Just think (and simultaneously drool) heavenly pillows of gnocchi, wrapped in a creamy cheesy mac and cheese sauce, topped with a crispy crunchy topping, then baked in the oven. This is not a drill. I repeat, this is not a drill.
Gnocchi Mac and Cheese
Like mac and cheese, but with gnocchi. Simples! Well it’s a little different, but you get the gist. First things first, let’s talk mac and cheese sauce.
Tips for the best Mac and Cheese sauce
Different Cheeses – After all, variety is the key to life. I tend to use cheddar, mozzarella and parmesan for the ultimate mac and cheese sauce. Seasoning – A cheesy roux? Meh, not bad. A cheesy roux with 3 different cheese? Better. A 3 cheese roux with garlic powder, onion powder and dijon mustard? Ding ding! Those added ingredients will enhance that cheesy goodness more than you’d ever imagine. Bacon – Do I really need an explanation?
How to make Gnocchi Mac and Cheese (quick summary)
Baked Gnocchi Mac and Cheese
If you’re making gnocchi mac and cheese, it’s gotta be baked! I bake my regular mac and cheese every time, but here it truly makes the difference. Gnocchi itself is fairly soft, so it’s nice to have that nice crispy, crunchy contrast.
Tips for the best Mac and Cheese topping
50/50 combo – I like to use a 50/50 combo of breadcrumbs and parmesan. This keeps the perfect balance of crispy but not dry, and cheesy but not gloopy. Season – It’s important to season your topping. You’ve got a gorgeously flavoursome cheese sauce hiding underneath it, don’t spoil it with bland breadcrumbs. A find a pinch of salt and pepper before it goes in the oven does the trick. Oil – To keep the breadcrumbs from drying up, I spray a little oil on top before it goes in the oven. A few sprays of 1cal olive oil spray works perfectly!
How to bake Gnocchi Mac and Cheese (quick summary)
Can gnocchi mac and cheese be reheated?
This actually doesn’t reheat particularly well. The gnocchi sucks in most of the sauce as it rests in the fridge, so turns out considerably more dry than when served fresh. If you do have leftovers though, I recommend covering and storing in the fridge, then bringing to room temp and baking in the oven until the top goes crusty again and the centre is cooked through.
Can I make this with pasta instead?
Sure can! Use 10.5oz/300g worth of pasta, and only cook until al dente (a couple of mins off packet instructions). Beside that it’s the same method.
Can I make this without bacon?
Yup! Exactly the same measurements, just start from melting the butter. Hey, whilst you’re here why not check out my other recipes? Gnocchi Recipes – Crispy Gnocchi with Sausage Meatballs, Baked Gnocchi with Bacon, Chive and Parsley Pesto Gnocchi, Ground Turkey Gnocchi Mac & Cheese Recipes – Spicy Bacon Mac and Cheese, Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese, Brie Mac and Cheese, Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, Chipotle Mac and Cheese Alrighty, let’s tuck into this Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe shall we?!
How to make Gnocchi Mac and Cheese (Full Recipe & Video)
If you loved the Gnocchi Mac and Cheese recipe then be sure to pin it for later! Already made it or got a question? Give me a shout in the comments and pick up your free ecookbook on the way!
