Thursday 30 October 2014

Gnocchi Mac and Cheese

Comfort food. There's nothing else like it. Macaroni and Cheese has always been my favorite, and using potato gnocchi instead of macaroni elbows makes this classic dish even more delicious. 



I've made this dish a couple of times now (and THAT'S how slow I am at getting around to posting my recipes). I've used both homemade gnocchi, and store brought. Both work beautifully but if you have the time (and patience), I'd definitely recommend the extra effort of homemade gnocchi.


Gnocchi Mac and Cheese


Serves 4

800 g (28 oz) potato gnocchi
1 onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
150 g (0.3 lbs) ham or bacon, chopped
2 Tbsp butter
1/4 Cup plain flour
2 1/4 Cups skim milk
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 Cup grated Edam
1/2 Cup grated Swiss Cheese
1/4 Cup grated Parmesan
Salt and pepper to taste
Extra cheese for sprinkling on top

1. Preheat the oven to 200C (400F) and cook the gnocchi following package directions.

2. Heat a dash of oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and bacon/ham. Fry for about 3 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the meat browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Return the pan to the heat and add the butter. Whisk in the flour and gradually add milk, whisking well. Stir with a wooden spoon until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back, but not boiling. Stir in the nutmeg, cheeses, and season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat and stir in the cooked gnocchi.

4. Pour into an oven-proof dish, sprinkle the top with the extra cheese, and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden.

9 comments:

  1. I love cheesy gnocchi. i made a gnocchi, sage and cheese sauce last year and it's been one of my popular dishes. I love the addition of ham or bacon.

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  2. There used to be a white table cloth Italian restaurant near me that was way over priced. They served something like this. They went out of business years ago, and I miss this dish so much. Now, I can make it! I bet yours is better than theirs anyway (homemade always tastes better!). Thanks!

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  3. I love gnocchi and anything with bechamel would be divine. Yours looks so good Nicole. Lots of flavors in one dish!!

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  4. You did an incredible job with this dish...everything about it screams comfort food!

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  5. This looks wonderful! I love gnocchi but I never considered making it this way! This is pure deliciousness! If you have a free moment, I would be honored if you would share it with us at Foodie Fridays! Pinning and stumbling though, either way. :) Happy Friday!

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  6. This looks amazing! Edam is one of my favorite cheeses, i love that you combined it with this hearty flavorful gnocchi!

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  7. Never thought to pair gnocchi and blend into a "mac 'n cheese" style dish. Nice.

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  8. Great comfort food idea. Love it!

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  9. Thanks so much for the recipe. I made it for dinner last week and it was delicious! It made enough for leftovers so I had yummy lunches as well. And, some of my co-workers took a nibble and loved it!

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