
An Italian classic meets hearty German cuisine - creamy gnocchi combine with fried mushrooms and crispy bacon for a quick comfort dish. The velvety cream sauce coats every gnocchi and perfectly absorbs the savory aromas of the fried mushrooms.
The combination of homemade gnocchi and fresh mushrooms convinced even critical guests at my last dinner.
Savory Main Players
- Gnocchi: From the refrigerated section save time, fresh ones taste even better.
- Brown mushrooms: Bring more flavor than white varieties.
- Bacon cubes: Provide a smoky note.
- Cream cheese: Makes the sauce particularly creamy.
- Soy sauce: Enhances the savory umami flavor.
The Path to the Perfect Dish
- Make preparations:
- Finely dice onions and garlic. Cut the mushrooms into even slices, not too thin so they don't fall apart when frying. Have all ingredients ready at hand.
- Develop flavors:
- In a large pan, first fry the bacon until crispy. Add onions and garlic and sauté until translucent. Add the mushrooms only when the pan is really hot.

Complete the Sauce
Pour in the cream and bring to a brief boil. Stir in cream cheese until completely melted. Season with thyme and paprika.
Create variations: Experiment with different types of mushrooms. Wild mushrooms or king oyster mushrooms bring new flavor nuances. For a vegetarian version, use roasted walnuts instead of bacon.
Combine Side Dishes
A crisp arugula salad or steamed broccoli offer a fresh contrast. Toasted pine nuts as a topping provide additional texture.

Use Leftovers
The next day, bake in a casserole dish topped with cheese. Pour over additional cream if the sauce has become too thick.
A dish that impresses with its simplicity and creamy texture. The key lies in the right sequence of ingredients and the perfect sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use dried instead of fresh gnocchi?
- Yes, dried gnocchi just take a little longer to cook. Extend the cooking time by about 2-3 minutes.
- → What mushrooms work as alternatives?
- Instead of button mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, porcini or king oyster mushrooms also work well. A mix of different mushrooms tastes good too.
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
- Yes, simply omit the bacon or replace it with smoked tofu. The dish is also very tasty without bacon.
- → How do I make the sauce less thick?
- Thin it with some pasta water, vegetable broth or milk until you reach the desired consistency.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- The sauce gets thicker when reheated. Best prepared fresh or add some liquid when reheating.