Smoked Gouda Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe
It’s hard to imagine a more crave-worthy comfort food than Smoked Gouda Gnocchi Mac and Cheese: pillowy soft gnocchi floating in an irresistible river of creamy, smoky cheese sauce, topped with a golden, buttery crunch. This dish weaves together the nostalgia of classic macaroni and cheese with a touch of gourmet flair (thanks to smoked Gouda!), and it always turns a weeknight into a celebration. Every forkful bursts with flavor and texture, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—as cozy as your favorite sweater and twice as comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret behind unforgettable Smoked Gouda Gnocchi Mac and Cheese is beautifully simple: a handful of everyday ingredients, each one bringing something uniquely delicious to the party. Every piece, from pillowy gnocchi to smoky cheese, has its own role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and crunch.
- Potato gnocchi (1 pound): These soft dumplings are sturdy enough to hold all that luscious cheese sauce, and their melt-in-your-mouth texture is simply dreamy.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Forms the rich, buttery base for your roux, giving depth and silkiness to the final sauce.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the sauce to just the right creamy consistency—no runny cheese here!
- Whole milk (1 1/2 cups): Brings a touch of wholesome creaminess and keeps the sauce light and smooth.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Takes decadence up a notch, enriching the sauce beyond classic mac and cheese territory.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, savory background that enhances all the cheesy notes without overpowering.
- Ground mustard (1/4 teaspoon): Brightens the cheese flavor and offers a gentle tang (don’t skip—it’s magic with cheese!).
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Intensifies every flavor and brings harmony to the dish.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and depth.
- Shredded smoked Gouda cheese (1 1/2 cups): The star of the show! Provides silky meltability and a delicious hint of smokiness.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Balances the Gouda with classic tang and a gooey pull.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds salty complexity and a beautiful melt.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): For a light, extra-crispy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy center.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Tossed with breadcrumbs for that golden crunch on top.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Provides a pop of color and a bit of fresh flavor to finish.
How to Make Smoked Gouda Gnocchi Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—don’t hold back on the salt, it’s your first chance to add flavor! Add the potato gnocchi and cook just until they float to the surface, which takes only 2 to 3 minutes. Once those tender little pillows rise up, quickly drain them and set aside, ready for their cheesy bath.
Step 2: Whisk Up a Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to form a smooth, fragrant roux. Allow this to bubble for about a minute or two, whisking constantly to prevent browning—this step ensures your sauce will be beautifully silky (never gritty). Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking all the while. After about 4-5 minutes, you’ll notice your mixture thickening to a luscious, velvety base.
Step 3: Season and Add Cheese
Now comes the flavor magic: stir in the garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. Turn the heat down low and add the smoked Gouda, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses all at once. Stir until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes a bubbling, scented pool of cheesy luxury—tasting at this step is highly encouraged!
Step 4: Combine Gnocchi and Cheese Sauce
Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the cheese sauce, making sure every piece is generously coated and embraced by that creamy goodness. For a dish as indulgent as Smoked Gouda Gnocchi Mac and Cheese, don’t skimp on stirring—this is where flavors truly blend.
Step 5: Top and Broil
Pour the gnocchi-cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until everything is nicely moistened, then sprinkle evenly over the gnocchi. Slide the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely as the top turns golden and crisp—resist the urge to walk away, the transformation is quick but spectacular!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once bubbly and beautifully golden, remove from the oven and, if you like, finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley. This is the moment Smoked Gouda Gnocchi Mac and Cheese goes from delicious to downright irresistible. Serve immediately while the cheese is hot and the topping shatters with every forkful.
How to Serve Smoked Gouda Gnocchi Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
A finishing touch of chopped fresh parsley brings a welcome hit of color and freshness. For extra oomph, try a dusting of smoked paprika or a scatter of crispy, crumbled bacon atop your Smoked Gouda Gnocchi Mac and Cheese. A few turns of cracked black pepper add visual drama and just the right edge of spice.
Side Dishes
Smoked Gouda Gnocchi Mac and Cheese is rich and satisfying, so it pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad dressed with lemony vinaigrette, roasted broccoli, or simply steamed green beans. For special occasions, serve it as a showstopping side to roasted chicken, or with grilled portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try portioning the mac and cheese into individual ramekins for a dinner party wow-factor, or spoon it into hollowed-out roasted squash halves for an autumnal twist. For a fun weeknight dinner, serve it “family-style” straight from the baking dish with crusty bread for scooping every last bit of sauce. No one will be able to resist diving in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To hold onto that luscious, cheesy goodness, allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Smoked Gouda Gnocchi Mac and Cheese will keep happily in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just be sure to store topping and base together so flavors mingle even further.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions for another comfort-food emergency. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. For the best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your Smoked Gouda Gnocchi Mac and Cheese back to gooey perfection, reheat gently in a 350°F oven (covered with foil) for about 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to keep things creamy, and remove the foil for the last few minutes if you want that crisp topping back in action.
FAQs
Can I use homemade gnocchi?
Absolutely! If you have homemade gnocchi ready to go, it will be superb in this dish. Just be gentle during the cooking and stirring steps as they’re a bit more delicate than store-bought.
Is there a substitution for smoked Gouda?
If you can’t find smoked Gouda, try smoked mozzarella or even a regular Gouda with a dash of smoked paprika mixed into the cheese sauce for a similar effect.
How do I make this gluten free?
Swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend and choose gluten-free gnocchi and panko. This way, you can enjoy all the creamy comfort of Smoked Gouda Gnocchi Mac and Cheese without gluten.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble everything (except the breadcrumb topping) up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Add the topping right before broiling for the ultimate fresh-out-of-the-oven texture.
What if I want extra protein?
Stir in some shredded rotisserie chicken, crumbled cooked bacon, or even sautéed mushrooms or spinach when adding the gnocchi to the cheese sauce for a heartier meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that will win hearts (and taste buds!) time and again, look no further than Smoked Gouda Gnocchi Mac and Cheese. Give it a try—you just might find yourself with a brand new comfort food tradition.
Print
Smoked Gouda Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Smoked Gouda Gnocchi Mac and Cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a special gathering.
Ingredients
Gnocchi:
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Gnocchi: Boil gnocchi in salted water until they float, then drain.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and cream. Stir in seasonings and cheeses until smooth.
- Combine and Bake: Mix cooked gnocchi with cheese sauce, transfer to a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs mixed with oil. Broil until golden.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Enhance smokiness with smoked paprika or bacon.
- Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
