Description
A warm and inviting Gnocchi Mac & Cheese Casserole that combines tender gnocchi and creamy cheese for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 800 g fresh potato gnocchi
- 60 g unsalted butter
- 60 g all-purpose flour
- 700 ml whole milk (warmed)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 400 g grated cheese (200 g sharp cheddar and 200 g Gouda or Gruyère)
- 50 g grated Parmesan
- 50 g breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 50 g additional grated cheese (cheddar or Parmesan)
- 1 small onion (optional, finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (optional, minced)
- 100 g diced beef bacon (optional)
- 150 g vegetables (e.g., broccoli florets, peas, spinach, pre-cooked or lightly sautéed, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Grease a large casserole dish (approximately 25×35 cm) to prevent sticking.
- Grate all cheeses fresh for the best flavor.
- Gently warm the milk in a small pot or microwave until hot but not boiling.
- If desired, prepare optional ingredients: Cook beef bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels. Finely dice onions and garlic. Steam or blanch vegetables.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the flour and cook while stirring for 1-2 minutes until smooth, ensuring it does not brown.
- Remove from heat and slowly whisk in the warmed milk to avoid lumps.
- Return to medium heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Add grated cheddar, Gouda/Gruyère, and Parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes). They should be al dente.
- Drain the gnocchi and add them to the cheese sauce, along with any optional ingredients.
- Gently mix until the gnocchi are well-coated in sauce.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and additional grated cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and breadcrumbs are golden.
- Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For easy prep, prepare ingredients beforehand. The casserole can also be made in advance and frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg