Heavenly Gnocchi Bake with Crispy Pancetta and Caramelized Red Onion
Indulge in this scrumptious Gnocchi Bake that merges the delightful softness of gnocchi with rich, savory pancetta and the sweet depth of caramelized red onions. Combined with a creamy mascarpone and sun-dried tomato sauce, this dish embodies comfort food at its finest. Perfectly topped with gooey mozzarella and a crunchy breadcrumb crust, it's a remarkably easy yet impressive meal that will have your family and friends asking for seconds. Serve it hot and relish the delightful medley of flavors and textures in every bite!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
pancetta
4 ounces (cubed)
red onion
1 (peeled and finely diced)
garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
chopped tomato
1 cup (none)
sun-dried tomato paste
3 tablespoons (none)
mascarpone cheese
1 cup (none)
fresh gnocchi
1 lb (none)
fresh basil leaves
8-10 (finely chopped)
grated mozzarella cheese
2 cups (none)
white breadcrumbs
1/3 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for baking.
2
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the pancetta and sauté for 1 minute, allowing it to start crisping.
3
Introduce the diced red onion and crushed garlic into the pan, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes until the pancetta is crispy and the onion has softened.
4
Add in the chopped tomatoes, sun-dried tomato paste, and mascarpone cheese. Mix well and let it simmer on low heat for around 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5
In the meantime, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the gnocchi. Cook for 1-2 minutes until they rise to the surface, then drain thoroughly, making sure to shake off excess water.
6
Transfer the drained gnocchi into a large ovenproof dish (a 10x6 dish works well).
7
Mix the freshly chopped basil into the pancetta sauce mixture. Then pour this fragrant sauce over the gnocchi, tossing gently to ensure even coating.
8
In a separate bowl, combine the grated mozzarella cheese with the breadcrumbs, then sprinkle this over the top of the gnocchi mixture for a delicious crust.
9
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling perfumed with mouthwatering aromas.
10
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving hot. Enjoy the beautiful blend of textures and flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the title of this recipe?
The recipe is titled Heavenly Gnocchi Bake with Crispy Pancetta and Caramelized Red Onion.
How many servings does this gnocchi bake provide?
This recipe provides 4 servings.
What is the culinary category of this dish?
The category of this dish is European.
What type of pancetta should be used?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of cubed pancetta.
How should the red onion be prepared?
The red onion should be peeled and finely diced.
How many garlic cloves are required?
You need 2 garlic cloves, which should be crushed.
How much olive oil is needed for sautéing?
One tablespoon of olive oil is required.
What type of tomatoes are added to the sauce?
One cup of chopped tomatoes is used in the sauce.
How much sun-dried tomato paste is needed?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of sun-dried tomato paste.
What kind of cheese makes the sauce creamy?
One cup of mascarpone cheese is used to create a creamy sauce.
How much gnocchi is needed for this recipe?
You need 1 lb of fresh gnocchi.
How many basil leaves are used?
The recipe uses 8-10 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
Two cups of grated mozzarella cheese are used for the topping.
How many breadcrumbs are required for the crust?
You need 1/3 cup of white breadcrumbs.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
How long do you sauté the pancetta initially?
Sauté the pancetta in olive oil for 1 minute before adding other ingredients.
How long should the onion and garlic cook with the pancetta?
Stir frequently for about 5 minutes until the pancetta is crispy and the onion has softened.
How long should the sauce simmer?
Let the sauce mixture simmer on low heat for around 5 minutes.
How long do you boil the fresh gnocchi?
Cook the gnocchi in salted water for 1-2 minutes until they rise to the surface.
Is it necessary to drain the gnocchi?
Yes, drain them thoroughly and shake off any excess water before transferring to the baking dish.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 10x6 inch ovenproof dish works well for this recipe.
When should the chopped basil be added?
Mix the freshly chopped basil into the pancetta sauce mixture just before pouring it over the gnocchi.
How is the topping prepared?
In a separate bowl, combine the grated mozzarella cheese with the breadcrumbs before sprinkling over the dish.
How long does the dish bake in the oven?
Bake for 15-20 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do you know when the bake is finished?
The top should be golden and bubbling with mouthwatering aromas.
Should the dish be served immediately after baking?
Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving hot.
What are the primary flavor components?
The dish features savory pancetta, sweet caramelized red onion, and creamy mascarpone.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients listed in this recipe.
What is the texture of the gnocchi after boiling?
The gnocchi should be soft and rise to the surface of the water.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include gnocchi, pasta bake, pancetta, red onion, mascarpone, italian dish, and comfort food.