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Smoked Gouda Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Shred the cheeses: Using a grater, shred the smoked Gouda, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Keep them ready to add to the sauce.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.