5 from 104 votes
Gnocchi alla Bava
Gnocchi alla Bava is a creamy Italian dish where soft potato or buckwheat gnocchi are coated in a smooth melted Fontina cheese sauce enriched with cream and milk. The dish is finished with crunchy walnuts and grated Parmigiano Reggiano, offering a balance of creamy, nutty, and savory flavors. The quick cooking and melting process creates a rich texture perfect for a comforting meal.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings:
4
Calories:
815 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 28 oz gnocchi (potato or buckwheat)
- 10 ½ oz fontina cheese
- ½ cup fresh cream
- ½ cup milk
- salt for gnocchi and to taste
- 1 handful walnuts shelled and chopped
- 2 oz parmigiano reggiano grated
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt once it starts to boil and bring to the boil again.
- In a saucepan or skillet, combine the chunks of Fontina cheese with the milk and cream. Melt the mixture over a low heat, stirring continuously to avoid lumps until smooth.
- Add the gnocchi to the boiling salted water. Cook until they float to the surface, which typically takes about 2 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked gnocchi with a slotted spoon directly into the cheese sauce. Gently mix to ensure the gnocchi are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve the gnocchi hot, topped with chopped walnuts and grated Parmigiano Reggiano.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Other Italian melting cheeses like Toma, Raschera, Gorgonzola, Maccagno, or Castelmagno can substitute Fontina.
- Homemade gnocchi cooking time is not included in this recipe.
- Optionally bake the assembled gnocchi with Parmigiano on top for 15 minutes before serving.
- Use vegetarian cheeses if animal rennet is a concern; Fontina and Parmigiano often contain animal rennet unless specified.
Nutrition Information
Calories
815kcal
(41%)
Carbohydrates
75g
(25%)
Protein
34g
(68%)
Fat
43g
(66%)
Saturated Fat
24g
(120%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
5g
(29%)
Monounsaturated Fat
11g
(55%)
Cholesterol
127mg
(42%)
Sodium
1495mg
(62%)
Potassium
155mg
(3%)
Fiber
5g
(20%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
1195IU
(24%)
Vitamin C
0.2mg
(0%)
Calcium
656mg
(66%)
Iron
8mg
(44%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 815
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 815kcal | 41% |
| Carbohydrates | 75g | 25% |
| Protein | 34g | 68% |
| Fat | 43g | 66% |
| Saturated Fat | 24g | 120% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 127mg | 42% |
| Sodium | 1495mg | 62% |
| Potassium | 155mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 1195IU | 24% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 656mg | 66% |
| Iron | 8mg | 44% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.