Apple & Poblano Gnocchi Bake with Smoked Cheddar Cheese
***This post is in partnership with Starr Ranch Growers. As always all opinions expressed are 100% my own***
This Apple & Poblano Gnocchi Bake with Smoked Cheddar Cheese delivers an explosion of flavors and texture in every bite! Made of fluffy gnocchi, sweet and tart Juici apples with a hint of spice from the poblano peppers—all of these doused in a creamy cheese sauce and baked to perfection! It is the ultimate fall recipe to make on the holidays!
The Perfect Fall Comfort Food
What makes a classic comfort food? I think it has to do with the happy and nostalgic feeling you get from tasting them. They are deliciously hearty and filling- just like these tender potato dumplings in a gooey smoked cheddar sauce! But what makes this recipe stand out from the rest is the addition of crisp apples and peppers in it!
And this dish in particular is made even more special by using Juici Apples exclusively sold by Starr Ranch Growers. These “Lifestyle Apples” are delightfully sweet and tart and are great anytime, anywhere for anyone! They are super pretty too, with their distinctive dimples in the skin that give them texture and a unique appearance.
Ingredients Needed
Add these easy-to-find items to your grocery list to enjoy this amazing dish for the whole family to enjoy!
- Gnocchi- it is easier to buy them packed and ready to cook. Classic dumplings are made of potatoes, but if you are looking for a low-carb version, try using Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi.
- JUICI apples– These are available in major supermarkets from October to April. Currently now available in all Costco stores nationwide. You’ll find that these are a cross between a Honeycrisp and a Braeburn. You can use other Starr Ranch Growers baking apples if you do not have these.
- Poblano- these will give the perfect amount of heat to the gnocchi bake. Not too spicy, and with a touch of sweetness once they are cooked.
- Yellow onion- used as a savory and aromatic base for the apples and peppers.
- Smoked cheddar cheese- I love how this gives the sauce a smoky and savory flavor and gooey texture. You can also use plain cheddar or other melty cheeses like Colby, Swiss, or Monterey Jack.
- Butter- use unsalted butter for this recipe to make sure the sauce does not turn out too salty especially once the cheese is added.
- All-purpose flour- to thicken the sauce
- Whole milk- provides creaminess and a richer-flavored sauce. You can also use half-and-half if you want it thicker.
- Panko- for a crisp and golden finish!
- Cayenne pepper- adds a nice fiery taste and color to the panko crust.
- Salt and freshly ground
- Olive oil
How to Make Apple & Poblano Gnocchi Bake with Smoked Cheddar Cheese
It will take you around 45 to 60 minutes to make this dish which includes cooking the gnocchi, sautéing the apples and poblano, making the sauce, and baking. It is such a fuss-free and straightforward recipe, you’ll be making it like a pro in no time!
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Steps:
- Cook the Gnocchi. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package directions. Remove the gnocchi from the pot and set aside.
- Sautee the apples and peppers. In a 10-inch nonstick skillet preheated to medium-high heat, add the olive oil and poblano pepper. Saute the pepper for about 5 to 7 minutes or until softened. Next, add the onion and apple. Continue to cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove the veggies from the skillet and add them to the bowl with the gnocchi and toss
- Make the cheese sauce. In the same skillet as the veggies, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and begin to whisk for about a minute. Gradually pour in the milk and continue to whisk until thickened about four to five minutes. Once thickened add the shredded cheese and turn off the heat. Continue to whisk until the cheese sauce is smooth.
- Assemble. Pour the cheese sauce over the bowl with gnocchi and gently stir to combine.
- Add the panko crust. Wipe the 10-inch nonstick skillet clean with a paper towel. Pour the gnocchi into the prepared baking dish. Melt the remaining 1 tbsp of butter in the microwave. Add it to a bowl with panko and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine. Place the panko mixture on top of the gnocchi.
- Bake. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Helpful Tips
- You will know when your gnocchi are cooked when they float to the surface. Remove them immediately to avoid overcooking them and making them mushy.
- When making the cheese sauce, make sure to stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook until just thickened and remove from heat before adding the cheese. The residual heat should take care of melting the cheese without overcooking the roux.
- If the top layer of the gnocchi bake becomes too dark mid-bake, cover the dish with a sheet of foil to prevent it from burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this vegan? Sure, you can use dairy-free versions of butter, milk, and cheese to make this wholly plant-based!
- Can I use other peppers aside from poblano? Absolutely! If you like a milder version, bell peppers are perfect for this dish. Or if you are a fan of spicy food, swap it with jalapenos instead.
- Is gnocchi a type of pasta? Though it is usually cooked and served similarly, gnocchi is a potato dumpling, not pasta.
- I don’t like boiling my gnocchi, is there a different way to cook it? If you want crispier gnocchi, I have an alternative way of cooking it! Check it out here.
Serving and Storing Notes
Since it is made of potato, this can be quite a filling side dish, so I would pair it with something light like my Cilantro Tomato Smoked Salmon or Grilled Chile Lime Shrimp Skewers. You can also serve it as a main dish with a side of Buffalo Chickpea Salad or Roasted Tomato and Poblano Soup.
If you have leftovers, place them in a lidded container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat your portions in a microwave or oven.
For more information about JUICI Apples or Starr Ranch Growers make sure to visit their website:
Apple & Poblano Gnocchi Bake with Smoked Cheddar Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 12oz Packages of gnocchi
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 large Poblano, seeds removed, diced
- 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
- 1 1/2 medium JUICI apples, peeled, diced
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- 6 tbsp Unsalted butter, divided
- 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 cups Whole milk
- 1 3/4 cups Shredded smoked cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup Panko
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions. Remove the gnocchi from the pot and set aside.
- Next, in a 10-inch nonstick skillet preheated to medium-high heat, add the olive oil and poblano pepper. Saute the pepper for about 5 to 7 minutes or until softened. Next, add in the onion and apple. Continue to cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove the veggies from the skillet and add it to the bowl with the gnocchi and toss.
- In the same skillet as the veggies, melt the 5 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the flour and begin to whisk for about a minute. Gradually pour in the milk and continue to whisk until thickened about four to five minutes. Once thickened add the shredded cheese and turn off the heat. Continue to whisk until the cheese sauce is smooth. Pour the cheese sauce over the bowl with gnocchi and gently stir to combine.
- Wipe the 10-inch nonstick skillet clean with a paper towel. Pour the gnocchi into the prepared baking dish. Melt the remaining 1 tbsp of butter in the microwave. Add it to a bowl with panko and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine. Place the panko mixture on top of the gnocchi and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve and enjoy!
