Baked Mushroom Gnocchi with Blue Cheese
Looking for a twist on classic gnocchi recipes? Give this Baked Mushroom Gnocchi with Blue Cheese a try! We’ve got mushrooms, spinach and a creamy blue cheese sauce – crazy good right? It’s an easy baked gnocchi recipe that feels luxurious but is honestly, really easy to prepare. Its perfect for when you crave something amazing but without the hassle.
Do not forget to check out my Chefs Tips and Wine Pairings sections below!
Wow! This recipe for Baked Mushroom Gnocchi with Blue Cheese is both simple and irresistibly tasty.
We have soft gnocchi paired with mushrooms all coated in a blue cheese sauce, OMG right?
It’s a dish thats really easy to prepare. And it tastes, well like you’re a chef!
In the oven, its going to get all golden and bubbly and you’ll have a meal thats too delicious not to share. Actually, you know what, don’t share it! Keep it all for yourself!! Ok, ok, you should share it.
This Mushroom Gnocchi will definitely add some excitement to your dinner routine. If you’re looking to impress guests this dish has got you covered!. The best part? It’s just as much fun to make as it’s to savor.
Lets get cooking and turn these ingredients into a burst of flavors!
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Why this works
- Texture: You get the best of both worlds here. Soft gnocchi meets crispy mushrooms, all smothered in a creamy sauce. Every bite is a little different.
- Flavor Explosion: This mushroom pasta blends earthy mushrooms, sweet shallots, and aromatic garlic to create a rich, flavorful base. If you’re a fan of unique gnocchi recipes, the blue cheese sauce in this one is nuts! It’s one of the best gnocchi recipes you’ll ever try!! Promise!!
- Simple Yet Fancy: This easy baked gnocchi recipe uses broth or wine to grab all the tasty bits from the pan—genius. Melting in blue cheese and Parmesan for that smooth sauce? Chef’s kiss. It feels fancy but is super straightforward.
- Customize It: Swap out mushrooms or cheese, or add different greens. It’s your call, making it super fun to play around with.
- Prep It Ahead: Got a busy day? Prep parts of this dish in advance. It’s a real life saver when you’re short on time but craving something awesome.
- Looks Amazing: Golden and bubbly from the oven, this dish doesn’t just taste great—it looks great, too. It’s sure to make everyone excited to dig in.
How to make Mushroom Gnocchi
Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi and Sauté the Vegetables
- Cook the Gnocchi: Boil the gnocchi according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a pan, then add quartered white button mushrooms, thickly sliced chestnut mushrooms, and thinly sliced shallots. Sauté until they’re golden and soft. Add crushed garlic and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In the same pan, add fresh thyme and vegetable broth (or white wine). Let it simmer briefly.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in heavy cream, crumbled blue cheese, and grated Parmesan. Cook until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
Step 3: Combine and Garnish
- Mix Together: Toss the cooked gnocchi with the creamy mushroom sauce and sautéed vegetables.
- Finish: Garnish with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, and additional blue cheese crumbles if desired.
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Take It to the Next Level
- Ready to level up this easy baked gnocchi recipe? Making homemade gnocchi adds a personal flair and can blow up your collection of gnocchi recipes to new heights – I mean it! Plus, homemade gnocchi are ALWAYS lighter and softer. This is an awesome recipe for Homemade Gnocchi to get you motivated!
- Branch out with your mushrooms for an unforgettable twist on gnocchi recipes! Skip the usual white or chestnut varieties and try porcini, morel, or chanterelle for those deeper, earthier tastes. It’s a great way to personalize YOUR gnocchi recipe and make it even more satisfying.
- Artisan Cheeses: Upgrade the blue cheese to a premium artisan variety or explore other melt-worthy cheeses with unique flavors, such as Taleggio or a smoked Gouda for a different twist. If you would like to get some incredible cheese online, you can do it here
- Fresh Herbs: Beyond thyme and parsley, consider incorporating basil or chervil for subtle flavor nuances that complement the creamy sauce and mushrooms.
- Individual Bake Dishes: Serve the gnocchi in individual ramekins or cocottes for a personalized touch. It looks elegant and makes your guests feel special.
- Crispy Toppings: For a textural contrast, sprinkle the top with panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter and additional Parmesan. Bake until golden and crispy.
- Love the crunch: Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or walnuts before serving to bring in a texture that pairs perfectly with the pillowy gnocchi and velvety sauce.
- Savor the crispiness: Opt for crispy pancetta or bacon pieces to add a crunch that perfectly complements the rich earthy tones.
Chefs tips
- Prepare Mushrooms: Make sure to wash the mushrooms under running water to clean them off – get the leftover dirt off of them. This helps maintain their texture by avoiding water absorption, which can make soggy when cooked – who likes soggy?
- Perfect Gnocchi Texture: You do not want to overcook these guys, boil them until they float to the surface then drain them. Overcooking will give them a yucky consistency!
Sauce Consistency: Allow it to simmer for a bit longer before incorporating the cheese. You are going to reduce the liquids and really intensify the flavors. If it becomes too thick, you can always a splash of broth or water to help get it where you want it. This a great article on simmering
- Cheese Choices: If you find blue cheese too pungent, consider opting for milder alternatives to balance the flavors in this Mushroom Gnocchi, like Gorgonzola dolce or even a creamy Brie. Aim for a cheese that’s both creamy and flavorful based on what you like.
