Description
This Three Cheese Mac and Cheese Gnocchi recipe combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender potato gnocchi for a comforting and indulgent meal. A rich cheese sauce made from cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella is baked to golden perfection, creating a delicious twist on classic mac and cheese using gnocchi instead of pasta.
Ingredients
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Main
- 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the top third of the oven for optimal baking and broiling.
- Make Roux: In an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture turns a light golden brown and smells nutty, about 3 minutes. This forms a roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Slowly whisk in the whole milk to the roux mixture. Add garlic powder, mustard powder, and salt. Continue whisking constantly for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, similar to Alfredo sauce consistency, ensuring the milk doesn’t scorch.
- Add Cheese and Gnocchi: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar and freshly grated parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Then fold in the uncooked potato gnocchi, making sure they are well coated with the cheese sauce.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the gnocchi mixture. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until bubbly. Then switch to broil and broil for a few minutes to brown and crisp the mozzarella on top, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving to let the sauce thicken slightly and flavors meld.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to make the recipe easy from stovetop to oven without transferring dishes.
- Keep whisking the sauce continuously to prevent the milk from scorching and to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
- Watch the cheese closely while broiling as it can quickly go from golden brown to burnt.
- Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
