Prepare to revolutionize your comfort food game with a mouthwatering twist on the classic mac and cheese! This Gnocchi Mac and Cheese with Bacon is not just a meal - it's a culinary experience that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine pillowy soft gnocchi swimming in a creamy, rich cheese sauce, topped with crispy, golden bacon that adds the perfect crunch to every single bite. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to the ultimate comfort dish, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- In the same skillet with remaining bacon fat, melt the butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux, ensuring no lumps form.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, typically by boiling in salted water for 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface. Drain immediately.
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the cheese sauce, gently stirring to coat each piece evenly.
- Transfer the gnocchi and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Bacon Perfection: Cook bacon until it's perfectly crispy but not burnt. The key is medium heat and patience.
- Roux Mastery: When making the cheese sauce, whisk continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
- Cheese Selection: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with different cheese blends like gruyère or fontina for added depth of flavor.
- Gnocchi Tip: Don't overcook the gnocchi - they should be just tender. They'll continue cooking slightly in the oven.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish up to the baking stage and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and make serving easier.
- Optional Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions can add a pop of color and fresh flavor to the finished dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 85mg
