Southern Baked Gnocchi Mac + Cheese

Dive into the ultimate comfort food experience with our Southern Baked Gnocchi Mac + Cheese recipe! This dish combines the creaminess of classic mac and cheese with the pillowy softness of gnocchi, all crowned with a crispy, golden topping. A beautiful twist on a classic dish that is sure to be a staple in your household. Gluten-free, Vegan + Make-Ahead Option.

Southern Mac + Cheese With A Delicious Twist!

Buckle up for the ultimate fusion of deliciousness, a match made in culinary heaven---Mac + cheese lovers, you're in for a treat! Imagine pillowy gnocchi bathed in a creamy cheese sauce, crowned with a delightfully crispy golden topping. It's the best of both worlds, a creative twist on two classic comfort foods. Is it better than my much-loved Baked Garlic Chicken Broccoli Gnocchi Recipe? Well, you be the judge!

You know I'm a Southern girl at heart, and my grandma's classic mac and cheese holds a special place in my memories. But, you also know I love to get creative in the kitchen, and right now, I've got a bit of a gnocchi obsession going on – Haha! I've shared my love for creamy mac and cheese in recipes like Easy Vegan Pumpkin Mac + Cheese and Baked Vegan Buffalo Mac + Cheese, Easy KFC Mac + Cheese Bowl [Copycat] and of course my all-time favorite and inspiration for this gnocchi recipe The BEST Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

However, this Southern Baked Gnocchi Mac + Cheese recipe may just take the cake as my new family favorite – it's a definite hit, and my family's hooked, Haha! This dinner recipe is the kind of soul food that everyone can rally behind. It's a real crowd-pleaser, easy to make, ready in 40 minutes and it has that Southern charm with its cheesy gooey inside and crispy outside. Craving some more comfort food inspiration? Check out our selection of 21 Soul-Satisfying Southern Comfort Food Recipes next!

What is Baked Gnocchi?

Basically, baked gnocchi is a dish that often contains a level of sauce and ingredients that are then baked together with gnocchi for a nice pillowy gnocchi that is surrounded by bubbling pools of sauce and topped with gooey cheese.

Baked Gnocchi Mac + Cheese Ingredients

• Potato gnocchi: These soft, pillowy dumplings are the star of the dish. You can make them yourself or purchase a quality store-bought version like Delallo Foods. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free gnocchi.

MAC + CHEESE SAUCE:

• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the cheese sauce.
• Organic all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce, providing a creamy consistency.
• Almond milk (or your preferred milk): Serves as the base of the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Try my homemade almond milk!
• Mild cheddar cheese: A classic cheesy flavor and a creamy, gooey texture.
• Mozzarella cheese: Enhances the cheese sauce's creaminess and adds a lovely stretchy quality.
• Sea salt: Enhances the overall flavor by balancing and seasoning the sauce!
• Smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smoky depth.
• Garlic powder: Provides a mild garlic aroma and taste.
• Mustard powder: Adds a hint of tanginess.
• Onion powder: Offers a gentle oniony flavor without the texture of fresh onions.
• Black pepper: Provides a touch of heat and complements the other seasonings.
• Cayenne pepper: Adds a subtle kick of spiciness for depth and flavor.

TOPPINGS:

• Mozzarella cheese: Adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness to the topping, creating a gooey and golden crust.
• Organic breadcrumbs: Contribute a crispy texture and a delicate, toasty flavor to the dish. You can use homemade or store-bought!
• Crushed Ritz crackers: Enhance the topping with a buttery and slightly salty crunch.

How To Make Southern Baked Gnocchi Mac + Cheese

Making the baked gnocchi mac and cheese involves three key steps: first, crafting the cheesy sauce, then partially cooking the gnocchi in the sauce, and finally, creating the crispy breadcrumb topping. The last part of assembly and cooking can be approached in two different ways: either in a skillet or in individual ramekins!

Southern Baked Mac + Cheese Gnocchi 2 Ways

OPTION #1:

• Prepare ramekins (larger ones for 2 servings or smaller ones for 4 servings) by greasing each with butter or oil and placing them onto a baking sheet to avoid any "bubbling over". Then carefully, portion out the mac + cheese gnocchi mixture into each ramekin until filled. Generously top with shredded mozzarella cheese and breadcrumb-cracker mixture.

