If you’re craving a dish that brings comfort, creaminess, and a smoky twist all in one bite, you absolutely must try this Smoked Gouda Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe. Imagine pillowy gnocchi swimming in a luxuriously smooth cheese sauce that sings with the distinct, smoky notes of Gouda, balanced perfectly with sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan. This recipe is a delightful upgrade on the classic mac and cheese, offering a texture and flavor combo that’s downright irresistible and surprisingly easy to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Smoked Gouda Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in crafting that dreamy, creamy, and savory dish. From the tender gnocchi acting as the perfect vehicle to the trio of cheeses creating layers of flavor, you’ll see how straightforward ingredients can come together to make magic.
- Gnocchi (2 packages, about 16-18 oz total): These fluffy potato dumplings soak up the cheese sauce better than any pasta, giving you a rich and satisfying bite every time.
- Vegetable broth (1 cup, divided): Used to build the sauce’s base, it adds subtle depth without overpowering the cheeses.
- Cornstarch (2 1/2 tablespoons): The secret to that perfectly thickened, silky cheese sauce without a flour roux.
- Half & half (1/2 cup): Adds luxurious creaminess and body to the sauce, balancing richness and lightness.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the sauce smooth and tender, stopping it from becoming too heavy.
- Smoked Gouda (1 1/4 cups, shredded): The star of the show with its distinct smoky, creamy profile that transforms this dish from ordinary to exceptional.
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Offers sharpness and meltiness, rounding out the cheese blend brilliantly.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Brings an elegant, nutty finish to the sauce, adding complexity and a touch of saltiness.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A little spice that cuts through the richness and brightens the flavors.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon, adjust to taste): Essential for enhancing all the other ingredients, but be sure to taste as you go!
How to Make Smoked Gouda Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the gnocchi
Start by preparing the gnocchi according to the package instructions—usually boiling until they float to the top means they’re perfectly cooked. Drain them carefully, setting them aside to wait for their cheesy transformation.
Step 2: Make the cornstarch slurry
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of the vegetable broth with the cornstarch until it forms a smooth mixture with no lumps. This is the magic thickening agent that will give your cheese sauce that wonderful velvety texture.
Step 3: Shred the cheeses
While the gnocchi cooks, shred your smoked Gouda, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Having them ready makes the rest of the process super smooth and helps the cheeses melt evenly into the sauce later.
Step 4: Prepare the cheese sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining 3/4 cup of vegetable broth, half & half, and whole milk. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture starts to simmer. This warm base is where the cheese magic begins.
Step 5: Thicken the sauce
Slowly pour in your cornstarch slurry while constantly whisking. Keep whisking energetically until you see the sauce thicken and come to a gentle boil. This step usually takes a couple of minutes. Don’t stop stirring to prevent any burning and to help the sauce reach that perfect consistency.
Step 6: Add the cheese and seasonings
Turn off the heat and immediately add your shredded smoked Gouda, cheddar, and Parmesan. Stir them in gently but thoroughly until all the cheese has melted into a glossy, smooth sauce. Finish off by seasoning with black pepper and salt, tasting as you go to get it just right.
Step 7: Combine with gnocchi
Finally, add the cooked gnocchi into the cheese sauce. Fold everything together carefully so each gnocchi is lovingly coated in that rich, smoky, cheesy goodness. Now you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Smoked Gouda Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little garnish can take your Smoked Gouda Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe to the next level visually and flavor-wise. Think fresh chopped parsley for brightness, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for an umami punch, or even crispy breadcrumbs for a delightful textural contrast.
Side Dishes
This creamy dish pairs beautifully with something fresh and crisp to balance its richness. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables adds a perfect, refreshing touch. You can also serve it alongside garlic bread for an indulgent feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your friends by serving the gnocchi mac and cheese in cute individual ramekins, then broil them briefly to create irresistibly golden cheese crusts on top. Or try mixing in sautéed mushrooms or crispy bacon bits to surprise your guests with delightful twists.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftovers of the Smoked Gouda Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, this dish freezes well too. Cool it completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to keep the texture pleasant.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through and creamy once again—you want that luscious texture to return!
FAQs
Can I use regular pasta instead of gnocchi?
Absolutely! While gnocchi gives this dish a unique, pillowy texture, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or shells if preferred. Just follow your pasta’s cooking time accordingly.
What if I don’t have smoked Gouda?
If smoked Gouda isn’t available, a regular Gouda or another creamy smoked cheese like smoked cheddar works well. The smoky note is key here, so try to find something with that flavor profile.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! This Smoked Gouda Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe is naturally vegetarian as long as you use vegetable broth. Just double-check your broth and cheeses to avoid animal-derived additives if needed.
Can I make this vegan?
Making a vegan version would need some swaps: use dairy-free milk and cream alternatives, vegan cheese substitutes with smoked flavor, and vegetable broth. While it won’t taste quite the same, it can still be delicious!
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe has a gentle peppery kick from black pepper but is not spicy hot. This makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages, but you can always add a pinch of cayenne if you want a little heat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to take your comfort food to heartwarming new heights, the Smoked Gouda Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe is a must-try. Its creamy, smoky, and cheesy charm will have everyone asking for seconds. So gather your ingredients, enjoy the simple steps, and savor every spoonful of this unbeatable dish—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Smoked Gouda Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Smoky, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy, this Smoked Gouda Gnocchi Mac and Cheese brings a delicious twist to traditional mac and cheese using tender gnocchi and a blend of smoked Gouda, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Quick to prepare in just 25 minutes, this comforting dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Gnocchi
- 2 packages of gnocchi (about 16–18 oz total)
Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup vegetable broth, divided
- 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup half & half
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 1/4 cup smoked Gouda, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the gnocchi: Prepare the gnocchi according to package instructions by boiling until they float to the surface, indicating they are cooked through. Then, drain them and set aside.
- Make the cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of vegetable broth with the cornstarch. Stir well to ensure the mixture is smooth without lumps, and set this slurry aside for thickening the sauce later.
- Shred the cheeses: Using a grater, shred the smoked Gouda, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Keep them ready to add to the sauce.
- Prepare the cheese sauce base: In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining 3/4 cup of vegetable broth, half & half, and whole milk. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture begins to simmer gently.
- Thicken the sauce: Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry into the simmering liquid. Continue whisking constantly as the sauce thickens and comes to a boil. Let it cook for about 2 minutes while stirring continuously to avoid burning and ensure a smooth texture.
- Add the cheese and seasonings: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the shredded smoked Gouda, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Then, season with black pepper and salt, adjusting the flavors to taste.
- Combine with gnocchi: Add the cooked gnocchi to the cheese sauce in the saucepan. Gently fold the gnocchi into the sauce until each piece is fully coated with the rich, cheesy mixture.
- Serve: Plate the Smoked Gouda Gnocchi Mac and Cheese warm and enjoy the creamy, smoky flavors that make this dish a comforting treat.
Notes
- Adjust salt as needed depending on the saltiness of your cheeses.
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure your gnocchi is gluten-free or use gluten-free pasta.
- To add a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs and broil for a few minutes before serving (optional).
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
