This gnocchi mac and cheese is loaded with pillowy gnocchi swimming in a luxurious cheese sauce infused by the smoky flavor of crumbled bacon!
OK, so this gnocchi mac and cheese recipe is not going to give you that beach bod that you have been futilely striving for since the Reagan administration. But if you have to endure ol' sawbones prattling on about your unhealthy BMI, you might have well have eaten something worthy of the stretchy pants! Anyone who says, "Nothing tastes better than skinny" has never eaten my gnocchi mac and cheese with bacon!
Gnocchi Mac and Cheese
Gnocchi mac and cheese with bacon is quite possibly the ultimate comfort food! Pillowy gnocchi swim in a luxurious cheese sauce infused by the smoky flavor of crumbled bacon! It is one of those foods that make your eyes roll back in your head with your first forkful.
Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese
The best mac and cheese is crafted with at least two cheese, one creamy mild cheese to form a silky base, and a second more strongly flavored cheese to amp up the flavor. My favorite go-to combination for this is provolone cheese blended with sharp cheddar.
Tip: If you live in Wisconsin, or around a specialty cheese shop, I recommend substituting solid Farmer's cheese (not the crumbled kind) for Provolone. This is what I've always used in my traditional Mac & Cheese recipe. However, Farmer's cheese can be difficult to find in many areas of the country.
How to Make Gnocchi Mac and Cheese
Using store-bought gnocchi is a quick and easy way to make this dish but if you are feeling motivated making your own gnocchi from scratch will bring this meal to the next level! Plus, if you make a big batch you can freeze any leftover gnocchi for your next meal! You will never eat a lighter, more pillowy gnocchi than ones you've made yourself!
Bring one pot of water to a boil to cook the gnocchi while the sauce is being prepared separately in a saucepan (affiliate link). Gnocchi only takes a couple of minutes to cook and can be removed from the water as soon as it floats.
Prepare the cheese sauce by first creating a roux with butter and flour. The roux is cooked until light blond then milk is slowly added. You want to make sure you are adding milk a few splashes at a time so it incorporates smoothly. Finally, add the cheese in batches as well.
Gnocchi Recipes
If you are looking for more great ways to enjoy gnocchi, try my creamy Turkey and Gnocchi Soup, easy to prepare Pizza Baked Gnocchi, or the savory Pan-Seared Gnocchi and Sage Butter. If you crave a lighter way to enjoy gnocchi, my Healthy Italian Gnocchi has been a favorite of mine for years!
Gnocchi Mac and Cheese with Bacon
Ingredients
- 3 pounds gnocchi
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 3 cups milk
- salt as needed
- fresh ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- 1 ½ cups Provolone cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 pound bacon cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Add butter to pot and heat over medium-low until melted. Slowly add flour, mixing continuously until the flour mixture turns light blond, about six minutes.
- Gradually add milk until fully incorporated, then add cheese in batches until all cheese has melted into the sauce. Taste for salt and pepper, adding more as needed.
- While making the sauce boil a separate pot of water and cook the gnocchi in batches, removing them from the water once they float.
- Add gnocchi to the cheese sauce along with crumbled bacon and mix to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published on FoxValleyFoodie.com February 10, 2016.
If you enjoyed my Gnocchi Mac and Cheese with Bacon recipe then you should probably like me on Facebook and follow me on Pinterest too. That’s what I would do at least, because if you don’t get to know me but you still use my recipe it is kind of like taking candy from a stranger, and your mom taught you not to do that. Don’t disobey your mom, subscribe to Fox Valley Foodie today.
Paula
You somehow manage to be in my brain, and know what recipes would be something I would want to make! I love gnocchi but never thought of doing anything outside of pesto Alfredo (which is still another good option)
But my 12 yr old is going to flip when I make this for me! I mean him, for HIM. I’m pretty sure I’ll make enough to share...
Rachel
That's a bowlful of my 3 favorite things to eat. Luckily I have access to farmer's cheese here in SoDak. I also agree that homemade gnocchi is SO much better than the store-bought stuff. Pinned!
Fox Valley Foodie
Solid block Farmer's cheese is quite possibly my favorite cheese when I am looking for that classic 'comfort food' experience!
Jeff @ Make It Like a Man!
How about if I eat a bowl while on a stationary bike? This dish looks so good!I'm covetous ... and we're only two days into Lent!
Fox Valley Foodie
I think all you really need to do is just think about exercising. Mind or matter, or something like that.
CakePants
This truly does look like the ultimate comfort food! I certainly don't have a problem with going to the gym for 45 minutes...especially if I get to eat a bowl of this!
Fox Valley Foodie
You may quite possibly have the best website name ever!