Creamy Blue Cheese and Prosciutto Gnocchi Bake
Delight in a luxurious marriage of creamy blue cheese and savory prosciutto with this tantalizing baked gnocchi dish. The rich sauce envelopes every bite of tender gnocchi, while the crunchy, golden breadcrumb topping adds the perfect textural contrast. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent dinner, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream
300 ml
blue cheese
150 g (crumbled)
prosciutto
125 g (coarsely torn)
breadcrumbs
70 g
parmesan cheese
50 g (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
2
In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the cream to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and allow it to simmer for about 2 minutes to slightly reduce.
3
Stir in the crumbled blue cheese, season with freshly ground black pepper, and reduce the heat to low-medium. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. It's okay if there are a few fine lumps.
4
Spread the gnocchi evenly across the base of the prepared baking dish. Distribute the torn prosciutto evenly over the gnocchi.
5
Pour the blue cheese sauce evenly over the gnocchi and prosciutto in the baking dish.
6
In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and grated parmesan. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the dish.
7
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
8
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Blue Cheese and Prosciutto Gnocchi Bake?
It is a luxurious baked dish combining soft gnocchi with a rich blue cheese cream sauce and savory prosciutto pieces.
Which blue cheese is best for this recipe?
Gorgonzola, Stilton, or Roquefort are all excellent choices depending on how strong you want the flavor to be.
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes, either shelf-stable or fresh gnocchi from the refrigerated section will work perfectly for this bake.
How should I store leftovers?
Place leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes, simply omit the prosciutto or replace it with sun-dried tomatoes for a vegetarian-friendly meal.
What can I substitute for prosciutto?
Cooked bacon bits or pancetta are great savory alternatives if you do not have prosciutto.
How long does it take to bake this dish?
The gnocchi bake needs approximately 15 to 20 minutes in a preheated oven.
Can I make this gnocchi bake in advance?
You can assemble the dish a few hours ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to bake.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It is not gluten-free as written, but you can use gluten-free gnocchi and breadcrumbs to adapt it.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of blue cheese?
Yes, you can substitute with goat cheese or even a mild brie if you prefer a different flavor.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 180°C or 350°F for optimal results.
How do I get the breadcrumb topping crispy?
Mixing the breadcrumbs with grated parmesan and baking until bubbling ensures a golden, crunchy finish.
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are added while still frozen.
What size baking dish do I need?
A medium to large rectangular baking dish that allows the gnocchi to spread out is ideal.
Can I add vegetables to this gnocchi bake?
Yes, spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms are excellent additions to this creamy recipe.
How long should I simmer the cream?
Simmer the cream for about 2 minutes to allow it to slightly reduce and thicken before adding the cheese.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
It is not recommended as the sauce will be too thin and won't have the same luxurious consistency.
Which herbs pair well with this dish?
Freshly chopped parsley, sage, or thyme are all wonderful choices for garnishing.
Is this gnocchi bake spicy?
No, it is not spicy, though the blue cheese provides a sharp and bold flavor profile.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve approximately 4 people as a main course.
Can I reheat the leftovers in the microwave?
Yes, although the breadcrumb topping may lose its crunchiness when microwaved.
What if I don't have parmesan cheese?
You can use Pecorino Romano or simply use extra breadcrumbs for the topping.
Are panko breadcrumbs okay to use?
Yes, panko breadcrumbs are excellent for providing an even crunchier texture to the topping.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
You can thin the sauce slightly by adding a small splash of milk or extra cream.
What if the sauce looks too thin?
The sauce will naturally thicken as it bakes in the oven with the gnocchi.
Do I need to boil the gnocchi before baking?
No, for this recipe, the gnocchi cooks directly in the sauce while in the oven.
How do I stop the top from burning?
If the breadcrumbs are browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Can I freeze this gnocchi bake?
Freezing is not ideal as the cream-based sauce may separate and change texture upon thawing.
What type of pan is best for the sauce?
A small heavy-bottomed saucepan is best for simmering the cream and melting the cheese evenly.
Is this a light or healthy meal?
This is a rich and indulgent comfort food dish, intended for occasional enjoyment.