Bushra Griffith
Gnocchi is a type of Italian dumpling typically made from potato. However, gnocchi can also be made from other ingredients such as semolina, cornmeal, spinach, or bread crumbs. This versatile dish can be served with various sauces, such as pesto or tomato sauce, or even baked with cheese. One popular variation is to cook the gnocchi in a skillet with butter and sage, resulting in a light and airy texture. For those who prefer their gnocchi crispy, boiling is not recommended—instead, cook the gnocchi directly in hot oil or butter to achieve the desired texture.
How to cook cheese gnocchi
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of gnocchi | Potato, ricotta, sweet potato, bread crumbs, cornmeal, semolina, spinach |
| Cheese | Parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, Romano |
| Other ingredients | Butter, olive oil, flour, whole milk, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, shallot, garlic, basil, nutmeg, butternut squash, spinach, onion, sage, pancetta, portabello mushrooms |
| Method | Boil, bake, fry, broil |
| Time | 5-6 minutes |
| Serving | Serve immediately, refrigerate and reheat later |
Explore related products
$2.99 $10.14
![Mastering Pasta: The Art and Practice of Handmade Pasta, Gnocchi, and Risotto [A Cookbook]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1SrB2ADxfL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![Artisan Cheese Making at Home: Techniques & Recipes for Mastering World-Class Cheeses [A Cookbook]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81eH1+cYeZL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
How to make the dough
To make the dough for ricotta cheese gnocchi, you will need a mixing bowl, a knife or bench scraper, and a stockpot or large pot. You will also need a kitchen scale, measuring cups, and a strainer.
First, drain the ricotta cheese. Sandwich the ricotta between paper towels and gently press to remove excess moisture. Then, mix the dough in a mixing bowl. You can add lemon zest to the dough for extra flavour. Once the dough is mixed, put it in a pastry bag with an open tip. Hold the bag carefully over a pot of boiling water and squeeze the dough through the tip, cutting it into the desired size. You can cook the gnocchi directly in the boiling water or chill them in an ice bath to save for later.
If you want to make potato gnocchi, you will need to boil and peel the potatoes before mixing the dough.
Giovanni Rana's Maine Lobster & Cheese: Cooking Guide
You may want to see also
Boiling the gnocchi
Step 1: Prepare the Water
Start by filling a large pot or stockpot with water. The pot should be large enough to accommodate the gnocchi comfortably. Place the pot on a stove burner and turn the heat to high. Cover the pot with a lid to speed up the boiling process.
Step 2: Wait for the Water to Boil
Let the water come to a rolling boil. You'll know the water is boiling when you see vigorous bubbling and steam rising from the surface. At this point, the water temperature will be around 100°C (212°F). Boiling the water before adding the gnocchi is essential, as it ensures even cooking and helps the gnocchi cook faster.
Step 3: Add the Gnocchi
Once the water is boiling, carefully remove the lid and gently lower the gnocchi into the pot using a slotted spoon. Avoid dropping the gnocchi into the water from a height, as this may cause splashing. Stir the gnocchi gently with a spoon to prevent them from sticking together.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Cook the gnocchi in the boiling water for a few minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the type of gnocchi and the recipe you are following. Fresh gnocchi typically cook faster than dried gnocchi. As a general rule, gnocchi are done when they float to the surface of the water. Use a slotted spoon to fish out a piece and taste it to ensure it is cooked to your desired doneness.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Once the gnocchi are cooked, promptly remove them from the boiling water using a slotted spoon or a strainer. Allow the excess water to drain, then transfer the gnocchi to a serving dish or continue with the next step in your recipe, such as tossing them in a sauce or pan-frying for a crispy texture.
Remember, boiling is a versatile cooking method that can be adapted to suit various cheese gnocchi recipes. You can boil the gnocchi as a preliminary step before baking or frying, or simply serve them with your favourite sauce after boiling. Enjoy experimenting with this delightful dish!
Cooking Pasta with Feta: A Simple, Creamy Delight
You may want to see also
Getting the cheese right
Gnocchi is a type of Italian dumpling typically made with potato, but it can also be made with ricotta cheese, which is lighter in texture and easier to make. The cheese you choose for your gnocchi will depend on the recipe and your personal preference.
If you're making ricotta gnocchi, you'll need to drain the ricotta to remove excess moisture. Simply sandwich the ricotta between a few paper towels and gently press down to absorb the moisture. You can then mix in some freshly grated parmesan for maximum flavour, as well as salt and pepper to taste.
For a three-cheese gnocchi, you can use a combination of parmesan, cheddar, and mozzarella. You can grate the parmesan and cheddar yourself for superior texture, taste, and meltability. Then, make a roux with flour and butter, slowly whisk in milk along with garlic powder, mustard powder, and salt, and finally stir in the grated cheeses.
