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Baked Pumpkin Gnocchi with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe

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4 from 4 reviews

This comforting Baked Pumpkin Gnocchi recipe combines pillowy gnocchi with a creamy pumpkin cheese sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan. Perfect for cozy fall dinners, it’s baked until bubbly and golden brown, offering a rich, flavorful twist on traditional gnocchi.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Gnocchi

  • 32 ounces gnocchi

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons salted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
  • 4 tablespoons finely grated parmesan cheese (divided)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the gnocchi later.
  2. Cook Gnocchi: Boil water with salt and cook the gnocchi according to package directions until they float to the surface, indicating they are done. Drain well.
  3. Prepare Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in whole milk, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly between additions. Stir in kosher salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Let it simmer for 1 minute to develop flavor and thicken.
  4. Add Pumpkin and Cheese: Whisk in the pumpkin puree along with ¾ cup shredded mozzarella and 2 tablespoons grated parmesan. Continue whisking until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
  5. Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Remove the sauce from heat. Toss the cooked gnocchi in the pumpkin cheese sauce until well coated. Transfer the mixture to a 10-inch round baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
  6. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the top of the gnocchi mixture, ensuring a nice cheese crust forms when baked.
  7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. Remove from oven and serve hot.

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh gnocchi if available for a more delicate texture.
  • Substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a lighter sauce, but whole milk yields creamier results.
  • You can add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
  • Make sure the baking dish is oven-safe to avoid any accidents during baking.
  • This dish can be prepared in advance up to the baking step and refrigerated for up to 1 day before baking.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/baked-pumpkin-gnocchi-with-creamy-cheese-sauce-recipe/