Creamy Ham & Cheese Gnocchi
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 200 g cream cheese softened
- 2 teaspoons wholegrain mustard
- 150 ml whole milk
- Sea salt flakes to taste
- Black pepper freshly ground, to taste
- 500 g fresh gnocchi
- 200 g ham shredded
- 4 green onions thinly sliced
- 60 g cheddar or mozzarella grated
- Green salad to serve
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 170ยฐC.
- Place the cream cheese and wholegrain mustard in a large bowl.
- Beat together with a wooden spoon, then slowly mix in the milk until smooth.
- Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Stir in the gnocchi, ham, green onions, and most of the grated cheese.
- Divide the mixture between four individual ovenproof dishes.
- Scatter the remaining cheese over the top.
- Place the dishes in the air fryer.
- Air fry for 5 minutes until golden, then cover with foil.
- Continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Serve warm with a green salad.
Notes & Wine Advice
Recipe Notes
Use softened cream cheese so it combines smoothly with the mustard and milk. Add the milk gradually while stirring to prevent lumps. Fresh gnocchi works particularly well because it cooks quickly in the creamy sauce. Cheddar gives the dish a stronger savoury flavour, while mozzarella produces a milder and stretchier topping. Do not add too much salt before tasting. The ham and cheese already contribute plenty of seasoning.Storage Advice
Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 160ยฐC until thoroughly hot. Add a small splash of milk before reheating if the sauce has become too thick. Freezing is not recommended because the creamy sauce can separate.Wine Advice
A fresh Pinot Grigio works well with the creamy cheese sauce and salty ham. Its crisp character cuts through the richness without overpowering the mild gnocchi and wholegrain mustard.Nutrition values
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About This Recipe
Creamy Ham & Cheese Gnocchi is a quick and comforting meal built around soft gnocchi, savoury ham, cream cheese, and melted cheese. Wholegrain mustard adds gentle sharpness, while green onions bring freshness to the rich sauce. Best of all, the entire dish needs only a short time in the air fryer.
Creamy Gnocchi Made Easy
The sauce starts with softened cream cheese and wholegrain mustard. Milk loosens the mixture and creates a smooth coating for the gnocchi. As everything cooks, the sauce thickens around the gnocchi while the grated cheese melts across the top.
Ham and Cheese for Extra Flavour
Shredded ham adds a salty, savoury flavour that works naturally with the creamy sauce. Cheddar gives the finished dish a stronger cheese flavour, while mozzarella is a good choice when you prefer a milder, softer topping. Both work well in this easy Air fryer recipe.
Quick Air Fryer Dinner
Individual ovenproof dishes help the gnocchi heat quickly and evenly. The first few minutes of cooking brown the cheese, while covering the dishes afterward prevents the topping from becoming too dark before everything underneath is thoroughly heated.
Serving Creamy Ham & Cheese Gnocchi
Serve Creamy Ham & Cheese Gnocchi straight from the air fryer with a simple green salad. The crisp leaves provide a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce and melted cheese. It makes an especially practical family dinner when you want something warm and filling without spending much time in the kitchen.
You can also vary the recipe by adding peas, spinach, mushrooms, or finely chopped broccoli. Keep additional ingredients modest so the gnocchi remains the main part of the dish and the creamy sauce can coat everything evenly.