Your New Favorite Comfort Food
This Cheesy Baked Gnocchi recipe brings together soft gnocchi, a rich sauce, and melted cheese. It’s easy to make and tastes amazing. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish is satisfying for everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Baked Gnocchi
You will love this recipe for many reasons. First, it uses simple ingredients you can find anywhere. Second, it is quick to prepare. Third, it is incredibly comforting and delicious. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Gnocchi
Making Cheesy Baked Gnocchi is straightforward. You will start by preparing the gnocchi. Then, you will make a simple sauce. After that, you will combine everything and bake it. Finally, you will add some finishing touches to make it perfect.
Ingredients of Cheesy Baked Gnocchi
- For the Gnocchi:
- 1 pound store-bought potato gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
- For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions of Cheesy Baked Gnocchi
#### Step 1: Prep the Gnocchi
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the gnocchi according to package directions. Do not overcook. Drain the gnocchi well. In a large bowl, toss the drained gnocchi with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This prevents sticking.
#### Step 2: Make the Sauce
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Add the vegetable broth or water. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
#### Step 3: Combine and Bake
Add the cooked gnocchi to the saucepan with the sauce. Gently stir to coat the gnocchi evenly. Pour the gnocchi and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
#### Step 4: Finishing Touches
Remove the Cheesy Baked Gnocchi from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Gnocchi
Serve your Cheesy Baked Gnocchi warm. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and some crusty bread. You can also offer extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side.
How to Store Cheesy Baked Gnocchi
Store leftover Cheesy Baked Gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Tips to Make Cheesy Baked Gnocchi
To prevent mushy gnocchi, do not overcook them in the boiling water. Make sure to drain them well. Use good quality crushed tomatoes for the best sauce flavor. Do not skimp on the cheese. Good cheese makes a difference.
Variations & Substitutions
You can add cooked ground turkey or vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for a heartier meal. For a different flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce. You can also use a blend of Italian cheeses instead of just mozzarella and Parmesan.
FAQs About Cheesy Baked Gnocchi
#### Q1: Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this Cheesy Baked Gnocchi recipe?
Yes, absolutely! This recipe was designed with store-bought potato gnocchi in mind for convenience and ease.
#### Q2: What kind of cheese is best for Cheesy Baked Gnocchi?
For the best results, use a mix of cheeses that melt well, such as mozzarella for stretchiness and Parmesan for sharp flavor. Other good options include provolone or fontina.
#### Q3: How do I prevent my Cheesy Baked Gnocchi from becoming mushy?
The key is to not overcook the gnocchi in the boiling water. Cook them just until they float to the surface, then drain them immediately. Tossing them with olive oil after draining also helps prevent them from sticking together.
Classic Cheesy Baked Gnocchi
Equipment
- oven
- baking dish (9x13 inch)
- large bowl
- large saucepan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound store-bought potato gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for gnocchi
- black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sauce
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- salt to taste
Instructions
Prep the Gnocchi
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the gnocchi in boiling salted water until they float, then drain and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Make the Sauce
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan, then sauté the chopped onion until softened (about 5 minutes) and add minced garlic for another minute.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, then stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and vegetable broth or water.
- Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors, checking and adjusting seasonings as needed.
Combine and Bake
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the saucepan with the sauce, stirring gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the gnocchi and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish, then top evenly with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Finishing Touches
- Remove the baked gnocchi from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before enjoying.