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Au gratin bread gnocchi

17/11/2023

Au gratin bread gnocchi represent a really tasty variant to reuse stale bread and bring a touch of novelty to your table. Here is how to prepare them:

Ingredients

  • 250 g of stale bread
  • 250 ml of milk
  • 100 g of flour
  • 2 eggs
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Nutmeg, to taste
  • 80 g of grated cheese (Parmesan or pecorino)
  • Butter, to taste (for the baking dish)
  • Bread crumbs, to taste (for the au gratin)
  • Mixed cheeses of your choice (e.g., fontina, asiago, gorgonzola), to taste (for the filling or for gratinating on top)

Preparation

  1. Start by breaking down the stale bread into small pieces or grating it.
  2. Warm the milk until lukewarm and pour over the bread. Let the bread soften for about 20 minutes.
  3. Once the bread has well absorbed the milk, add the eggs, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous mixture.
  4. Incorporate the flour and about half of the grated cheese, mixing until you have a moldable and not too sticky dough. If necessary, you can add a bit more flour.
  5. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
  6. In a baking dish, spread a layer of butter and sprinkle with a little breadcrumbs. This will prevent the gnocchi from sticking during the au gratin process.
  7. With wet hands, form gnocchi from the dough and, if desired, you can fill them with a cube of cheese of your choice.
  8. Immerse the gnocchi in boiling water and cook them until they float to the surface, indicating that they are ready.
  9. Remove the gnocchi with a slotted spoon and place them in the prepared baking dish.
  10. Sprinkle with the remaining grated cheese and other cheeses of your choice for the au gratin, then add a few flakes of butter.
  11. Place under the grill of the already hot oven or at maximum temperature for a few minutes, until the cheese is golden and crispy.
  12. Serve immediately.

Curiosity

Bread gnocchi are a dish from the peasant tradition, born as an ingenious solution to avoid wasting leftover bread. Each Italian region has its own version, with small variations on the theme. The final au gratin makes them particularly scrumptious and they are perfect for a family lunch or a dinner with friends. The grated cheese creates a crispy crust, while the cheese in the filling melts, making each bite irresistible.