Description
This Cheesy Bacon Baked Gnocchi is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender gnocchi with crispy bacon, fresh basil, and a creamy half-and-half sauce, all topped with a savory breadcrumb and Parmesan crust. Perfect as a hearty dinner, it bakes to a golden bubbly perfection, blending crispy and creamy textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 packages prepared gnocchi (13 ounces each)
- 8 strips bacon, cut into ½ inch strips
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1½ cups half-and-half
- ½ lemon, juice only
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
Topping
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Garnish
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter or spray a 2-quart baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Gnocchi: Cook the gnocchi according to the package directions until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, fry the bacon strips until they are cooked through and just shy of crispy.
- Drain Bacon: Transfer the cooked bacon pieces onto a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess fat.
- Save Bacon Fat: Pour the rendered bacon fat from the skillet into a heat-proof bowl for later use.
- Combine Ingredients: In the prepared casserole dish, add 1 tablespoon of the reserved bacon fat, the cooked bacon, chopped basil, half-and-half, lemon juice, garlic salt, kosher salt, black pepper, shredded Mozzarella cheese, and the cooked gnocchi. Stir everything well to combine evenly.
- Make Topping: Melt the butter and combine it with the breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Apply Topping: Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture evenly over the gnocchi mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the sauce is bubbling.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with the additional ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese and ¼ cup chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the topping for 1-2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- If half-and-half is unavailable, you can substitute with a mixture of milk and cream for richness.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and increase the basil for added flavor.
- Reserved bacon fat enhances flavor but can be omitted for a lighter dish—substitute with a bit of butter if desired.
- Prepare the dish ahead up to the baking step, then refrigerate and bake before serving.
