Truffled Gnocchi Macaroni Cheese

There’s something utterly comforting about a bowl of Truffled Gnocchi Macaroni Cheese. Imagine a chilly winter evening, and you’re curled up on the couch, craving something rich and indulgent. This dish transports you to a cozy Italian kitchen where the aroma of melting cheese and earthy truffles fills the air. I remember the first time I made it for friends; their faces lit up with delight as they dug into the creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s a meal that invites conversation and laughter, perfect for gatherings or a special treat during the holidays.

Key Ingredients for Truffled Gnocchi Macaroni Cheese

The magic of Truffled Gnocchi Macaroni Cheese lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the creamy texture and rich flavor profile. The combination of cheeses provides depth and creaminess, while the truffle butter adds that gourmet touch that makes this dish special. Together, they create a delightful harmony that’s sure to please.

• 16 ounce boxes mini gnocchi: These soft dumplings are the star of the dish, providing a pillowy texture and the perfect vessel for the cheese sauce.
• 4 tablespoons truffle butter: Adds a rich, earthy flavor that elevates the dish to gourmet status.
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Used to thicken the cheese sauce, giving it a creamy consistency.
• 2 cups whole milk: The base for the cheese sauce, ensuring it’s rich and creamy.
• 1 ½ cups Wisconsin swiss cheese, grated: Adds a nutty flavor and melts beautifully for a creamy texture.
• 1 cup Wisconsin white cheddar cheese, grated: Brings sharpness and depth to the flavor profile.
• ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons Wisconsin parmesan cheese, grated: Offers a salty, umami kick that enhances the overall dish.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the sauce.
• ¼ cup dry bread crumbs: For topping, providing a lovely crunch to contrast with the creamy pasta.
• 1 peeled garlic clove: Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor.
• 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley: For garnish, adding a touch of freshness and color.

Cooking Method for Truffled Gnocchi Macaroni Cheese

Making Truffled Gnocchi Macaroni Cheese is a joyful experience, and I can’t wait to share the steps with you. It’s all about layering flavors and textures, from cooking the gnocchi to creating that luscious cheese sauce. Each step builds on the last, resulting in a dish that’s comforting and delicious. Let’s dive into the cooking process!

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an important step to ensure your dish is perfectly baked and bubbling by the time it’s ready to serve.
2. Cook the gnocchi according to package directions until they are al dente. This should take just a few minutes. Once they are cooked, drain them and set aside. Make sure they are not overcooked, as they will continue to soften in the oven.
3. While the gnocchi is cooking, you can start preparing the cheese sauce. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt 3 tablespoons of truffle butter over medium heat. The aroma will be heavenly! Once melted, add the flour and whisk to combine. Cook this mixture over medium-low heat for about 3 to 4 minutes, whisking frequently until it turns a light brown color. This is your roux, and it’s crucial for thickening the sauce.
4. Gradually add the milk to the roux while whisking continuously. This helps avoid lumps. Cook over medium heat for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until the sauce starts to thicken. You’re looking for a smooth, creamy consistency.
5. While the sauce is thickening, melt the remaining tablespoon of truffle butter in a separate pan. Add the bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese, the melted butter, the garlic clove, and the parsley into a food processor. Process for about 30 seconds until the mixture is minced. This will create a delicious topping that adds crunch to your baked dish.
6. Once your sauce has thickened, remove it from heat and stir in the swiss cheese, white cheddar, and the remaining parmesan cheese. Stir until all the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season it with kosher salt and white ground pepper for flavor.
7. Add the drained gnocchi to the cheese sauce and stir gently to combine. Make sure all the gnocchi are coated in that creamy sauce.
8. Pour the mixture into an 8×8-inch baking pan or a 1-quart casserole dish. Ensure it’s evenly spread out. Now, sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top, adding a beautiful crunchy layer that contrasts with the creamy gnocchi.
9. If desired, sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top of the breadcrumbs for an extra cheesy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and bubbly. The aroma will be incredible!
10. Once baked, serve immediately while it’s hot and bubbly. Enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors in every bite!

Recipe Tips about Truffled Gnocchi Macaroni Cheese

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Truffled Gnocchi Macaroni Cheese turns out perfectly every time. Each suggestion is designed to enhance the flavors and make the cooking process easier, so let’s dive into the details!

• Storage: After making Truffled Gnocchi Macaroni Cheese, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool down to room temperature before sealing it.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to two months. Just make sure to freeze it before baking. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.
• Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad or roasted vegetables, balancing out the richness of the cheese. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette is a great option!
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Gruyere or mozzarella can make great substitutes for a different flavor profile.
• Serving Size: This recipe serves four, but it can easily be doubled for larger gatherings or family dinners. Just use a larger baking dish to accommodate the extra portion.