OPTION #2:

• In the same skillet use for the sauce, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese atop everything followed by the breadcrumb-cracker mixture until fully covered.
• Bake (without being covered) for 15-20 minutes or so, or until cheese has fully melted, the top is browned slightly, and the sauce is bubbly at the sides. NOTE: The gnocchi will be fully cooked and might "peak out" at the sides as they swell.
• Remove from oven and serve with your favorite main dish, salad, etc.

SHOP MY FAVORITE BAKEWARE ITEMS AND ACCESSORIES FOR THIS MAC + CHEESE!

Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Southern Baked Gnocchi Mac + Cheese. Everything from my fave dutch pot/oven, wooden spoons, immersion hand-blender, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

What is Gnocchi and How Do You Make It?

Gnocchi are basically Italian dumplings made with flour, eggs, and potatoes---unless they are egg-free like this one that I purchased from Delallo foods. When it comes to making your own gnocchi, the process is done is fairly a few steps.

It starts with boiling and mashing the potatoes, combining the ingredients together and kneading them into a ball, shaping the dough, cutting them into pieces, and boiling and draining the gnocchi. For a great recipe, check out AllRecipes.com.

How Do You Pronounce Gnocchi?

Gnocchi is the plural of gnocco, an Italian variety of dumpling that has been around since Roman times. Other common additions include semolina, formaggio (cheese), ricotta, spinach and polenta. In terms of how to say it----it's pronounced nyow·kee.

Why You'll Love this Southern Baked Gnocchi Mac + Cheese

• Super easy to make + quick.
• Full of savory, comforting flavor! (The best reason!)
• Very kid-friendly!
• Great for meal prepping + make aheads for the week!
• Perfect Fall + Winter vibes!
• Comes with dairy-free + gluten-free options for those with sensitivities.
• Done in just 40 minutes---hello weeknight meal goals!
• The gooey cheese + soft pillowy gnocchi + the crispy topping is seriously THE BEST combo ever!

Best Types of Cheese for this Southern Baked Gnocchi Mac + Cheese

Even though this Southern Baked Gnocchi Mac + Cheese is based on using mild, sharp cheddar + motzerella you can also switch things up and add a new flare in their flavor profile by adding any of the following grated cheeses:

• Fontina
• Monterey Jack
• Gouda
• Mozzarella
• American cheese
• Havarti
• Parmesan cheese

How Do You Elevate Mac + Cheese?

When it comes to elevating the taste and flavor of mac and cheese, it's all about the seasoning. I love adding herbs + seasonings for added flavor and it usually consists of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper. Just by adding these handful of seasonings, you're guaranteed to be satisfied.

What Can I Add to This Southern Baked Gnocchi Mac + Cheese

I like to add some extra texture to creamy dishes like this Southern Baked Gnocchi Mac + Cheese recipe. While the ingredients in this creamy dish are perfect as is, I wanted to share a few more ideas of ingredients that you can add in case you make this gnocchi recipe more than once and want to switch things up!

Other ingredient ideas include:

• Kale or spinach
• Broccolini or broccoli
• Crispy bacon or candied bacon! (if you're not plant-based, of course)
• Crispy sage leaves
• Mushrooms
• Herb roasted tomatoes
• Roasted chickpeas
• Beans (White beans, etc.)
• Top with homemade croutons for a nice crunch
• Seafood (like shrimp, salmon, lobster, etc.)
• Sausage or beef
• Shredded chicken
• Panko breadcrumbs

What to Eat + Serve Baked Gnocchi With?

When it comes to most pasta dishes (including this Southern Baked Gnocchi Mac + Cheese dish), I often enjoy them with a side of bread of some sort. Most times, I make my own homemade Garlic Bread, however, you can choose to spruce things up with many other options such as:

• A delicious Salad-- Try Fall Harvest Apple Kale Salad or  Best Buffalo Chickpea Kale Salad
• Sautéed Greens
• Grilled Veggies
• Texas Toast Garlic Bread
• Garlic Naan Bread

Here's the thing. This Baked Gnocchi Mac + Cheese recipe is so delicious and flavorful that you can honestly enjoy it all by itself. Seriously, the fluffy, tender gnocchi pillows + cheesy creamy sauce with the crispy breadcrumb topping is everything! So, feel free to dig in and savor every single bite. It's a dish that stands tall on its own!