If you're looking for a crispy cheesy gnocchi, you can fry the gnocchi in butter or oil without boiling them first to achieve that crispy texture. You can also add shallots, garlic, and basil to this recipe for added flavour.
Some recipes call for baking the gnocchi in the oven with a creamy tomato sauce and spinach, creating a bubbly skillet of cheese-blanketed gnocchi. You can also add white beans for extra bulk or chorizo for a meaty twist.
Spaghetti, Meat, and Cheese: A Classic Italian Trio
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Baking the gnocchi
Baking is a great way to cook your gnocchi, especially if you're going for a crispy, golden finish. You can bake gnocchi in a few different ways, depending on the type of dish you're making and your desired level of crispiness.
Baked gnocchi with cheese
One way to bake gnocchi is to combine it with cheese and other ingredients to create a delicious, creamy, and cheesy dish. This method involves baking the gnocchi in the oven until it's cooked through and golden. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Preheat your oven.
- In an oven-safe skillet, make a roux with flour and butter.
- Slowly whisk in milk along with seasonings like garlic powder, mustard powder, and salt. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in shredded cheeses like Parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère. You can also add cream cheese, crème fraîche, or ricotta for extra creaminess.
- Add the gnocchi to the skillet and stir to combine. Spread the mixture in a uniform layer.
- Bake, uncovered, until the gnocchi is cooked through.
- For an extra melty and golden finish, broil for a couple of minutes, keeping a close eye on it.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Baked gnocchi without cheese
If you're looking for a simpler baked gnocchi dish without cheese, you can follow a similar process. Simply omit the cheese and add other ingredients of your choice, such as vegetables or proteins. Create a sauce with butter, flour, and milk, and bake the gnocchi in the oven until cooked through.
Crispy baked gnocchi
For an extra crispy baked gnocchi, there's a slightly different approach. Instead of boiling the gnocchi first, add it directly to a skillet with hot oil or butter. Cook on high heat, stirring frequently, for about 5-6 minutes. Flip the gnocchi for an even crisp texture on all sides. You can also add other ingredients like shallots, garlic, and Parmesan cheese to create a garlic butter Parmesan gnocchi.
Baking gnocchi is a versatile and tasty way to prepare this dish. Whether you choose a cheesy, creamy, or crispy variation, baking gnocchi is a great option for a comforting and indulgent meal.
Tofu Cheese: A Simple, Tasty Guide
You may want to see also
Serving suggestions
Gnocchi is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions for cheese gnocchi:
Cheesy Gnocchi Bake
For a simple yet scrumptious meal, try a cheesy gnocchi bake. Start by making a homemade tomato sauce with bacon. Then, add a splash of pasta cooking water to a skillet with the gnocchi and sauce, mixing well. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake for 10 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Three Cheese Baked Gnocchi with Spinach
For an indulgent treat, try this three-cheese baked gnocchi. Tender gnocchi is baked in a creamy tomato sauce with fresh spinach and melty cheese. The combination of chewy gnocchi, tender spinach, and tangy tomato sauce is simply irresistible. You can also add ground Italian chicken sausage for extra flavour. Serve it with a green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
Crispy Cheesy Gnocchi
If you're looking for a crispy and chewy texture, try this recipe. Instead of boiling the gnocchi, add it directly to hot oil or butter in a pan. Cook on high heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, and flip the gnocchi for an even crisp texture. Add shallots, garlic, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Serve with fresh basil and enjoy the perfect weeknight meal.
Gnocchi with Bacon, Tomato Sauce, and Mozzarella
This recipe is a twist on the classic baked gnocchi. It is made with a simple tomato and bacon sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. The addition of bacon gives the dish a salty, savoury flavour. You can also add vegetables to this dish to increase its nutritional value.
Gnocchi with Squash and Goat's Cheese
For a colourful and addictive combination, try gnocchi with squash and goat's cheese. Simply roast the squash in the oven, boil the gnocchi, combine the two, and serve. This dish is perfect for those who prefer a milder cheese flavour.
Gnocchi with Courgette and Mascarpone
When you're craving cheesy goodness, this gnocchi with courgette and mascarpone is the perfect choice. The mascarpone cheese adds a creamy texture, while a touch of chilli cuts through the richness. Ribbons of courgette add a splash of green to this delicious dish.
Baked Brie: A Simple, Delicious Oven-Cooked Treat
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to cook cheese gnocchi, including boiling, pan-frying, baking, and toasting.
Cheese gnocchi can be served as a side dish or a main course. Some serving suggestions include adding a simple red sauce, pesto, or Arrabbiata sauce. It can also be served with meatballs, salad, or chicken.
Cheese gnocchi can be cooked in as little as 5-6 minutes in a pan. However, the time may vary depending on the cooking method and the desired level of doneness.
Yes, you can make cheese gnocchi ahead of time and reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop. It can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
