Description

This Three Cheese Mac and Cheese Gnocchi recipe is a rich and comforting twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring tender potato gnocchi smothered in a creamy blend of cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. Baked to golden perfection with a bubbly, browned cheese topping, this dish delivers decadent cheesy flavors with a soft, pillowy texture that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Other

1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375F and position the rack in the top third portion of the oven to ensure even baking and browning.
Make the Roux: Melt the butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook it while continuously stirring until the mixture becomes fragrant and turns light golden brown, about 3 minutes, developing a nutty base for the sauce.
Add Milk and Seasonings: Slowly whisk in the whole milk to prevent lumps, then add garlic powder, mustard powder, and salt. Continue whisking constantly over medium heat until the sauce thickens, coats the back of a spoon, and achieves a creamy Alfredo-like consistency, taking approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
Incorporate Cheeses and Gnocchi: Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar and grated parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Then fold in the uncooked potato gnocchi, making sure they are evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
Top and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the skillet. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly. Then, switch to broil for a few minutes to achieve a golden brown and slightly crisp cheese crust, monitoring carefully to avoid burning.
Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.

Notes

Use an oven-safe skillet or transfer the gnocchi and sauce mixture to a baking dish before adding mozzarella and baking.
For a crispier top, broil only when the cheese is bubbly and golden, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Feel free to substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a lighter version, though the sauce may be slightly less creamy.
Do not overcook the gnocchi in advance as they will cook slightly during baking.
Additional herbs like fresh thyme or parsley can be added for extra flavor.