Get ready to elevate your comfort food game with the ultimate culinary mashup that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine the pillowy softness of Italian gnocchi meeting the irresistible cheesy goodness of classic mac and cheese - this isn't just a recipe, it's a flavor revolution that will transform your dinner routine forever. Whether you're a comfort food enthusiast or a culinary adventurer, this Gnocchi Macaroni and Cheese promises to be the most delectable, crowd-pleasing dish you've ever created in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package gnocchi
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 package of gnocchi, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste, and breadcrumbs for topping.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Drain the gnocchi and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken your cheese sauce.
- Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce, stirring to combine. Then, slowly mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the cheese sauce, ensuring that each piece is well coated with the creamy mixture.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the gnocchi and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs generously over the top of the gnocchi and cheese mixture for added texture and crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Gnocchi Macaroni and Cheese!
Tips
- For the creamiest sauce, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged - it melts more smoothly and provides a richer flavor.
- Don't overcook the gnocchi - they should be just tender. They'll continue cooking slightly in the cheese sauce and oven.
- If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
- For extra flavor, consider adding crispy bacon bits, sautéed onions, or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the topping.
- Use a high-quality cheddar cheese for maximum flavor impact. Sharp or extra-sharp varieties work best.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese sauce to set and make serving easier.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 508kcal
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 61mg
