonstick spray (like Pam, for easy cleanup)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 1 tsp chopped garlic (freshly minced for best flavor)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• White pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• Salt, to taste
• 3/4 cup whole milk (room temperature for a smoother sauce)
• 1/4 cup grated Fontina cheese

For the Topping:

• Fresh basil leaves (thinly sliced, for garnish)
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Gnocchi: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Cook the gnocchi according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain well and spread the gnocchi in a single layer in a 1.5-quart shallow baking dish sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce Base: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Whisk in the flour to form a thick paste and cook until it bubbles gently. Gradually whisk in the room-temperature milk and Dijon mustard, continuing to stir and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Add the Cheese and Season the Sauce: Combine Gruyère and Fontina cheese in a bowl. Add the cheeses gradually to the milk mixture, stirring constantly and waiting for each handful to melt before adding more. Once all the cheese has melted into the sauce, season with salt and white pepper to taste.
4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the prepared gnocchi in the baking dish. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven until the gnocchi have puffed up and the top is golden and bubbly, approximately 25 minutes.
5. Rest and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Before serving, sprinkle thinly sliced fresh basil leaves over each portion for a fragrant and fresh finish. Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy baked gnocchi!

Notes

• Using room-temperature milk helps create a smoother cheese sauce with fewer lumps.
• Be sure to gradually add cheese to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth melt.
• Fresh basil adds a lovely aromatic touch but can be omitted if unavailable.
• This dish can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.

Keywords: gnocchi mac and cheese, baked gnocchi, cheese sauce, Gruyère cheese, Fontina cheese, comfort food, baked pasta substitute, Italian-American recipes