Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Gnocchi Mac and Cheese recipe! Ready in just about 40 minutes, this dish combines tender gnocchi with a creamy cheese sauce featuring sharp cheddar and mozzarella, topped with crispy breadcrumbs. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, it's sure to impress!
1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon ground mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a kick)
![- Gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - Dairy ingredients: milk, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese - Seasoning essentials: garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, salt, pepper - Topping ingredients: breadcrumbs, fresh parsley To make Gnocchi Mac and Cheese, you need a few key ingredients. First, gnocchi is the star of this dish. You can buy it or make your own. I love the texture of homemade gnocchi, but store-bought works just fine. Next, gather your dairy ingredients. You will need whole milk, sharp cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. These cheeses melt well and give the dish a creamy texture. I recommend using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. Seasoning is essential. Use garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard. These spices add depth to the cheese sauce. Don't forget salt and pepper to enhance the taste. Finally, for the topping, grab some breadcrumbs and fresh parsley. The breadcrumbs add a nice crunch, while parsley brightens the dish. You can find the Full Recipe for complete details on how to combine all these ingredients into one delicious meal. To make gnocchi, start by boiling a large pot of water. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt to the water. Salting the water is key, as it enhances the flavor of the gnocchi. Once the water boils, add the gnocchi. Cook them until they float, which takes about 2-3 minutes. This means they are done. Drain the gnocchi and set them aside. Next, it’s time to make the cheese sauce. Begin by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. This creates a roux. Cook it for about 1 minute until it bubbles slightly. Gradually add 2 cups of whole milk while whisking. This helps to eliminate lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Once thick, lower the heat and add in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes creamy. Don’t forget to season it with garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. For baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you like, transfer the gnocchi and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup of breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil and some salt. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the gnocchi and cheese. Bake the dish for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and crispy. For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. To make your Gnocchi Mac and Cheese creamy, choose good cheese. I love using sharp cheddar and mozzarella. They melt well and give a rich flavor. Mixing these two cheeses adds depth. You can also try Gruyère or fontina for a unique taste. These cheeses add a nutty flavor that pairs nicely with the gnocchi. Avoid clumping in your cheese sauce by whisking well. Start with a smooth roux when you mix the butter and flour. Gradually add the milk while whisking to keep it smooth. This helps prevent lumps. To get a golden breadcrumb topping, mix breadcrumbs with a little olive oil. This gives them a nice crunch. Spread them evenly on top before baking for the best result. For a lovely presentation, serve Gnocchi Mac and Cheese in individual bowls. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese or parsley on top. This makes the dish pop with color. Pair it with a light salad or crusty bread for a full meal. For drinks, a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works well. It balances the richness of the cheese. Enjoy your creamy comfort food delight! {{image_2}} You can easily swap cheese to fit your taste. For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cheese. If you want a sharper flavor, try aged cheddar. You can also mix cheeses, like Gouda or Fontina, for a rich taste. For a vegan version, choose non-dairy cheese made from nuts or soy. Use almond or oat milk in place of whole milk. This keeps the dish creamy without dairy. Want to make it heartier? Try adding proteins like crispy bacon or grilled chicken. They add great flavor and texture. You can also mix in cooked sausage for something different. Adding vegetables boosts nutrition, too. Spinach, broccoli, or peas work well. Just cook them lightly before adding to the dish. This helps keep the colors bright and flavors fresh. You can make Gnocchi Mac and Cheese on the stovetop or bake it. Stovetop is quick and easy. Just cook the gnocchi, make the sauce, and combine. Baking gives a crunchy top. After mixing everything, transfer it to a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden. Another fun method is the one-pot Gnocchi Mac and Cheese. Just cook the gnocchi in the sauce. This saves time and cleanup. Follow the Full Recipe for a detailed guide on how to do this. To keep your Gnocchi Mac and Cheese fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps to keep it safe from air and moisture. Make sure it cools to room temperature first. You can safely keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it for longer, freezing is a great option. Divide it into smaller portions for easy thawing later. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, it can last for about three months in the freezer without losing its flavor. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, you have two good options: microwaving or using the oven. Microwaving is quick and easy. Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s hot. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the Gnocchi Mac and Cheese in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. This method helps keep the top crispy. After refrigeration, your dish may lose some creaminess. To fix this, add a splash of milk or cream when reheating. Stir well to restore that rich, creamy texture. Enjoy every bite of your tasty dish! Gnocchi Mac and Cheese lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and safe to eat. When you're ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it. Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just cook them straight from the freezer. They may take a minute longer to float. Follow the package directions for the best results. Frozen gnocchi saves time and effort. For a gluten-free version, try crushed cornflakes or ground nuts. You can also use panko or crushed rice crackers. These alternatives add crunch while keeping the dish tasty. For a healthier option, sprinkle some toasted seeds or herbs on top instead. Gnocchi Mac and Cheese combines comfort and flavor. We explored key ingredients like gnocchi, cheese, and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions to prepare the dish, make the cheese sauce, and bake it perfectly. Useful tips on cheese selection and cooking techniques help ensure your dish shines. You can even try tasty variations for different diets. Lastly, I covered storage and reheating methods to keep it fresh. Enjoy crafting your Gnocchi Mac and Cheese, and remember, cooking is all about creativity and fun!](https://cheftaling.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/3d12762e-b2d3-4493-9766-614dc36a0cd1-250x250.webp)