Easy Gnocchi Gratin (with pre-make gnocchi)
The pillowy gnocchi in this easy gnocchi gratin is transformed with a rich, velvety white cheese sauce. Serve it as an appetizer, side or main dish using fresh store-bought gnocchi for a great shortcut.
Servings (change as needed): 3 main dish (see note 2)
Ingredients
- 1 package gnocchi, fresh or frozen 375-500 g or 13-16 ounces
- 1/4 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish
White Cheese Sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoon butter salted or unsalted butter is fine
- 2 tablespoon all purpose flour
- 1 garlic cloves, minced (or 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning or more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- pinch black pepper
- pinch nutmeg optional
- 1 1/2 cup milk, 2% or whole (1/4 cup of this can be light or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1 cup grated white cheese e.g. Gruyere, Fontina, Emmenthal, Monterey Jack, Provolone
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion
Instructions
- PREHEAT OVEN to 400F/204C. Spray a small 7-8 inch/18-20cm ovenproof baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray
- BOIL GNOCCHI: Bring salted water to boil in medium saucepan. Put gnocchi in boiling water, bring water back to boil, and lower to medium low heat. Gently boil for 2 minutes. Drain gnocchi or remove it to a bowl with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- MAKE CHEESE SAUCE: Melt butter on medium heat in a medium or large saucepan. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Add flour and seasonings, stirring for 2 minutes. Add milk (and cream if using), whisking until slightly thickened, about 4-5 minutes. Turn off heat. Stir in grated cheese until smooth sauce is formed. If too thick, add a bit more milk (but note that sauce will thicken further with baking and standing). Taste and adjust seasonings. Stir in gnocchi and green onions.
- ASSEMBLE AND BAKE/BROIL: Spoon mixture into prepared gratin dish. Sprinkle 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the surface. Bake for 7 minutes, then broil for 3 minutes to brown, watching to ensure it doesn't burn. Let stand for a few minutes (sauce will thicken more) and serve creamy casserole with toothpicks as an appetizer or as a regular side or main dish.
Video
Notes
- Make Ahead: Follow instructions above to boil gnocchi and make cheese sauce, including mixing in gnocchi and green onions. Pour mixture into prepared dish. Cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to use, sprinkle Parmesan and chopped parsley over surface. Bake in preheated 400F/204C oven for 20-25 minutes. Broil for 2-3 minutes if further browning is needed.
- Servings: Makes 6-8 appetizer servings, 2-3 mains, 4-5 sides.
Serving: 0g | Calories: 536kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 1270mg | Potassium: 221mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1035IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 539mg | Iron: 5mg