Il Cucinologo
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Gratinated Bread Gnocchi

17/11/2023

Gratinated bread gnocchi represent a truly tasty way to reuse stale bread and add a touch of novelty to your table. Here’s how to prepare them:

Ingredients

  • 250 g stale bread
  • 250 ml milk
  • 100 g flour
  • 2 eggs
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Nutmeg, to taste
  • 80 g grated cheese (Parmesan or Parmigiano)
  • Butter, to taste (for the baking dish)
  • Breadcrumbs, to taste (for gratinating)
  • Mixed cheeses as desired (e.g. fontina, asiago, gorgonzola), to taste (for filling or topping)

Preparation

  1. Start by cutting the stale bread into pieces or grating it.
  2. Heat the milk until lukewarm and pour it over the bread. Let the bread soften for about 20 minutes.
  3. Once the bread has absorbed the milk well, 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 pliable dough that is not too sticky. If necessary, add a little more flour.
  5. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
  6. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of butter and sprinkle with a little breadcrumbs. This will prevent the gnocchi from sticking during gratinating.
  7. With wet hands, shape the dough into gnocchi and, if desired, fill them with a cube of cheese of your choice.
  8. Drop the gnocchi into the boiling water and cook until they float to the surface, indicating they are ready.
  9. Remove the gnocchi with a slotted spoon and arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
  10. Sprinkle with the remaining grated cheese and other cheeses as desired for gratinating, then add a few knobs of butter.
  11. Bake under the preheated grill or at maximum temperature for a few minutes, until the cheese is golden and crispy.
  12. Serve immediately.

Fun Fact

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