Baked Gnocchi Casserole Recipe with Bacon

Making good homemade gnocchi is a time-consuming task! Skip the hours of preparation by using the store-bought variety. It works perfectly with our baked gnocchi casserole recipe.

Look for fresh gnocchi in the deli section of your local supermarket. This worldly dish pops up in cultures around the globe but is most associated with Italian cuisine.

No matter how they’re prepared, they’re a pillowy delight and one of our favorite comfort foods. Kids and adults alike will love this dish.

Baked Gnocchi Casserole Recipe

what you'll need

sauce
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 Tbsp flour
1/4 tsp dry mustard powder
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp white pepper
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
2 cups milk
4 oz white cheddar cheese, shredded
gnocchi
1 lb broccoli florets
4 strips thick-cut bacon, diced
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
24 oz gnocchi, fresh

let's do it

In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Add flour and whisk for 2 minutes to toast the flour. Whisk in the mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Cook for 30 seconds more then whisk in the milk. Bring to a boil and turn the heat to low.
Cook for 5 minutes, remove from heat and add the white cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth, cover and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Fill a large cast iron skillet halfway with water. Bring to a boil and add the broccoli. Cook for 2 minutes, drain, cool and set aside.
To dry the pan, add the bacon. Sauté until crispy then remove to a paper towel-lined plate. Drain all but 2 Tbsp of fat from the pan and add 2 Tbsp butter, Pour in gnocchi and sauté until toasted, about 3 minutes.
Add blanched broccoli and sautéed bacon to skillet and toss lightly to coat. Cover with cheese sauce and toss again. Bake skillet in the oven for 20 minutes or until bubbly. Take skillet to the table but warn people about how hot it is! Ouch!

Cheryl Says

It doesn’t take long for gnocchi to cook. Once they float to the top of the pot, they’re done!