Gnocchi Au Gratin with Ham and Peas

Serves 4

You'll love the flavor of this simple gratin. Gruyère is an aged Swiss cheese with a firm texture and sweet, slightly nutty flavor. If you can’t find Gruyère, you can substitute Emmental.


Ingredients

  • 1 (16-oz.) package potato gnocchi

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

  • 1 pound ham steak, cut into 1⁄2- inch pieces

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups whole milk

  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • 4 ounces shredded Gruyère cheese (about 1 cup)

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

  • 1 cup thawed frozen green peas


Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Cook potato gnocchi according to package directions; drain and transfer to a large bowl.

  2. Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high. Add ham and cook, stirring often, until ham is lightly browned and any moisture has evaporated, 5 to 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer ham to bowl with gnocchi. Wipe Dutch oven clean.

  3. Melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in Dutch oven over medium-high. Whisk in all-purpose flour. Cook, whisking constantly, until mixture is light golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in whole milk, and bring to a boil; whisk vigorously to work out any lumps.

  4. Whisk in kosher salt and black pepper. Remove from heat, and slowly whisk in shredded Gruyère cheese and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, until melted. Pour cheese sauce over ham and gnocchi; stir in thawed frozen green peas.

  5. Transfer mixture to a lightly greased (with cooking spray) 11-x 7-inch baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top, and bake in preheated oven until bubbly and golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven, and serve warm.

*From Southern Living