I absolutely love hot, cheesy spinach and artichoke dip. It’s something I can dig into and truly be a little pig about. So today’s post is a riff on one of my favourite dips made into gnocchi casserole form. This will likely be my last warming and hearty casserole of the season because it’s time to think spring…and I’m definitely okay with that. But in the same breath, I didn’t want you to miss out on this wonderfully cheesy and saucy Spinach and Artichoke Gnocchi Gratin.
If you’re not familiar with gnocchi, they are essentially little dumplings often made with mashed potatoes or ricotta cheese. Very simple to make, they cook in minutes and they can take on whatever sauce you want to toss them in. A classic sauce is a butter and sage sauce, but your favourite family meat sauce would be great too. The cheese lover in me can’t help but smother the tender little dumplings in a luscious Gruyere cheese sauce. Enjoy!
Tips for great gnocchi:
Don’t overwork the dough and mix only until combined. This will prevent too much gluten development in the flour.
The grooves are not necessary, however, they help the dumpling hold the sauce. It only takes a few extra minutes to roll each piece over the tines of a fork or gnocchi board.
Cook gnocchi in gently simmering water and only cook until they start to float to the surface. A rapid boil is a little too rough for the tender gnocchi.
Gnocchi can be made and cooked ahead of time. Simply chill or freeze in a single layer on a large baking tray. Once they are frozen they can be stored together in a sealable bag or airtight container. If chilling, cover and use within 2 days.
In a large bowl whisk together eggs, ricotta, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Stir in flour until dough starts to come together.
Scoop dough onto a floured work surface and knead gently for a few turns until dough is smooth. Shape into a round disk, cover and allow to rest for 10 minutes for the flour to hydrate.
Cut dough disk into 4 equal portions and roll eat portion into an approximate 15" log. Cut each log into 3/4" pieces, dusting lightly with flour as you go to prevent sticking.
Roll each piece across the tines of a fork or gnocchi board, sprinkle with flour as you go to prevent sticking. Dust a large baking tray with flour and lay formed gnocchi in a single layer on the tray. Sprinkle with flour, cover and keep chilled until ready to use.
Sauce
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until combined. Slowly add 1 cup of hot milk and whisk until the mixture is smooth. Repeat with remaining milk, adding it gradually and stirring until smooth after each addition. Once all the milk has been added, bring to a gentle simmer to ensure flour has thickened to its capacity. Continue to cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a simmer and preheat oven to 350°F.
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in half of the Gruyere cheese, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Once the cheese has melted stir in spinach and chopped artichokes.
Gently add gnocchi to the simmering water. Cook until all the gnocchi float to the surface which will only take a few minutes. Remove with a slotted scoop to a towel-lined tray to remove excess moisture. Immediately add gnocchi to the sauce and stir gently to combine.
Divide between 4 oven-safe individual cocotte dishes or ramekins that will hold a minimum of 1 1/2 cups. Divide remaining Gruyere cheese evenly over tops and place on a foil-lined baking tray. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly. Turn oven to broil to lightly brown the tops for about 2 minutes.
Remove from oven and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving as they are very hot.
Recipe Notes
A single casserole dish can be used instead of individual cocotte dishes if desired.
It's important to add the cooked gnocchi immediately to the sauce as they will start to stick together if left to sit for too long.
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Well, baked pasta is far from anything new.This little version is my own yet very similar to many that are out there.It’s more of a reminder of how wonderful a baked pasta can be.There are a few steps involved so I wouldn’t call it the best weeknight meal.However, Meaty Baked Pasta is just what the family calls for on the weekend.
With this pasta casserole, you will find a meaty sauce that includes ground beef and Italian sausage, a light and creamy ricotta cheese layer that helps to balance the acid in the tomato sauce.More sauce hugged pasta with chunks of tomato that is broiled oozy with mozzarella and parmesan.It’s the kind of dish you know you should stop eating, but just can’t.
It serves many with even a few leftovers.If planning ahead, you may want to assemble in two casserole dishes, bake one and freeze the other for a later meal when time is not your friend.
Meaty Baked Pasta is homey, satisfying and best of all cheesy!It’s not diet friendly, so I won’t pretend that it is.Everything in moderation, right?Enjoy!
Heat olive oil in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until starting to soften, stirring often.
Add ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking apart any large chunks and stirring often. Dab out any excess fat with a paper towel.
To the meat add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and chili flakes.
Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, cover and cook, stirring occasionally for 20- 25 minutes to meld flavours.
While meat sauce is simmering, cook pasta according to package directions using well-salted water. (about 1 tbsp regular salt to 4 litres of water). Drain pasta and set aside.
Preheat oven to 350℉.
In a small bowl stir together ricotta, half of the mozzarella, half of the parmesan, dried basil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Lightly spray a 9"x13" casserole dish with non stick spray. Add half the cooked pasta and half of the meat sauce to the casserole dish. Stir to combine. Spread with ricotta cheese mixture.
To the pot with the remaining pasta add remaining meat sauce. Stir to combine and pour over ricotta cheese layer. Top with remaining half of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until bubbly. Broil for 2-3 to blister the cheese. Remove and allow to rest 3-5 minutes prior to serving.
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Today I am compelled to bake a luscious lemon loaf. What makes this loaf special is the addition of ricotta cheese. It adds body, moisture and makes a tender crumb, and the poppy seeds add a nice little crunch. The whole combination is wonderful and a great addition to many occasions but especially Mother’s Day because it’s spring, it’s lemon and it’s mother worthy!!
The original recipe comes from www.alexandracooks.com a website that I have followed for some time. Not only does she have a great site with fantastic recipes, she also writes and collaborates with Food 52, whom I also follow.
I have made this loaf many times as it is and it is wonderful! However earlier this month I made it for Mother’s Day for my mother in law . I was looking for a little sweet treat to end a feast of eggs mornay on a bed of spinach with sausage and fresh fruit. I didn’t want to serve squares or cookies, so this lemon loaf was just a perfect fit for the occasion. Sweet, but not overly, buttery but not too rich….a perfect end to my Mother’s Day Brunch.
Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf
Print Recipe
A tender and moist lemon loaf great for any occasion.
Servings
1loaf
Servings
1loaf
Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf
Print Recipe
A tender and moist lemon loaf great for any occasion.
Preheat oven to 350℉. Butter a 9x5x3" loaf pan and set aside. In a medium bowl stir together flour, baking powder, poppy seeds and salt and set aside.
In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment beat butter and sugar until soft and well creamed, about 2 minutes. Add ricotta cheese and beat for an additional minute. Add eggs one at a time, beating to incorporate after each egg. Add lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla and mix until combined. Add flour mixture all at once and mix until just incorporated.
Pour batter into greased pan and bake for approximately 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool on wire rack before removing from pan.
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