- Seasoning Adjustment: Taste the sauce after adding cheeses and adjust the seasoning however you’d like. But… The saltiness of cheeses can vary quite a bit so just wait until the cheeses have totally melted into the sauce before adjusting too much.
- Adding Crunchiness: Crunchify (yes I said that!) the dish with contrasts by sprinkling toasted breadcrumbs. Or you could even use chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans, before baking. This is going to add a crunch that complements the creamy gnocchi dish perfectly.
- Fresh is Best: Using fresh thyme and parsley is going to add a bunch of fresh flavor. And who in their right mind does not like fresh!?
- Preparation Tip: This is one of those gnocchi recipes you can make ahead. Just refrigerate it overnight, then simply adjust the baking time slightly to account for starting from a chilled state. This dish also works well as a one-pan gnocchi dinner, making cleanup a breeze!
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Key Ingredients
- Potato Gnocchi: The gnocchi really add to the feel of this dish. They absorb all that sauce creating a incredibly delicious bite every time.
- Mushrooms (White Button and Chestnut): The mushrooms bring a rich, earthy flavor that pairs right up with the creamy sauce and adds a nice, hearty texture.
- Heavy Cream: This is the key to that luxurious, creamy sauce. It pulls all the flavors together and coats the gnocchi just right.
- Blue Cheese (Gorgonzola Dolce): This cheese adds a sharp, tangy flavor that balances out the creamy sauce, giving the dish some serious flavor.
- Garlic: Crushed garlic adds a savory kick that that makes everything pop. Seriously, I am so serious
- Thyme: Complements the mushrooms and cheese bringing everything together perfectly
Wine Pairings
- Chardonnay: A rich Chardonnay, one aged in oak barrels pairs with the creamy sauce and bold blue cheese flavors. Its buttery undertones and slight acidity make it a nice combination.
- Pinot Noir: The earthy mushrooms complement the fruity and earthy notes of a Pinot Noir. This wines medium, balanced acidity help to balance the richness of the dish.
- Sauvignon Blanc: If ya love a crisp white, Sauvignon Blancs high acidity and citrus hints offer a contrast to the creamy sauce while enhancing its richness.
- Barbera: Originating from Italy Barbera is known for its high acidity and soft tannins making it an ideal match for dishes featuring plenty of cheese and mushrooms. Its cherry and plum flavors add a fruity twist.
- A crisp Riesling, celebrated for its acidity and delicate mineral undertones complements the dishs texture and the tangy essence of cheese – hey, that’s a good description if I do say so my self!
Faq’s
Absolutely! You can swap out button or chestnut mushrooms with any variety you prefer. Portobello shiitake or cremini mushrooms would all bring their own flavors to the dish.
No worries all! You can replace it with another type of cheese that you like. Goat cheese, Brie or even a milder feta could work for sure. Just pick something that melts well into the sauce.
Absolutely! Sautéed pancetta, crispy bacon or grilled chicken can add some protein. Simply cook them separately. Then mix them in when combining the gnocchi and sauce.
Simply place it in a container in the fridge for a maximum of three days. When reheating gently warm it up using either the microwave or stovetop. If necessary you can mix in a touch of milk or water to make the sauce thinner.
Definitely! Kid love it for its creamy sauce and tender gnocchi. If your little ones prefer milder flavors adding different cheeses could be a option.
Equipment Needed
Large Pot: Use this to cook the gnocchi until they rise to the surface showing they’re ready.
Colander: Drain the gnocchi. You can also wilt the spinach by pouring boiling water over it.
Large Frying Pan: You need room! Lots of room so you can sauté mushrooms, shallots (or red onions) and garlic until they turn fragrant and golden.
Ovenproof Dish: Put all ingredients together in a ovenproof dish before baking the gnocchi. You need something that can take the heat for that perfect bubbly finish!
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Make sure to measure cream cheeses, broth or wine and seasonings accurately with these. Or… or you could just use a shovel or a bucket?
Now that you’ve been cooking with me for some time, you know having a sharp knife and a high quality cutting board just makes it all so much easier!!
Garlic Press (optional): If you don’t have one, you can still use a knife for sure. Just make sure you are chopping the garlic as fine as you can.
Cheese Grater: Grate your Parmesan cheese and/or any other cheese needed for topping.
Baked Mushroom Gnocchi with Blue Cheese
Ingredients
Gnocchi & Vegetables
- 1 lb store-bought potato gnocchi
- 9 oz young leaf spinach
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 10 oz white button mushrooms, quartered
- 14 oz chestnut mushrooms (or some other kind of mushroom), thickly sliced
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced shallot or red onion
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth or dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5.3 oz ounces creamy blue cheese (e.g., gorgonzola dolce), crumbled
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning & Garnish
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- Additional blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil gnocchi according to package instructions until they float. Drain and set aside.
- Place spinach in a colander and pour over boiling water to wilt. Squeeze out excess water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add all mushrooms and cook until they begin to release their liquid. Season with salt and pepper. Add shallot and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Stir in thyme and deglaze the skillet with broth or wine. Add cream and simmer until slightly thickened. Lower the heat, then stir in the blue cheese and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked gnocchi and wilted spinach to the sauce, tossing to combine. Heat through.
- Transfer the gnocchi mixture into a large, ovenproof dish. Sprinkle the top with extra grated Parmesan and blue cheese crumbles, if using.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling.
- Let the dish cool for a couple of minutes after baking. Garnish with chopped parsley and fresh thyme sprigs before serving.
- Serve your baked gnocchi hot, with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a perfectly rounded meal.