If you’re craving a dish that combines earthy flavors with creamy decadence, you’ll love this Breadfruit and Blue Cheese Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Butternut Squash. Imagine pillowy gnocchi made from roasted breadfruit, draped in a rich blue cheese sauce that’s infused with garlic, thyme, and a whisper of nutmeg. Sweet caramelized onions and roasted butternut squash add layers of flavor, while toasted pumpkin seeds bring a delightful crunch to every bite.
This recipe is perfect whether you’re an experienced gnocchi maker, curious about breadfruit as a potato substitute, or simply want a cozy, impressive meal.
Why You’ll Love This Breadfruit Gnocchi Recipe
- Rich, Creamy, and Comforting – The tangy blue cheese sauce perfectly complements the breadfruit’s natural starchiness
- A Fresh Take on Gnocchi – Breadfruit creates a lighter, subtly sweet alternative to traditional potato gnocchi
- Perfect for Fall & Winter – Warming spices, caramelized onions, and roasted squash make this the ultimate comfort food
- Great for Entertaining – Both elegant and satisfying, this dish will wow your guests
What is Breadfruit?
Native to Caribbean, Pacific Island, and Southeast Asian cuisine, breadfruit is a starchy tropical fruit that transforms when roasted, developing a creamy texture and subtle nutty flavor. It’s naturally gluten-free, fiber-rich, and nutrient-packed, making it ideal for plant-based and grain-free dishes.
Why Blue Cheese?
Blue cheese adds depth to this recipe, balancing the sweet breadfruit and rich sauce with its sharp, tangy flavor. It works especially well with the caramelized onions and roasted squash. Even if you’re not usually a blue cheese fan, give it a try here – it makes the dish more interesting without overwhelming it.
How to Make Breadfruit Gnocchi with Blue Cheese Sauce
Step 1: Roast the Breadfruit
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Place the whole breadfruit on a baking sheet and roast for 60-75 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred and flesh yields easily when pierced. Let cool slightly, then cut in half, remove the core, and scoop out the tender flesh. Mash until smooth.
Step 2: Prepare the Gnocchi Dough
In a large bowl, mix together the mashed breadfruit, all-purpose flour, egg, salt, and black pepper until a soft, pliable dough forms. Roll the dough into long ropes about 1-inch thick, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop the gnocchi in and cook until they float to the surface, about 3-4 minutes. Save 1 cup of cooking water for the sauce. Transfer gnocchi to an ice bath to stop the cooking, then drain and set aside.
Step 4: Roast the Butternut Squash
Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast at 400°F (205°C) for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and fork-tender.
Step 5: Caramelize the Onions
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until deeply golden and sweet.
Step 6: Make the Blue Cheese Sauce
Keep the caramelized onions in the pan and add minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the reserved gnocchi water, scraping up the flavorful browned bits. Simmer briefly, then stir in heavy cream, crumbled blue cheese, nutmeg, and fresh thyme. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes smooth.
Step 7: Assemble the Dish
Gently fold the gnocchi into the sauce, then add the roasted butternut squash. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Transfer to serving plates and top with toasted pumpkin seeds and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
- Balance the rich flavors with a crisp side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
- Make it a heartier meal by serving alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak
- For a vegetarian twist, add sautéed mushrooms or crispy sage leaves.
This Breadfruit and Blue Cheese Gnocchi brings together bold flavors and luxurious textures in an unforgettable way. The breadfruit gnocchi offers a subtle sweetness and hearty bite that perfectly complements the rich, creamy blue cheese sauce. Deep, umami-forward caramelized onions and earthy roasted butternut squash create layers of complementary flavors.
The magic of this dish lies in its contrasting textures. Pillowy gnocchi nestles in velvety sauce, while buttery caramelized onions and tender-crisp butternut squash add variety in each bite. Toasted pumpkin seeds provide that perfect finishing crunch that makes this dish truly special.
Never cooked with breadfruit before? This recipe is your perfect introduction to this versatile ingredient. Its natural starch content works beautifully for gnocchi, making it an excellent potato alternative. When paired with bold blue cheese, it creates a restaurant-worthy dish that’s still completely doable in your home kitchen.
This isn’t just another dinner—it’s an adventure. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion, a cozy autumn evening, or simply wanting to try something new, this recipe will leave a lasting impression. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Breadfruit and Blue Cheese Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Squash
4
servings1
hour15
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minutesThis Breadfruit and Blue Cheese Gnocchi combines pillowy, roasted breadfruit gnocchi with a rich, creamy blue cheese sauce. Caramelized onions and roasted butternut squash add depth, while toasted pumpkin seeds bring a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
- For the Breadfruit Gnocchi
1 medium breadfruit
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- For the Blue Cheese Sauce
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- For the Dish
1 small butternut squash, peeled and cut into cubes
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
for garnish, toasted pumpkin seeds
for garnish, grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Roast the Breadfruit:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Place the whole breadfruit directly on a baking sheet and roast for 60-75 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred and the breadfruit is soft when pierced. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Cut open the breadfruit, remove the core, and scoop out the soft flesh into a bowl. Mash until smooth. - Make the Gnocchi:
Combine the mashed breadfruit, flour, egg, salt, and ground black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix gently until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour a tablespoon at a time.
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into sections and roll each into a 1-inch thick rope. Cut into bite-sized pieces. - Cook the Gnocchi:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, 3-4 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Transfer the gnocchi to an ice bath using a slotted spoon, then drain and set aside. - Roast the Butternut Squash:
Toss the diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and ground black pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (205°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and tender. - Caramelize the Onions:
Heat a large pan over medium-low heat and melt the butter. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they turn a deep golden brown, 25-30 minutes. - Prepare the Blue Cheese Sauce:
With the onions still in the pan, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the reserved gnocchi boiling liquid, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Add the crumbled blue cheese, nutmeg, and fresh thyme, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, 2-3 minutes. - Assemble the Dish:
Add the cooked gnocchi to the pan with the sauce, stirring gently to coat. Fold in the roasted butternut squash and mix until everything is evenly distributed. Transfer to individual plates and garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds and grated Parmesan cheese.
SUGGESTED RECIPE: Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Italian Sausage
If you’re looking for another comforting gnocchi dish, check out Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Italian Sausage. It’s a hearty, flavorful take with savory sausage and creamy squash—perfect if you enjoyed this Breadfruit and Blue Cheese Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Squash and want to try another variation!
