Description
Comfort meets culinary magic in this creamy baked gnocchi recipe, where pillowy potato dumplings swim in a luscious sauce. Golden edges and rich flavors promise a delightful meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Dairy and Cream Components:
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Seasoning and Herbs:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking vessel by coating a baking dish with a light layer of oil, then position the oven rack to ensure even heating at 400F (200C).
- Bring a generously salted water pot to a rolling boil, carefully lowering the gnocchi into the bubbling liquid and allowing them to cook until they gracefully float to the surface, typically within 2-3 minutes.
- Craft the velvety sauce by melting butter in a spacious skillet, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until its aromatic essence permeates the pan, then dust with flour and whisk continuously to create a smooth base.
- Gradually stream milk and cream into the roux, stirring methodically to prevent any lumpy formations, cooking until the mixture thickens and develops a luxurious consistency.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until it melts completely and creates a silky texture, then season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Gently fold the drained gnocchi into the cream sauce, ensuring each pillow is thoroughly coated with the rich mixture.
- Transfer the sauced gnocchi into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer and generously scattering mozzarella cheese across the top, with a light sprinkle of Italian seasoning for added complexity.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing the cheese to melt and become gloriously golden and bubbly for approximately 15-20 minutes.
- For an extra crisp and bronzed surface, activate the broiler for a brief 2-3 minute finale, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest momentarily, then garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil to add a vibrant, fresh note before serving piping hot.
Notes
- Choose gnocchi with a firm texture to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring each bite remains delightfully tender and holds its shape perfectly.
- Drain gnocchi thoroughly after boiling to prevent excess water from thinning out the creamy sauce, maintaining a rich and velvety consistency.
- Experiment with cheese variations like gruyère or fontina for deeper flavor profiles, adding complexity to the traditional Parmesan and mozzarella combination.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend, making this comforting dish accessible to more dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg