Baked Gnocchi Brie Mac and Cheese is the perfect indulgent side dish! With tender, pillowy gnocchi, creamy brie, and toasted breadcrumbs, this delicious take on Mac and cheese will blow away your friends and family!
Baked Gnocchi Brie Mac and Cheese Recipe Inspiration
Since we're in the middle of the holidays, I wanted to create a Mac and cheese recipe that's elevated but also easy! I love serving Mac and cheese as a comforting side dish during winter months. Everyone loves Mac and cheese, right?
But with Christmas and New Years approaching, I wanted to add something special. And gnocchi and brie are always special to me.
With creamy brie, sharp parmesan, and pillowy gnocchi, this recipe is just so delicious. I especially love the toasted bread crumbs. It gives the dish additional texture that is so delicious.
To really level this dish up, add some fresh thyme on top. Not only will it enhance your presentation, it will give each bite a little pop of herby freshness that is a great contrast to the heavy Mac and cheese.
Did I mention how easy this is? A majority of this is made in just one pot. If you really wanted to reduce dishes, make the gnocchi in the same pot you make the Mac and cheese sauce.
Trust me - it looks fancy but it is super easy to make.
This one is definitely rich, so you can make portion sizes a little small. Maybe even serve these in little ramekins as an appetizer while entertaining? I think all of your guests would be very pleased.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients for this recipe:
- Unsalted Butter
- Flour
- Milk
- Garlic Powder
- Dijon Mustard
- Paprika
- Salt and Pepper
- Brie - I love this brand!
- Shredded Parmesan
- Gnocchi - you can use the full size or minis from the grocery store, whichever you prefer. Or even better, make your own!
- Breadcrumbs
- Olive Oil
- Fresh Herbs
Directions
First, cook gnocchi according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Gnocchi should only need a minute or two to cook in salted boiling water.
Then, preheat your oven to 350 F.
Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. You want to use a large pot since you'll be adding all of the ingredients and want to have plenty of space! Once butter is melted, add flour and whisk constantly, until a thick paste is formed. This process should take about 2 minutes.
Add milk, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue to whisk well until combined and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add brie and parmesan cheese and reduce heat to low. Stir until the cheese is fully melted. Then, add the cooked gnocchi and stir gently into the sauce.
Remove the pot from heat and transfer Mac and cheese to a greased baking dish.
In a small saucepan, add breadcrumbs and olive oil. Toast until the breadcrumbs are golden brown, about 3 minutes.
Top gnocchi with breadcrumbs and bake for 20 minutes, until the Mac and cheese is bubbling.
Serve with fresh herbs like thyme or basil. Enjoy!
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some of the kitchen equipment you will need for this recipe. You can find any of these products on Amazon.
Gnocchi - Some grocery stores might not carry gnocchi. If yours doesn't you can always stock up on a gnocchi 4 pack and keep some on hand all times. In case of emergencies, right?
Baking Dish - If you need an upgrade to your baking dishes, check out this one! It's a gorgeous bakeware piece that is great for baking and serving all in the same dish. Plus, it's made in France, and that makes it extra fancy, right?
Fresh Herbs - I love adding fresh herbs to all of my dishes. I just love the pop of color and freshness it adds! In the summer, I have herbs in my kitchen garden, but in the winter, I've been keeping mini herb pots in my kitchen windows. This 6 pack is full of herbs you can use all year, and it's a great price too!
Recipe Variations/Substitutions
Here are some common variations and substitutions for this Baked Gnocchi Brie Mac and Cheese recipe.
Pasta - If gnocchi isn't your favorite, you can make this recipe with any other kind of pasta, just make sure you cook it before hand!
Cheese - I recommend keeping the brie, since this is the cheese that the recipe centers around. If you need to swap out the parmesan, you can use Romano, Asiago, or White Cheddar. These will add delicious flavor to the Mac and cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions for this recipe:
Gnocchi is an Italian potato-based pasta that's made of potato, flour, and eggs. It's a light and airy pasta that is delicious in a variety of dishes.
Yes, you can eat the rind on Brie cheese. It is completely safe to eat.
More Pasta Recipes
Looking for more pasta recipes? Check out some of our favorites below!
Italian Baked Mac and Cheese - This baked Mac and cheese is a crowd favorite! With Italian sausage, Italian seasonings, and fresh parsley, this Mac and cheese is bursting with flavor. Make this one when you need a heavier meal that will keep people full.
How to Make Homemade Gnocchi - If you're looking for a fun cooking project, try making homemade gnocchi! It's a great family activity and a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen.
Cheesy Cauliflower Gnocchi - This is one of my favorite quick and easy go-to meals. Frozen cauliflower gnocchi is turned into a delicious cheesy meal with red sauce and fresh basil. This recipe is great for meal prep - make a double batch and eat it for lunches throughout the week!
Baked Gnocchi Brie Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 32 oz Gnocchi
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz wheel of brie rind removed and cut into cubes
- 1 cup shredded parmesan
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme, for serving
Instructions
- Cook gnocchi according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk well, until a roux is formed, about 2 minutes.
- Add milk, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk well and bring to a simmer.
- Add brie and parmesan and reduce heat to low. Stir until the cheese is fully melted. Add cooked gnocchi and stir gently into the sauce.
- Remove the pot from heat and transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Add breadcrumbs and olive oil to a small saucepan. Toast until breadcrumbs are golden brown, about 3 minutes. Top gnocchi with breadcrumbs and bake for 20 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.
- Serve with fresh herbs and enjoy.
Did You Make This Recipe?
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Elizabeth Westerheide says
So good! I made this right before a snow storm, the leftovers were perfect for cold winter nights! Also am a sucker for anything crusted with breadcrumbs!
Christina Musgrave says
So glad you enjoyed the recipe! This is absolutely perfect for a cold and snowy day!
Gina says
Truly obsessed with this. It's the perfect savory recipe!
Christina Musgrave says
We love it too! Thanks for making the recipe.
Lindsay Lethe says
Any idea/tips if this could be made the night before?
Christina Musgrave says
You could made the gnocchi the night before or make the Mac and cheese the night before but don't bake it. If you do that, add 1/4-1/2 cup more milk and mix really well before topping with panko and baking so it doesn't dry out!