Are you looking for a delicious and comforting autumn meal? Look no further than this homemade Pumpkin Gnocchi with Bacon Alfredo.
This fantastic dish combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin, bacon, and cheese into a savory and mouth-watering pasta treat.
What is gnocchi?
Gnocchi (pronounced nyo-kee) is a simple little potato dumpling that is boiled and served like pasta.
If you want to try it without the potato, here is a Roasted Butternut Squash version that is equally delicious.
Variations for Pumpkin Gnocchi
I added pumpkin puree and some cinnamon and nutmeg to a traditional gnocchi recipe.
If pumpkin isn't your thing use another vegetable puree. Skip the spices if you choose.
For the flour in both the gnocchi and the sauce, I used a gluten free blend. You can use that or all purpose flour as you see fit.
Variations for Bacon Alfredo Sauce
Alfredo is a very simple sauce to make at home: just make a roux then add half and half and boil until thick then mix in the cheese.
I made my own alfredo sauce using the bacon grease instead of the traditional butter for more bacony goodness.
You can use a jarred sauce, or if you want a healthier alternative you can try a faux-fredo made with cauliflower or white beans. Both can be made with a non-dairy milk and no parmesan for a vegan alternative.
Use any type of bacon you like: pork, bacon or turkey. Or go with tempeh or leave it out entirely for a meatless version.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Β½ pound Idaho potatoes (about 3 large)
- β cup pumpkin puree
- ΒΌ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ΒΌ teaspoon cinnamon
- ΒΌ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1Β½ - 2 cups flour (all-purpose or gluten free)
- 6-8 pieces bacon (cut into small pieces)
- 1 cup half and half (milk is okay, but it won't be as creamy)
- 2 cups Parmesan cheese (finely grated - plus extra for serving)
- nutmeg (to taste)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, cook bacon pieces. With a slotted spoon, remove bacon and put on a paper towel. If you have less than 2 tablespoon of bacon grease add a little olive oil or butter. Add half and half and stir with a whisk until completely combined. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, add bacon and Parmesan cheese.
- Peel and chunk potatoes, place in a large pot and cover with water. Boil until just fork tender. Drain water, put potatoes in a large bowl.
- In a large bowl, mash potatoes until smooth. Let cool until room temperature. Add pumpkin puree, Parmesan, egg and spices.
- Slowly add in flour until a smooth, slightly sticky dough is formed. Knead briefly.
- Fill a large pot about half full of water and bring to a boil.
- Divide dough into six balls. Roll each into a thin rope (about Β½ inch thick) and slice into Β½ inch pieces.
- In small batches, drop pieces into boiling water. Gnocchi will sink to the bottom and then rise to float on the top. Boil for 2-3 minutes after they have risen to the top. Remove with a slotted spoon and put on a plate. Continue with all of the dough.
- Serve gnocchi topped with bacon alfredo sauce and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and nutmeg if desired.
Until next time, happy eating.
~Audrey
Jennifer
I love gnocchi, but I've never tried to make it...you make it look so easy! I imagine these would taste wonderful π
Dawn ~ Spatulas On Parade
I like that you used the gnocchi instead of pasta or rice. Great idea Audrey.
Olga
That's great, I love it. I've coocked gnocchi just once and it was good. So I will try you recipe also. Thanks
#ibabloggers
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup
I've never made gnocchi, but I do love it. Thanks so much for this recipe, Audrey! I love the addition of the pumpkin. Pinning this so I can try it soon.
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup
I've never made gnocchi, but I do love it. Thanks so much for this recipe, Audrey! I love the addition of the pumpkin and the bacon. Pinning this so I can try it soon.
Sarah
I love gnocchi but have never tried pumpkin gnocchi before. These look great!!
Joanne T Ferguson
G'day This looks delish! Wish I could try some now!
Cheers! Joanne
#ibabloggers
Alexia - the non-hip hippies
Hmmm.. I wrote a comment about how delicious those gnocchi look and that even without the bacon (I am vegetarian) they surely taste great, but it doesn't show up. So, I wrote it again, because that recipe deserves all the positive feedback it can get π #ibabloggers
Kristina and Millie
the son loves alfredo and he loves bacon. i admit we haven't actually tried gnocchi so this will be a fun recipe to experiment with!
Leslie
I love gnocchi and I get it where ever I see has it. It's been hit or miss at times but oh man when its a hit its so good! Thanks for sharing & happy Wednesday!
Rachel
I love Gnocchi but have never had it with pumpkin. I bet it is a great combination. And bacon makes everything better, haha. Thanks for sharing on Merry Monday!
Cindys Recipes and Writings
Hi Audrey, I picked your recipe as my Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party Favorite! thanks for linking up!
Joanne T Ferguson
G'day! Thanks for sharing at our #SayGdayParty! Please make sure to revisit if you haven't already and say G'day to the hosts and someone else at the party! Cheers! Joanne @ What's On The List Pinned
Katerina
I love the pumpkin tweak on the classic! Thanks for coming and linking up at The Weekend Social. All posts get pinned in our pinterest board! Please be sure to come back next week starting Thursdays at 9PM EST on culinaryflavors.gr ! I hope to see you there!
Lou Lou Girls
This looks so good! Pinned. Lou Lou Girls
Tammy @ creativekkids
I would have never been able to come up with something like this all on my own! Great job! Thanks for linking up to the Tasty Tuesdays Linky Party at Creative K Kids. I pinned it to the Tasty Tuesdays Pinterest Board.
Nic
Like the others, I too have never made own gnocchi. This would be delicious! Thanks for sharing
Kelster
I only tried making gnocchi once. It didn't turn out right. This is inspiring me to try again.
Jamie
Never would have that of making that with that!! YUM!! Pinning this to try one night! #HomeMattersParty
Denise
What a great combo of flavor! I've never made gnocchi, but absolutely love it. Will have to give it a try! #HomeMattersParty
Chelsea @ The Johnsons Plus Dog
Pumpkin and bacon, what a unique combination. I'm a huge fan of Gnocchi although I've never tried making it from scratch. Thanks for sharing. #HomeMattersParty