Creamy Ham and Gnocchi Bake

This dish is the perfect comfort food for a weeknight family dinner. It stores great for leftovers too!

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package  store-bought  gnocchi
• 1 (8 ounce)  ham steaks
• 4  tablespoons butter
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  medium shallot, finely diced
• 3  tablespoons flour
• 3  cups milk
• 1  teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1  teaspoon dried thyme
• 1  cup peas, divided
• 3⁄4 cup  shredded cheese (mozzarella, swiss, gruyere, or pepperjack all work well)
• 1⁄4 cup  grated parmesan cheese
•  salt and pepper, to taste
• 1⁄3 cup  breadcrumbs (optional)
•  fresh parsley, to garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375F.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a small handful of salt. Add gnocchi to boiling water and cook until they float to the surface. Remove and set aside.
3. Meanwhile, heat a deep skillet to medium heat. Lightly oil pan and cook ham steak (4-5 minutes per side). Remove from pan and dice.
4. In the same pan, melt butter and saute garlic and shallot until fragrant (about 1 minute). Whisk in flour until incorporated to form a paste. Slowly add the milk to mixture, stirring constantly until thickened. Stir in dijon mustard and thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper. Add the cheeses and stir until melted. Stir in ham, gnocchi, and 3/4 cup of peas.
5. Transfer mixture to a shallow baking dish. Top with remaining 1/4 cup of peas and breadcrumbs if desired. Bake 18-20 minutes or until bubbling.
6. Remove dish from oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
7. Serve and enjoy!