Enchanting Cloud-Like Baked Gnocchi Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Comfort meets culinary magic in this incredible baked gnocchi that turns simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors.

Soft potato dumplings nestle perfectly in a rich, creamy sauce that promises warmth in every bite.

The homemade blend combines classic Italian techniques with modern comfort food cravings.

Cheese melts into golden pools across the tender gnocchi, creating irresistible texture and depth.

Each forkful delivers a hearty embrace of savory goodness that feels like a hug from your favorite Italian grandmother.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this soul-satisfying recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with a dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 455 kcal

Servings: 4

Baked Gnocchi Ingredient List You’ll Need

• Gnocchi: Pillowy potato dumplings that create a hearty foundation, choose fresh or vacuum-sealed packages for best texture and flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste, use kosher or sea salt for deeper flavor profiles.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth, freshly ground provides more vibrant taste.

• Butter: Creates rich undertones, select unsalted for precise flavor control.
• Milk: Provides creamy consistency, whole milk offers most luxurious texture.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious smoothness, look for high-fat content versions.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces sharp, nutty notes, opt for freshly grated wedges over pre-shredded.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating irresistible stretchy topping, choose low-moisture variety.

• Garlic: Delivers aromatic punch, fresh cloves provide more intense flavor than pre-minced.
• Flour: Helps thicken sauce, all-purpose works perfectly.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings herbal complexity, dried blend complements creamy base.
• Fresh Parsley/Basil: Optional garnish adding bright freshness and visual appeal.

Must-Have Tools for Baked Gnocchi Nights

• Large pot: Essential for boiling gnocchi in salted water.
• Large skillet: Perfect for creating the creamy sauce from scratch.
• Whisk: Needed to blend roux and prevent lumps in the sauce.
• Baking dish: Allows gnocchi to bake and cheese to melt beautifully.
• Colander: Helps drain gnocchi after boiling.
• Measuring cups/spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cutting board: For chopping herbs or mincing garlic if needed.

How to Bake Gnocchi with Rich Flavor

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

• Boil the Pillowy Pasta

Drop those soft gnocchi into salted bubbling water. Let them dance around until they bob to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Scoop them out and set aside.

• Craft a Silky Sauce

Melt butter in a skillet and toss in minced garlic. Let it sizzle and release its aromatic. Sprinkle flour and whisk like you mean it to create a smooth base. Slowly pour in milk and cream, stirring constantly to keep things creamy and lump-free. Let the sauce thicken for a few minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese until it melts into pure deliciousness.

• Layer and Prepare

Mix gnocchi into the velvety sauce, coating each little pillow. Transfer everything to the prepped baking dish. Shower the top with mozzarella and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the hot oven. Watch the cheese transform into a golden, bubbly blanket. Bake for 15-20 minutes. For extra browning, flip on the broiler for a quick 2-3 minute finale.

• Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your masterpiece and let it cool briefly. Scatter fresh herbs on top if you’re feeling fancy. Dive in while it’s hot and creamy!

Tasty Adjustments for Baked Gnocchi Dishes

• If your cream sauce seems too thick, gradually whisk in a splash of milk or pasta water to reach desired consistency.
• Prepare the entire dish, then freeze unbaked. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and bake at 400F for 25-30 minutes.
• Stir in roasted spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.
• Replace regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when making the roux. Use gluten-free gnocchi to ensure total dietary compatibility.
• Add cooked chicken, crispy pancetta, or crumbled Italian sausage for a heartier version that transforms the dish into a complete meal.

Serving Baked Gnocchi Just Right

• Herb Garden Delight: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil, parsley, or chives on top for a burst of color and vibrant herbal flavor that lifts the creamy richness of the dish.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, crispy bacon bits, or sautéed shrimp to transform this side dish into a hearty main course that satisfies hungry appetites.
• Crispy Crunch Topping: Scatter toasted breadcrumbs or crushed garlic croutons over the melted cheese for an irresistible textural contrast that adds extra excitement to each bite.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay to complement the creamy sauce and enhance the overall dining experience.

How to Store Leftover Baked Gnocchi

• Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The creamy sauce might slightly separate, so gently reheat and stir to restore its smooth texture.
• Wrap the baked dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Frozen gnocchi casserole stays fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of milk to rejuvenate the sauce's creaminess. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Prepare extra batches and divide into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go meals. Label each container with the date and contents to track freshness and minimize food waste.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for this Creamy Baked Gnocchi recipe?

The key ingredients include gnocchi, butter, garlic, flour, milk, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning.

• Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just follow the package instructions for cooking and ensure they are fully thawed before adding to the cream sauce.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it does not contain any meat. However, it does include dairy products like butter, milk, and cheese.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

You can add vegetables like spinach, roasted bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms to the cream sauce to increase the nutritional value and add more flavor.

Dreamy Baked Gnocchi Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Comforting Creamy Baked Gnocchi delivers a hearty Italian-inspired casserole packed with rich flavors. Cheese-laden potato dumplings nestle in a velvety sauce, promising a satisfying meal that welcomes diners to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup (100 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) milk
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)
• Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400F (200C) and grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Gnocchi Cooking: Boil salted water and cook gnocchi until they float to the surface, approximately 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauce Foundation: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Whisk in flour to create a golden roux, stirring continuously for one minute.
4. Sauce Development: Slowly pour milk and heavy cream into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens, then incorporate Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Assembly: Coat gnocchi thoroughly with the creamy sauce and transfer to the prepared baking dish. Distribute shredded mozzarella evenly across the top, and sprinkle Italian seasoning if desired.
6. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly. For a golden crust, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Finishing: Remove from oven and let rest briefly. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, then serve while hot.

Notes

• Prevent Gnocchi Sticking: Ensure gnocchi are dry after boiling to avoid clumping and maintain individual texture when mixing with sauce.
• Master Sauce Consistency: Whisk continuously while adding milk and cream to prevent lumps, creating a smooth, velvety base for the dish.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and more even distribution, avoiding pre-packaged shredded varieties.
• Broiling Precision: Watch carefully during the final 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden crust without burning, as ovens vary in intensity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 530 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg