The Perfect Cheeses To Pair With Gnocchi

Gnocchi is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of cheeses. Fontina, gorgonzola, taleggio, mascarpone, parmesan, and blue cheese are all popular choices that can be used to create a creamy sauce or a crispy topping. Gnocchi bakes are a convenient option as they require no pre-boiling, and baked potatoes are preferred over boiled ones for a fluffier texture. Gnocchi with roasted squash and goat's cheese is a colourful and addictive family favourite, while gnocchi with courgette, mascarpone, and spring onions is a quick 20-minute meal perfect for a summer night. For a comforting dish, try baked gnocchi with sage and a two-cheese sauce, such as fontina and parmesan, for a flavourful yet surprisingly light option.

Gnocchi with blue cheese

Ingredients

• Gnocchi (fresh, frozen, or shelf-stable)
• Blue Cheese (mild, creamy blue cheese such as Bleu D'Auvergne, Stilton, Saint Agur, or Maytag)
• Aromatics: Shallots/Red Onion, Garlic, Thyme
• Cream (heavy whipping cream or crème fraîche)
• Vegetables: Mushrooms (white button, portobello, cremini, baby bellas, oyster), Peas, Spinach, Broccoli, or Walnuts
• Meat (optional): Bacon, Crispy Prosciutto, or Chorizo

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Gnocchi

If using shelf-stable gnocchi, simply pan-fry them for a few minutes until tender. For fresh or frozen gnocchi, boil them for about 30 seconds to a minute before draining.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat some olive oil and add your choice of vegetables. For a classic mushroom gnocchi, cook the mushrooms undisturbed until they release their liquid. Add salt and pepper to taste, and continue cooking until softened and slightly browned. Then, stir in the aromatics (shallots/onion, garlic, and thyme) and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Combine Gnocchi and Vegetables

Add the gnocchi to the skillet and fry for about a minute, stirring to coat them with oil. If using wine or broth, add it to the pan and boil for a few seconds before pouring in the cream.

Step 4: Create the Blue Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, gently heat the cream, blue cheese, and grated Parmesan until the cheese melts. Stir frequently with a wooden spoon to prevent the sauce from burning. Adjust the consistency by adding reserved gnocchi cooking water to create a silky smooth sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Stir the cooked gnocchi and vegetables into the blue cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or your choice of fresh herbs. Serve immediately while hot.

Customisation Ideas:

• For a heartier dish, add crumbled cooked bacon, crispy prosciutto, or chorizo to the pan at the end of cooking.
• For a crunchy texture, sprinkle some toasted walnuts on top of the gnocchi.
• To make a blue cheese and mushroom gnocchi bake, spoon the gnocchi into a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan, and bake until golden and bubbling.

Gnocchi with mascarpone

Gnocchi is a delicious Italian dumpling that pairs well with various cheeses, and mascarpone is a fantastic choice for a rich and creamy sauce. Here is a detailed guide to creating a mouth-watering gnocchi dish with mascarpone.

Ingredients

For the perfect gnocchi with mascarpone, you will need the following ingredients:

• Mascarpone cheese, of course! This soft, creamy cheese will create a luxurious sauce.
• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, adds a sharp, salty flavour to the dish.
• Fresh basil, chopped, will provide a refreshing herbal note.
• Extra-virgin olive oil will be used to create a simple yet flavourful sauce.
• Lemon zest will bring a bright, citrusy aroma to the dish.
• An egg and egg yolk will help bind the dough and add richness.
• Nutmeg, a pinch of salt, and some flour will season and complete the dough.

Method

Now, for the fun part – preparing and cooking the gnocchi with mascarpone!

First, prepare the gnocchi dough by combining the mascarpone, egg, egg yolk, nutmeg, lemon zest, Parmesan, and salt in a large bowl. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour until a soft dough forms.

Next, it's time to shape the gnocchi. Sprinkle a pie pan or rimmed baking sheet with flour. Using two small spoons, drop teaspoon-sized pieces of dough into the pan. Gently roll these pieces into oval shapes and coat them with flour.

Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a simmer. Carefully add the gnocchi in batches. The gnocchi will sink at first, but soon they will float to the top. Once they start floating, cook them for an additional 5 to 6 minutes. Drain the cooked gnocchi and place them in a large serving bowl.

For the sauce, warm the olive oil and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan over medium-high heat for about 90 seconds. Remove from the heat and stir in the basil. Allow this mixture to sit for 5 minutes to infuse the oil with basil's flavour.

Finally, add the sauce and grated Parmesan cheese to the gnocchi and gently toss until everything is coated. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Variations

If you want to add some extra flavour or colour to your gnocchi with mascarpone, here are some variations to consider:

• Include some chopped fresh spinach, stirring it into the sauce until wilted.
• Try using a tomato pasta sauce as your base, heating it and adding the spinach, then combining with the gnocchi.
• For a more indulgent dish, sprinkle some extra mozzarella cheese on top before serving.
• If you're feeling adventurous, try making your own gnocchi dough from scratch using baked potatoes, flour, egg yolks, and salt.

