Cancel your dinner plans (I know, I wanted take out from that new sushi spot in town for you tonight too, BUT—) we’ve got Cheesy Bacon Butternut Squash Gnocchi Skillet to make for dinner! We’re moving steadily into fall and my soul and taste buds are craving warmth, comfort, and, well, bacon. This hearty yet vegetable packed gnocchi with cheesy bacon and butternut squash is checking all the boxes!
What’s Inside
Cubed butternut squash and sliced onions are caramelized in bacon drippings with a drizzle of maple syrup then garlic, baby spinach, and crispy gnocchi join the party. Freshly grated gruyere and parmesan cheeses are sprinkled on top then the whole skillet is sent under the broiler until the cheeses are browned and bubbly. Cheesy, sweet, crispy, and savory – this flavor-packed fall recipe is irresistible! While the dish feels hearty and decadent on account of the cheese and bacon (I mean, I guess it kind of is!) the addition of butternut squash and spinach rounds out the meal and provide nourishment. I cannot keep my fork out of this dish when I serve it!
Recipe Tips
Salads: I’ll see ya’ in 6 months. Until then, it’s Cheesy Bacon Butternut Squash Gnocchi time!
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Butternut Squash
Start by microwaving a small/medium-sized butternut squash which will make it slightly easier to slice and peel. Pierce the bulb end several times with a sharp knife (careful – goal is to keep all 10 fingers!) to allow steam to escape, then microwave for 1-1/2 minutes, turning the squash over halfway through.
Slice the top and bottom off the squash then slice the bulb end from the skinnier neck end. Use your knife and follow the shape of the butternut squash to trim off the skin – just like you do when trimming a pineapple. Slice the neck into rings then dice each ring into cubes that are roughly 3/4″ – 1″ in diameter. Peel the bulb end then slice in half, scoop out the seeds, and then slice and dice. Done!
Step 2: Brown the Bacon
Next, add chopped bacon to a large oven proof skillet then turn the heat to medium and brown the bacon. Scoop the bacon onto a paper towel lined plate to drain then set aside, reserving 2 Tablespoons bacon grease in the skillet.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions and Butternut Squash
To the bacon grease add a sliced sweet onion then saute until the slices begin to soften, 3-4 minutes. Add the butternut squash cubes plus a drizzle of pure maple syrup, season with homemade seasoned salt and pepper, then saute until the butternut squash and onions are tender and caramelized, 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Gorgeously caramelized and tender! I add splashes of chicken broth near the end if the squash is taking forever to soften and/or it starts to burn vs caramelize.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Baby Spinach
Add a couple cloves of minced garlic plus a big pile of chopped baby spinach then saute until the spinach is tender and wilted, another couple of minutes.
Step 5: Make the Crispy Gnocchi
Now, in a large skillet next door heat extra virgin olive oil then add a 12oz box gluten free gnocchi (or regular if you don’t need to eat GF) and saute until the gnocchi are tender and golden brown all over – it will just take a few minutes. Add the crispy gnocchi to the skillet with the butternut squash mixture then stir to combine.
Step 6: Bury with Cheese then Broil
Last step is to sprinkle freshly grated gruyere cheese and parmesan cheese on top then broil until melted, just a minute or two.
Woo!!! I’m telling you – the combination of salty bacon, caramelized butternut squash and sweet onions, crispy gnocchi, and cheese is just so mouthwatering. You will go back for scoop after scoop of this hearty fall dinner recipe. I hope you love each bite – enjoy!
More Craveable Gnocchi Dishes
Cheesy Gnocchi Florentine One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie Ham and Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Crispy Chicken, Bacon and Pesto Gnocchi Skillet
Like this recipe? Share it with friends!
