Gnocchi Mac and Cheese

Gnocchi Mac and Cheese

This is a great side dish for steak or grilled pork chops.
Course Side Dish
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 2 16 oz. pkgs. potato gnocchi
  • ¼ cup+2 ½ Tablespoons kosher salt
  • 3 Tablespoons butter
  • 2 shallots finely chopped
  • 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh thyme leaves finely chopped
  • 2 ½ cups milk
  • 2 Tablespoons dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon hot sauce
  • 4 oz. cheddar cheese grated
  • 4 oz. extra-sharp white cheddar cheese grated

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°.
  • Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large saucepan.                   
  • Add both packages of gnocchi and 1/4 cup salt.
  • Boil for 3 minutes or until gnocchi float.  Drain.
  • Melt butter in the large saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add shallots, and sauté for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
  • Add flour and chopped thyme, and cook, stirring constantly, 2 to 3 minutes or until mixture is golden brown and smooth.
  • Gradually whisk in milk, increase heat to high.
  •  Bring mixture to a boil, whisking occasionally.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, whisking constantly, 5 minutes or until slightly thickened and mixture coats back of spoon.
  • Stir in mustard and hot sauce.  Remove from heat.
  • Add cheeses, and stir until melted.
  • Stir in gnocchi and remaining 2 ½ teaspoon salt, and transfer to a lightly greased (with cooking spray) 11" x 7" baking dish.
  • Bake at 375° for 25 minutes or until gnocchi is puffed and sauce is golden and bubbly.
  •  Increase oven temperature to broil and bake for 2 minutes more or until slightly browned.  Let stand for 5 minutes and serve.

Notes

Recipe from Southern Living Magazine