Gnocchi with cheddar

Gnocchi is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of cheeses, and cheddar is a great option to consider. Here are some tips and instructions for creating delicious gnocchi with cheddar:

Choosing the Right Cheddar

When selecting cheddar cheese for your gnocchi, it is recommended to choose a good, sharp, or old cheddar. This will provide the best flavour and ensure your dish is delicious and satisfying. Avoid pre-shredded cheddar, as it often contains an anti-clumping agent that can result in a grainy cheese sauce. Opt for freshly shredded or grated cheddar instead.

Preparing the Gnocchi

You can make your own gnocchi from scratch or use store-bought gnocchi. If you're short on time, there are some great options available in the frozen or shelf-stable varieties. Just be sure to use potato gnocchi, as this variety pairs well with the cheddar cheese sauce. Follow the package instructions for boiling or cooking the gnocchi, but be careful not to overcook it. You want the gnocchi to be tender, but not mushy.

Creating the Cheese Sauce

The cheese sauce is the star of this dish. To make it, you'll need butter, flour, milk, and of course, cheddar cheese. Here are the steps to create a delicious cheddar cheese sauce:

• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. The amount of butter can vary depending on the size of your dish, but a good starting point is 6-10 tablespoons.
• Whisk in an equal amount of flour and continue whisking until the mixture turns golden brown. This usually takes around 2-3 minutes.
• Slowly add milk to the mixture, a little at a time, while continuously whisking. You can use whole milk or 2% milk for this step.
• Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the shredded or grated cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combining Gnocchi and Cheese Sauce

Now, it's time to bring it all together! Combine the cooked gnocchi and cheese sauce in an oven-safe dish. Make sure the gnocchi is fully coated in the sauce. You can also add some additional shredded cheddar cheese on top for an extra cheesy treat.

Baking and Serving

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the gnocchi and cheese mixture for around 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and golden brown. Serve your gnocchi with cheddar immediately while it's still hot and cheesy. Enjoy!

Customisation

If you want to add some extra flavours to your gnocchi with cheddar, you can consider adding some sour cream to the cheese sauce or topping it with bacon and green onion. You can also experiment with different types of cheddar, such as white cheddar, to find your perfect flavour combination.

Gnocchi with Parmesan

Ingredients:

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• Gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• Butter (preferably unsalted)
• Garlic (freshly minced or smashed)
• Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated for the best flavour and melting)
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes, basil, sage, or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

First, prepare your gnocchi according to the package instructions or a homemade recipe. Here are some key tips for making homemade gnocchi:

• Use baked potatoes instead of boiled ones as they result in fluffier gnocchi.
• Rice or mash the potatoes when they are cool enough to handle, and let them cool down before making the dough.
• When making the dough, gently fold in the flour without overmixing to avoid tough or gummy gnocchi.
• Cut the dough into ropes and then into small pieces to form the gnocchi shapes.
• Boil the gnocchi in salted water until they float to the top, and then give them an additional minute of cooking time.

While the gnocchi is boiling, you can start preparing the sauce:

• Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for about 30 seconds.
• Sauté garlic until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
• Add thyme or other herbs of your choice and sauté briefly until fragrant.

Once the gnocchi is cooked, carefully add it to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together and sear the gnocchi until the sides turn golden. For an extra crispy texture, cook it a little longer until browned.

Finally, grate Parmesan cheese over the gnocchi, stir to combine, and serve immediately. You can garnish the dish with freshly chopped basil, sage, or parsley for added flavour and colour.

Variations and Tips:

• You can add other ingredients to the dish, such as ground meats (sausage, beef, chicken), vegetables (asparagus, zucchini), or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
• For a simpler dish, you can toss the cooked gnocchi with butter, herbs, and Parmesan cheese without making a sauce.
• If you prefer a crispier texture, you can pan-fry the cooked gnocchi in butter before adding the sauce.
• Gnocchi goes well with various sauces, including tomato-based, cream-based, pesto, or a simple garlic Parmesan butter sauce.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free gnocchi or substitute gluten-free flour when making homemade gnocchi.

Gnocchi with Fontina

Ingredients:

• 1 pound gnocchi (cheese or potato)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped shallots
• 8 ounces Fontina cheese, cubed
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• Salt to taste

Method:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until tender, which should take about 5 minutes. Drain the gnocchi and set it aside.
• In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook until they are tender. This should take a few minutes.
• Stir in the heavy cream and heat it until it almost reaches a boil. Be careful not to let it boil over.
• Gradually mix in the Fontina and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Be careful not to let the sauce boil, as it may clump.
• Place the cooked gnocchi into serving dishes. Spoon the creamy cheese sauce over the gnocchi.
• Garnish with chopped fresh basil.

Tips and Variations:

• You can use store-bought or homemade gnocchi for this recipe.
• If you want to add a crispy element to your dish, you can sauté the gnocchi in a bit of butter until they are golden brown before adding the sauce.
• For a more indulgent dish, you can bake the gnocchi with the cheese sauce. Simply transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 350°F/180°C for about 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
• If you want to add some vegetables to your dish, roasted broccoli is an excellent side dish that pairs well with the gnocchi and cheese sauce.
• You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as white cheddar or Gruyère, if you don't have Fontina on hand.

Enjoy your delicious Gnocchi with Fontina!

Frequently asked questions