Creamy Baked Gnocchi Recipe Everyone Will Adore

Comfort meets culinary magic in this surprisingly simple creamy baked gnocchi that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine.

Soft potato pillows nestle beneath a luxurious cheese blanket, creating an irresistible melody of textures.

Each forkful carries the warmth of home-cooked goodness without demanding complex kitchen skills.

Melted cheese cascades around tender gnocchi, forming golden crispy edges that crackle with delightful intensity.

Mediterranean herbs sprinkled throughout add unexpected depth and aromatic charm to this classic dish.

You’ll discover how effortlessly these little dumplings absorb rich, creamy sauce, turning an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Prepare to be transported by a recipe that speaks directly to your soul’s hunger for pure, uncomplicated deliciousness.

Why Everyone Craves Creamy Baked Gnocchi

• Combine simple ingredients like butter, garlic, and cheese to create a rich, indulgent sauce that transforms basic gnocchi into a restaurant-worthy dinner.
• Adaptable recipe that suits various dietary preferences- easily swap ingredients or add vegetables to customize the dish for different tastes and nutritional needs.
• Minimize cleanup with a single skillet and baking dish, making this recipe ideal for home cooks who want delicious meals without extensive kitchen work.

Ingredients That Build Creamy Baked Gnocchi

Main Ingredients:

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that create a hearty foundation for the dish, choose fresh or vacuum-sealed for best texture.

• Butter, Milk, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy ingredients that provide rich flavor and smooth consistency, select high-quality cheeses for best results.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and traditional Italian flavor, fresh garlic provides more intense taste.

• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture, all-purpose flour works perfectly.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance overall taste.

• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that adds extra aromatic complexity.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil: Bright green herbs that provide fresh finish and visual appeal.

How to Bake a Creamy Gnocchi Dish at Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 400F and give a quick spray of cooking oil to a baking dish. This prepares the stage for a mouthwatering meal.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta Pillows

Grab a large pot and fill with salted water. Drop in gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, typically 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Craft a Luxurious Sauce

• Butter
• Garlic
• Flour
• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Parmesan cheese

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and let it sizzle for a minute. Sprinkle flour and whisk constantly. Slowly pour milk and cream, stirring to prevent lumps. Cook until sauce thickens. Mix in seasonings and cheese until smooth.

Step 4: Layer and Combine

Toss gnocchi into the creamy sauce, coating each piece. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Shower with mozzarella and a sprinkle of Italian herbs.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the hot oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly blanket. For extra browning, switch to broil for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out the dish and let it rest briefly. Scatter fresh herbs on top if desired. Serve immediately while hot and irresistibly cheesy.

Tips That Help Gnocchi Stay Creamy and Soft

• Perfectly Boil Gnocchi: Cook gnocchi just until they float to prevent a mushy texture, ensuring a delightful al dente bite that maintains their delicate shape.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk the cream sauce slowly and consistently to create a smooth, lump-free base that clings beautifully to the gnocchi without breaking.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Use freshly grated mozzarella for optimal melting and choose a high-quality Parmesan to enhance the sauce's rich, creamy flavor profile.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free gnocchi to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
• Quick Flavor Boost: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil and parsley for an extra layer of aromatic depth that elevates the entire dish.

Best Way to Store and Warm Up Gnocchi

• Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk to prevent dryness, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Transfer gnocchi to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to retain moisture, and warm at 350F for 15-20 minutes, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to restore cheese's crispy texture.
• Freeze unbaked gnocchi in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Delicious Matches for Creamy Gnocchi Meals

• Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio with bright acidity to cut through the rich, creamy sauce and refresh your palate between bites.
• Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to balance the dish's heaviness and add a zesty, fresh contrast.
• Prepare roasted asparagus or broccoli with garlic and olive oil to introduce a savory, slightly charred element that enhances the gnocchi's creamy texture.
• Choose a medium-bodied sangiovese or chianti classico that complements the Italian-inspired flavors and stands up to the dish's robust profile.

Fun Ideas for Gnocchi Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free Gnocchi Bake: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or cornstarch to create a roux that’s safe for gluten-sensitive individuals. Use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Vegan Creamy Gnocchi Casserole: Swap dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream, nutritional yeast, and vegan mozzarella. Use plant-based butter and unsweetened almond milk to maintain the creamy texture.

Low-Carb Cauliflower Gnocchi Version: Substitute traditional potato gnocchi with store-bought or homemade cauliflower gnocchi. Reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the comforting cream sauce and cheesy topping.

Protein-Packed Mediterranean Gnocchi: Add cooked chicken or white beans to increase protein content. Incorporate spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and swap some Parmesan with crumbled feta for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Creamy Baked Gnocchi Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets luxury in this irresistible creamy baked gnocchi recipe, where pillowy potato dumplings nestle in a rich, velvety sauce. Italian-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a delightful meal that will transport your senses and satisfy your deepest cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Liquid and Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) milk
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
• Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400F (200C) and lightly coating a baking vessel with a thin layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Create a bubbling water bath in a large pot with a pinch of salt, then gently submerge the gnocchi, allowing them to dance and float to the surface within 2-3 minutes. Carefully drain and reserve the pillowy pasta.
3. Craft a velvety sauce foundation by melting butter in a spacious skillet over medium warmth. Introduce minced garlic, stirring until its aromatic essence permeates the kitchen.
4. Develop a smooth roux by incorporating flour and whisking continuously for one minute, creating a golden base for the sauce.
5. Gradually introduce milk and heavy cream, eliminating potential lumps through consistent stirring. Allow the mixture to thicken and develop a luxurious consistency over 3-5 minutes.
6. Elevate the sauce’s flavor profile by blending in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform texture.
7. Marry the gnocchi with the creamy sauce, ensuring each dumpling is generously coated, then transfer the harmonious mixture to the prepared baking dish.
8. Distribute shredded mozzarella across the surface, creating a blanket of cheese. Optionally, sprinkle Italian seasoning for an additional flavor dimension.
9. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing the cheese to melt and bubble for 15-20 minutes. For an irresistible golden crust, activate the broiler for a final 2-3 minute transformation.
10. Extract from the oven and permit a brief cooling moment. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired, then serve while the dish maintains its enticing warmth.

Notes

• Swap gnocchi for gluten-free versions to accommodate dietary restrictions and make the dish suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Use plant-based butter and dairy-free milk alternatives to create a vegan-friendly cream sauce that maintains rich, luxurious texture.
• Select store-bought or homemade gnocchi with consistent size to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Add extra protein like crispy pancetta, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables to transform this side dish into a hearty main course with more nutritional balance.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 455
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 66 mg