What to Pair With Truffled Gnocchi Macaroni Cheese

When it comes to serving Truffled Gnocchi Macaroni Cheese, you have plenty of options for sides and pairings that can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delicious ideas:

• Salads: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy pasta. Consider a mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for balance.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or asparagus make a great side dish. Their natural sweetness complements the savory cheese flavors beautifully.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for a classic combination. The crunchiness and garlicky flavor enhance the meal, making it extra comforting.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners, festive holiday gatherings, or even a special date night at home. Its rich flavors make it a standout choice for any occasion.
• Wine Pairing: A light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements the creaminess of the cheese without overpowering it.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven until it is warmed through.

FAQ

Conclusion

Truffled Gnocchi Macaroni Cheese is a delightful fusion of comfort food and gourmet flavor that makes it truly special. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or elevating a casual gathering into something memorable. I encourage you to try making this dish for your family or friends; the smiles and compliments will be worth it!

Truffled Gnocchi Macaroni Cheese

The ultimate comfort food, Truffled Gnocchi Macaroni Cheese combines creamy cheeses with rich truffle butter, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Indulge in the creamy goodness tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Whisk
• Food Processor
• Oven
• Peeler
• Grater
• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 2 16 ounce boxes Mini Gnocchi
• 4 tablespoons Truffle Butter
• 3 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
• 2 cups Whole Milk
• 1.5 cups Wisconsin Swiss Cheese
• 1 cup Wisconsin White Cheddar Cheese
• 0.5 cup plus 2 tablespoons Wisconsin Parmesan Cheese
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground White Pepper
• 0.25 cup Dry Bread Crumbs
• 1 peeled Garlic Clove
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Italian Parsley

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an important step to ensure your dish is perfectly baked and bubbling by the time it’s ready to serve.
• Cook the gnocchi according to package directions until they are al dente. This should take just a few minutes. Once they are cooked, drain them and set aside. Make sure they are not overcooked, as they will continue to soften in the oven.
• While the gnocchi is cooking, you can start preparing the cheese sauce. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt 3 tablespoons of truffle butter over medium heat. The aroma will be heavenly! Once melted, add the flour and whisk to combine. Cook this mixture over medium-low heat for about 3 to 4 minutes, whisking frequently until it turns a light brown color. This is your roux, and it’s crucial for thickening the sauce.
• Gradually add the milk to the roux while whisking continuously. This helps avoid lumps. Cook over medium heat for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until the sauce starts to thicken. You’re looking for a smooth, creamy consistency.
• While the sauce is thickening, melt the remaining tablespoon of truffle butter in a separate pan. Add the bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese, the melted butter, the garlic clove, and the parsley into a food processor. Process for about 30 seconds until the mixture is minced. This will create a delicious topping that adds crunch to your baked dish.
• Once your sauce has thickened, remove it from heat and stir in the swiss cheese, white cheddar, and the remaining parmesan cheese. Stir until all the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season it with kosher salt and white ground pepper for flavor.
• Add the drained gnocchi to the cheese sauce and stir gently to combine. Make sure all the gnocchi are coated in that creamy sauce.
• Pour the mixture into an 8x8-inch baking pan or a 1-quart casserole dish. Ensure it’s evenly spread out. Now, sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top, adding a beautiful crunchy layer that contrasts with the creamy gnocchi.
• If desired, sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top of the breadcrumbs for an extra cheesy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and bubbly. The aroma will be incredible!
• Once baked, serve immediately while it’s hot and bubbly. Enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors in every bite!

Notes

• Tip 1: After making Truffled Gnocchi Macaroni Cheese, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool down to room temperature before sealing it.
• Tip 2: You can freeze this dish for up to two months. Just make sure to freeze it before baking. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.
• Tip 3: This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad or roasted vegetables, balancing out the richness of the cheese. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette is a great option!
• Tip 4: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Gruyere or mozzarella can make great substitutes for a different flavor profile.
• Tip 5: This recipe serves four, but it can easily be doubled for larger gatherings or family dinners. Just use a larger baking dish to accommodate the extra portion.

Keyword comfort food, Gnocchi Recipe, Macaroni Cheese, Truffle Recipes

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Meet Layla Reed

I’m Layla! I am happiest when I’m cooking with ingredients that are fresh from the market and in season. I love creating rustic, wholesome dishes that truly celebrate the natural flavors of the produce. I worked alongside Romina to ensure this recipe feels grounded, authentic, and absolutely delicious. I hope it brings a taste of the season to your home!