Luscious Homemade Creamy Baked Gnocchi Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort arrives in the most delectable cheesy baked gnocchi recipe that promises pure culinary bliss.

Pillowy potato dumplings nestle into a rich, velvety sauce that melts hearts and satisfies deep hunger.

Cheese lovers will swoon over this decadent dish that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners demand such effortless magic that can be assembled in minutes.

The creamy texture and golden-brown top create an irresistible combination that draws everyone to the table.

Each forkful delivers layers of flavor that dance between crispy edges and smooth, luscious centers.

This recipe brings warmth and joy to your evening meal, beckoning you to savor every single bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 553 kcal

Servings: 3

What Goes In Creamy Baked Gnocchi

• Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that absorb creamy sauces beautifully; choose vacuum-sealed or fresh varieties for best texture.

• Butter: Adds rich, velvety foundation for the sauce; select unsalted for precise flavor control.
• Flour: Creates silky sauce base and helps thicken; all-purpose works perfectly.
• Milk: Provides smooth, light consistency; whole milk recommended for maximum creaminess.
• Heavy Cream: Ensures luxurious, indulgent sauce texture; look for fresh, high-fat content cream.
• Garlic: Delivers deep, aromatic flavor; fresh cloves provide more intense taste than pre-minced.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces sharp, salty notes; select wedge and grate fresh for superior melting.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhance overall seasoning; kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper preferred.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates golden, stretchy cheese layer; fresh mozzarella recommended for best melt.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds herbal complexity; dried blend of oregano, basil, and thyme works wonderfully.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil: Provides bright, fresh garnish; chopped just before serving for maximum flavor.

Kitchen Gear For Creamy Baked Gnocchi Success

• Large pot: Essential for boiling gnocchi in salted water.
• Large skillet: Perfect for creating creamy sauce and sautéing garlic.
• Whisk: Crucial for mixing roux and preventing sauce lumps.
• Baking dish: Needed to assemble and bake gnocchi with cheese.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Help accurately measure ingredients.
• Colander: Used to drain cooked gnocchi.
• Cutting board: For chopping fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
• Sharp knife: To mince garlic and chop herbs.

Directions To Make Creamy Baked Gnocchi At Home

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen with a hot oven set to 400F. Grab a cozy baking dish and give it a light butter massage to prevent sticking.

• Gnocchi Bath

Drop those little potato pillows into boiling water. Let them dance around until they pop up to the surface, then scoop them out and set aside.

• Sauce Creation

In a skillet, melt butter until it whispers and sizzles. Toss in minced garlic for a fragrant adventure. Sprinkle flour and whisk like you’re creating magic. Slowly pour in milk and cream, stirring until the sauce transforms into a silky dream. Stir in Parmesan for an extra flavor punch.

• Mixing Magic

Tumble the gnocchi into the creamy sauce, making sure each little dumpling gets a luxurious coating. Transfer this dreamy mixture into the prepared baking dish.

• Cheese Blanket

Shower the top with mozzarella, creating a golden, melty landscape. Dust with Italian seasoning for an extra flavor explosion.

• Final Transformation

Slide the dish into the oven and let it bubble and brown for 15-20 minutes. For a stunning golden crust, give it a quick broiler kiss. Let it rest briefly, then sprinkle with fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy. Serve hot and watch everyone swoon.

Flavor Add-Ons For Creamy Baked Gnocchi

• Gnocchi Texture Trick: For perfectly tender gnocchi, avoid overcooking. Remove them from boiling water the moment they float to the surface to prevent a mushy consistency.
• Cheese Lover's Swap: Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, fontina, or a sharp cheddar to create unique flavor profiles that complement the creamy sauce.
• Protein Power-Up: Transform this dish into a complete meal by adding cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or sautéed shrimp for extra protein and depth of flavor.
• Vegetarian Veggie Boost: Incorporate roasted vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or wilted kale to add nutrition and create a more substantial vegetarian version of the dish.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free gnocchi and replace wheat flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

How To Serve Creamy Baked Gnocchi Hot And Cheesy

• Hearty Side Companion: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness of the gnocchi.
• Fresh Herbal Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and bright flavor that cuts through the dish's creaminess.
• Wine Pairing Wonder: Complement the dish with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc, which will enhance the meal's delicate flavors.
• Protein Power-Up: Add cooked chicken, crispy pancetta, or sautéed shrimp for extra protein and depth to transform this side dish into a complete meal.

Easy Tips To Store Creamy Baked Gnocchi

• Quick Cooling Technique: Let the baked gnocchi rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from the oven to allow the sauce to set and prevent burning your mouth.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal completely to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Reheating Magic: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy texture. Alternatively, reheat in a 350F oven for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispy cheese topping.
• Freezer-Friendly Tip: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or wrap with plastic and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve sauce consistency and gnocchi texture.

Dreamy Baked Gnocchi Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Rustic Italian gnocchi bakes with rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella, creating a comforting one-pan masterpiece. Cheese lovers will savor each hearty, satisfying bite of this classic Mediterranean-inspired dish.

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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: Lightly oil a baking dish and position the oven rack for even heating at 400F (200C), creating an ideal cooking environment.
2. Gnocchi Cooking: Boil salted water and submerge gnocchi, allowing them to cook until they effortlessly float to the surface, indicating perfect doneness.
3. Sauce Foundation: In a spacious skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then introduce flour, whisking to form a smooth, golden roux that will serve as the sauce’s base.
4. Liquid Integration: Slowly pour milk and cream into the roux, stirring consistently to prevent lumps and cooking until the mixture transforms into a thick, velvety consistency.
5. Cheese Infusion: Blend Parmesan into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and creating a silky texture, then season with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
6. Gnocchi Coating: Drain gnocchi and gently fold into the cream sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly enveloped in the rich, luxurious mixture.
7. Baking Preparation: Transfer the sauced gnocchi to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly and topping with mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for added depth.
8. Oven Transformation: Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese melts, becoming golden and bubbly, approximately 15-20 minutes, creating a tempting, crisp surface.
9. Final Flourish: Activate the broiler for a brief 2-3 minute finish, carefully monitoring to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust without burning.
10. Serving: Remove from the oven, allow a momentary rest, then garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, adding a vibrant, aromatic touch before serving hot.

Notes

• Select High-Quality Gnocchi: Choose fresh or vacuum-sealed potato gnocchi for best texture and taste, avoiding generic frozen varieties that might become mushy.
• Prevent Gnocchi Sticking: Stir gnocchi gently during boiling and remove immediately after floating to maintain their delicate pillowy structure and prevent clumping.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Whisk roux constantly to prevent lumps and adjust milk/cream ratio for desired thickness, ensuring smooth, velvety sauce without separation.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella at room temperature for even melting and optimal flavor integration, avoiding pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 553
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 610 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 88 mg