Ultimate Cheesy Gnocchi Mac ‘N Cheese with Ham and Peas: The Perfect Leftover Ham Casserole
Transform your leftover holiday ham into an extraordinary meal with this cozy and incredibly flavorful Gnocchi Mac ‘N Cheese with Ham and Peas casserole. Featuring tender potato dumplings swimming in a rich, cheesy sauce alongside savory ham and sweet peas, it’s a delightful twist on a classic comfort food that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Gnocchi Mac ‘N Cheese with Ham and Peas: A Comfort Food Revelation
This Gnocchi Mac ‘N Cheese with Ham and Peas casserole is more than just a dish; it’s a revelation in comfort food. Picture this: perfectly cooked, soft potato gnocchi enveloped in a luxuriously creamy and cheesy sauce, punctuated by tender pieces of savory ham and vibrant sweet peas. The result is a symphony of flavors and textures that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. What makes this recipe truly special is its adaptability, born from a spontaneous creation using readily available ingredients – including the last remnants of a holiday ham. It quickly became clear that this wasn’t just a one-off meal; it’s a dish worth making again and again, whether you have leftover ham or simply crave an easy, hearty casserole.
Why Gnocchi is the Secret Ingredient for an Amazing Mac ‘N Cheese
While traditional macaroni and cheese holds a special place in our hearts, introducing gnocchi elevates the experience to a new level. These small, pillowy potato dumplings are incredible at soaking up the rich, velvety cheese sauce, delivering an explosion of flavor in every bite. Their soft, tender texture provides a delightful contrast to the creaminess, making each mouthful a unique sensation that traditional pasta simply can’t replicate. And let’s be honest, gnocchi is incredibly easy and quick to cook – usually just a few minutes until they float to the top of boiling water – making this gourmet-tasting meal surprisingly simple to prepare. While the dream of making gnocchi from scratch remains on many a chef’s bucket list, good quality store-bought gnocchi works beautifully here, ensuring that a delicious, homemade-tasting meal is always within reach.
The Perfect Duo: Leftover Ham and Sweet Peas
This Gnocchi Mac ‘N Cheese casserole offers an ingenious and delicious solution for using up that leftover holiday ham. Instead of letting it go to waste, diced ham brings a wonderful salty, savory depth that perfectly complements the creamy cheese. The addition of sweet peas not only adds a pop of vibrant color but also introduces a subtle sweetness and freshness that balances the richness of the cheese and ham. It’s also an excellent way to “sneak” some vegetables into a meal, making it a hit even with picky eaters who might not usually opt for green veggies. The combination is a classic for a reason – ham and peas together create a harmonious flavor profile that is both nostalgic and deeply satisfying.
Crafting the Velvety Cheese Sauce: The Heart of the Casserole
The core of any exceptional mac and cheese is its sauce, and this recipe delivers on all fronts. Starting with a classic roux – a blend of butter and flour whisked until smooth and bubbly – ensures a thick and stable base. Slowly adding milk to this roux creates a béchamel, which then transforms into a magnificent cheese sauce with the addition of high-quality cheeses. For this dish, a blend of shredded Vermont white sharp cheddar offers a tangy, robust flavor, while freshly shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano adds a sophisticated, nutty, and salty kick. A pinch of Italian seasoning, a dash of kosher salt, fresh cracked pepper, and a hint of Dijon mustard round out the flavors, creating a complex yet balanced profile that coats every gnocchi and piece of ham perfectly. This rich, creamy concoction is what truly makes this gnocchi mac ‘n cheese a standout comfort food.
An Easy, Cozy, and Crowd-Pleasing Dish
Beyond its incredible flavor, one of the greatest appeals of this Gnocchi Mac ‘N Cheese with Ham and Peas is its ease of preparation. It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require complex techniques or exotic ingredients, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal. The entire casserole comes together quickly, with much of the cooking time being hands-off as it bakes to bubbly, golden perfection in the oven. This dish embodies coziness and comfort, offering a warm embrace in a bowl (or casserole dish!). It’s hearty enough to be a standalone main course but also versatile enough to be served alongside a simple salad or crusty bread. For families, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that satisfies even the most discerning palates, bringing smiles and warmth to the dinner table.
If you’re looking for other fantastic macaroni and cheese recipes, look no further! My passion for this cheesy delight runs deep, and I’ve got plenty of variations to keep your taste buds excited:
- Garlic, Bacon, and Beer Macaroni and Cheese
- Fried Salsa Verde Macaroni and Cheese Balls
- Jalapeno and Chorizo Macaroni and Cheese
- Pulled Pork Macaroni and Cheese with Crispy Bacon and Herb Topping
- Cranberry Chorizo Macaroni and Cheese
- Wine and Thyme Macaroni and Cheese
As you can tell, I LOVE macaroni and cheese – almost as much as pizza!
Tips for Success and Delicious Variations
To ensure your Gnocchi Mac ‘N Cheese with Ham and Peas turns out perfectly every time, here are a few key tips. First, don’t overcook the gnocchi; they cook very quickly, typically floating to the top of the boiling water in just 2-3 minutes. Overcooking can make them mushy. Second, when making your roux and cheese sauce, whisk constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency. For that irresistible golden-brown crust, don’t skip the panko breadcrumbs tossed with olive oil – it adds a wonderful textural contrast to the soft gnocchi. If you don’t have leftover ham, you can easily substitute with pre-cooked diced ham from the deli, or even crispy bacon for a different flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with your cheese choices; Gruyere, Fontina, or even a smoked Gouda would offer fantastic depth. For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be stirred into the sauce. And if you want to boost the veggie content even further, consider adding some sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach to the mix.
This Gnocchi Mac ‘N Cheese is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s perfect for using up those holiday ham leftovers, a brilliant way to incorporate more peas into your family’s diet, and a fantastic, fun spin on a beloved traditional dish. Give this cozy casserole a try, and prepare to fall in love with its cheesy, creamy deliciousness.
If this recipe looks good, make sure to check out my Basic Creamy Macaroni and Cheese recipe as the essential guide for all things Mac and Cheese.
Gnocchi Mac ‘N Cheese with Ham and Peas
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Ingredients
- 1 16 oz pkg gnocchi
- 2 Tbs unsalted butter
- 2 Tbs all-purpose flour
- 1½ cup milk
- pinch Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ cup shredded Vermont white sharp cheddar
- ¼ cup freshly shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- pinch fresh cracked pepper
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ cup diced ham
- 1 cup peas thawed if frozen
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ Tbs extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
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Heat oven to 350F. Put a large pot of salted water to boil.
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While water is heating, make the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat the butter and flour, whisking until smooth and bubbly to make a roux. Cook on medium heat 2 minutes to cook the flour. Slowly, whisking constantly, add the milk. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring, until mixture is thickened. Remove from the heat and add the Italian seasoning, cheeses, salt, pepper, dijon, ham, and peas.
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Add the gnocchi to the boiling water and cook according to package directions (until they float to the top). Drain and toss gently into the cheese sauce. Pour all into a 2-qt casserole dish.
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In a small bowl, combine the panko and olive oil. Sprinkle over the gnocchi mac ‘n cheese. Put casserole in the oven to bake, uncovered, 35 minutes at 350F or until bubbly and lightly browned. Serves 4.
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For more delicious recipe ideas with gnocchi, check out these recipes
If you’ve discovered the joy of gnocchi with this casserole, you’ll be thrilled to explore more ways to incorporate these versatile potato dumplings into your cooking. From quick weeknight meals to elegant vegetarian options, gnocchi truly shines. Here are a few more favorites: