Roman-Style Gnocchi

Step 1
Line a rimmed baking sheet pan with plastic wrap.

Step 2
Combine milk and salt in a saucepan over medium-high heat; bring to almost a simmer. As soon as bubbles start to break the surface, gradually whisk in semolina until mixture thickens, about 20 seconds. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue stirring with a wooden spoon until very thick, 7 to 10 minutes.

Step 3
Remove from the heat. Add 1 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, egg yolks, and cold butter; stir quickly to prevent yolks from cooking.

Step 4
Transfer mixture to the prepared pan and spread out evenly. Cover with another piece of plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm enough to cut, about 30 minutes.

Step 5
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease a round, shallow baking dish.

Step 6
Cut out circles of semolina dough with a 2 3/4-inch diameter cookie cutter. Use damp hands to gather and flatten any dough scraps. Press scraps between plastic wrap and cut as many more circles as possible.

Step 7
Arrange gnocchi in a circular, overlapping pattern in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle melted butter over top and spread evenly with a brush. Sprinkle with cayenne pepper and cover with remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

Step 8
Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 25 minutes.