If you’re craving warm, cheesy, and ultra-cozy comfort food, this Baked Gnocchi is just what you need! Soft, pillowy gnocchi are tossed in a rich tomato sauce, covered in gooey melted cheese, and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s like a gnocchi-meets-lasagna dish—super easy to make, but fancy enough for a dinner party!
The best part? This is a one-pan, 30-minute meal, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s kid-friendly—even picky eaters love it! Let’s make some cheesy, saucy magic.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (500g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups (500ml) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
- 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ lb (225g) cooked Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup spinach or mushrooms, sautéed
- ½ cup ricotta cheese, dolloped on top before baking
Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Gnocchi
- Sauté First for Extra Flavor! Lightly pan-frying the gnocchi before baking gives them a slight crispiness and prevents sogginess.
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet – This is a one-pan meal! If you cook the sauce in an oven-safe skillet, you can bake the gnocchi in the same pan.
- Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi – They cook quickly (usually 2–3 minutes in boiling water), so drain them as soon as they float.
- Add Extra Cheese! For an extra gooey topping, mix half the mozzarella into the sauce before baking.
- Customize Your Sauce – You can make it spicy, creamy (add a splash of heavy cream!), or meatier with sausage or chicken.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large oven-safe skillet or baking dish
- Medium saucepan (if making sauce from scratch)
- Wooden spoon
- Cheese grater
- Knife & cutting board
Substitutions & Variations
- Dairy-Free? Use vegan cheese or skip the cheese and sprinkle with nutritional yeast.
- Gluten-Free? Use gluten-free gnocchi (many stores carry them).
- Creamy Baked Gnocchi? Add ¼ cup heavy cream to the sauce for a richer version.
- Meat-Lover’s Version? Stir in crumbled cooked sausage, ground beef, or shredded chicken.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Make Ahead: Assemble everything in the baking dish up to 1 day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time.
- Freeze It: Assemble the dish, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 35–40 minutes.
How to Make Baked Gnocchi
1. Preheat Oven & Cook Gnocchi
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the gnocchi in salted boiling water until they float (about 2–3 minutes), then drain.
2. Sauté Garlic & Add Sauce
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce, add Italian seasoning, and let simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Toss in Gnocchi
Add the drained gnocchi to the skillet, tossing gently to coat them in the sauce.
4. Add Cheese & Bake
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan over the top. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Broil for a Golden Top (Optional)
For an extra crispy, golden cheese layer, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
6. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve warm. Enjoy your cheesy, saucy masterpiece!
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts.
- Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months.
Enjoy & Share!
This Baked Gnocchi is so easy, cheesy, and comforting—it’s bound to become a family favorite! If you try it, let me know how it turned out in the comments below. 🍅🧀✨
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