Southern Baked Gnocchi Mac + Cheese Q + A's

More Delicious Southern Recipes to Try

If you are a fan of this Southern Baked Gnocchi Mac + Cheese, then you will also love these Southern recipes for the entire family:

• Best Southern Salted Caramel Cake
• Southern Baked Mac and Cheese with Breadcrumbs
• Leftover Turkey Southern Collard Greens
• Grandma's Baked Southern Banana Pudding
• Southern-Style Cornbread Stuffing
• Southern Peach Iced Tea

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this Southern Baked Gnocchi Mac + Cheese recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

Southern Baked Gnocchi Mac + Cheese

November 8, 2023 •

By Shanika

5 from 2 votes

Dive into the ultimate comfort food experience with our Southern Baked Gnocchi Mac + Cheese recipe! This dish combines the creaminess of classic mac and cheese with the pillowy softness of gnocchi, all crowned with a crispy, golden topping. A beautiful twist on a classic dish that is sure to be a staple in your household. Gluten-free, Vegan + Make-Ahead Option.

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 30 minutes mins

Total Time: 40 minutes mins

Serves: 4 servings

Units:

US Customary|Metric

Pin It Print It

Ingredients

• 1 (16 oz.) pacakage potato gnocchi, homemade or store-bought

MAC + CHEESE SAUCE:

• 3 Tbsps unsalted butter
• 3 Tbsps organic all-purpose flour
• 2 cups Almond milk, unsweetened (You can use whole milk or your fave plant-based milk)
• 2 cups Mild cheddar cheese, grated or shredded
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, grated or shredded
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

TOPPINGS:

• 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, grated or shredded
• ½ cup organic breadcrumbs, store-bought or homemade
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers

Instructions

TO MAKE THE CREAMY MAC + CHEESE SAUCE:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a deep skillet over medium-high heat, add butter and let it melt. Once melted, add flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper, whisking until combined and "paste-like".
• Slowly pour in the milk, whisking frequently until lump-free, about 2-3 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add in the freshly-grated mild cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring (using a wood spoon or spatula) until fully melted and smooth, about 4-5 minutes.
• Add in the uncooked gnocchi and stir everything together until the gnocchi is fully coated. Remove from heat.

MIX TOGETHER BREADCRUMB-CRACKER TOPPING:

• In a bowl, add the breadcrumbs and crushed Ritz crackers, stirring to combine.

ASSEMBLE + BAKE:

• OPTION #1: Prepare ramekins (larger ones for 2 servings or smaller ones for 4 servings) by greasing each with butter or oil and placing them onto a baking sheet to avoid any "bubbling over". Then carefully, portion out the mac + cheese gnocchi mixture into each ramekin until filled. Generously top with shredded mozzarella cheese and breadcrumb-cracker mixture.
• OPTION #2: In the same skillet, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese atop everything followed by the breadcrumb-cracker mixture until fully covered.
• Bake (without being covered) for 15-20 minutes or so, or until cheese has fully melted, the top is browned slightly, and the sauce is bubbly at the sides. NOTE: The gnocchi will be fully cooked and might "peak out" at the sides as they swell.
• Remove from oven and serve with your favorite main dish, salad, etc.
• Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

• STORAGE: Any leftovers can be kept in a tightly sealed container and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. To re-heat, simply heat in the oven for the best results or microwave for a minute or two until heated through. 
• MAKE AHEAD: See FAQ section for details!
• GREENS: To add a bit more flavor to this dish, you can always feel free to add in your favorite greens such as spinach, kale, collards, or broccoli
• DAIRY-FREE + GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: See FAQ section for details!

Nutrition

Calories: 332kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 1266mg | Potassium: 100mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 843IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 814mg | Iron: 1mg

DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?

Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea

Love this Post? SHARE!