![To make Cheesy Baked Gnocchi, gather these ingredients: - 1 pound potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You can swap some ingredients based on your taste. For example, use cream cheese instead of ricotta for a creamier texture. You can mix different types of cheese for varied flavors, too. If you want a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to explore. Now, let’s dive into the joy of creating this dish. Each ingredient plays a role in making the gnocchi creamy and cheesy. You will enjoy the rich flavors and the comforting feel of baked gnocchi. To make Cheesy Baked Gnocchi, follow these steps carefully. 1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it’s hot enough for baking. 2. Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi. Cook until they float, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside. 3. Sauté the Onion: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add a finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, until soft and clear. 4. Add Garlic: Stir in 3 minced cloves of garlic. Cook for 1 more minute, just until it smells great. 5. Prepare the Sauce: Pour in a can of crushed tomatoes (14 oz). Add 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors. 6. Mix Ingredients: In a big bowl, combine the gnocchi, the sauce, 1 cup of ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Gently mix everything together. 7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the gnocchi mix into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Top with the rest of the mozzarella and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Now it’s time to bake your dish. 1. Bake the Gnocchi: Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You want the top to be golden and bubbly. 2. Final Touches: Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps with serving. Before you serve, add fresh basil leaves on top for extra flavor and color. Following these steps will give you a comforting, cheesy dish that is both easy and delightful. For more details on the ingredients, check out the Full Recipe. To make your cheesy baked gnocchi even better, focus on flavor and texture. Here are some tips: - Use fresh herbs. Fresh basil adds a burst of flavor. Chop it finely before adding. - Try different cheeses. Blend cheeses like fontina or gouda for a richer taste. - Don’t overcook the gnocchi. Boil only until they float. This keeps them soft. - Add a pinch of nutmeg. This little spice can enhance the overall flavor. Common mistakes can ruin your dish. Here are a few to avoid: - Skipping the simmer. Always let your sauce simmer. This melds the flavors well. - Overloading with cheese. Too much cheese can make it greasy. Stick to the recipe. - Not greasing the dish. Grease your baking dish well to prevent sticking. When serving cheesy baked gnocchi, presentation matters. Here are my favorite ideas: - Fresh basil garnish. Sprinkle chopped basil on top for color and flavor. - Side salad. A light salad with vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the dish. - Crusty bread. Serve with garlic bread to soak up the sauce. For the best serving experience: - Use a large spoon. Serve directly from the baking dish to keep it warm. - Add a drizzle of olive oil. A light drizzle enhances the flavors and adds shine. Explore the [Full Recipe] for more details and enjoy this delightful meal! {{image_2}} You can easily change this dish to fit your taste. Try using different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique twist. If you're looking for a lighter option, swap out ricotta for a low-fat version. For a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free gnocchi or even zucchini noodles. You still get that yummy taste without the gluten. Want to add more to your dish? You can mix in proteins like grilled chicken or spicy sausage. These add flavor and make your meal heartier. For veggie lovers, consider adding spinach or bell peppers. They add color and nutrition. Broccoli or mushrooms are also great choices. Each of these options will enhance the dish's taste and texture. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To keep your cheesy baked gnocchi fresh, store any leftovers right away. Let it cool down for about 30 minutes. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. For freezing, use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. This way, it can last for about two months. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. For the best results, use the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the gnocchi in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to keep it moist. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes. If you're short on time, you can use the microwave. Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between. To refresh the dish, consider adding a sprinkle of cheese or fresh herbs before serving. This will enhance the flavors and give it a fresh look. Enjoy each bite as if it were just made! For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. What is the best type of gnocchi to use? I recommend using potato gnocchi. It has a soft texture and absorbs flavors well. You can buy it at the store or make your own from scratch. Store-bought is quick and easy, while homemade adds a personal touch. Both options work great in this cheesy baked gnocchi recipe. Can I make Cheesy Baked Gnocchi ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it in advance. Cook the gnocchi and make the sauce. Then mix them and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just bake it. This saves time and makes serving easy for busy nights. What to do if the dish is too dry? If your cheesy baked gnocchi is dry, add a splash of broth or a bit of olive oil. This helps bring back moisture. You can also add more cheese before baking for a creamier texture. Remember, the sauce should be a bit saucy before cooking. How do I avoid overcooking the gnocchi? To prevent overcooking, keep an eye on the gnocchi while boiling. They are done when they float to the top, usually in 2 to 3 minutes. Don’t let them sit too long in the water. Drain them right away and mix with the sauce to keep them tender. Cheesy baked gnocchi is a simple yet delicious dish. We began with a list of ingredients and how to use them. The step-by-step instructions guided you through preparation and baking to achieve a golden top. I shared tips for perfecting flavors and avoiding mistakes. You learned ways to customize the recipe and store leftovers properly. Remember, you can always adapt this dish to your taste and enjoy it fresh. Use the storage and reheating tips to savor it later. Enjoy each bite of your creation!](https://recipespursuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/b348e0cb-da27-4ddb-97f9-c6972a92ab9b-250x250.webp)
Cheesy Baked Gnocchi
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delicious cheesy baked gnocchi recipe! In just 50 minutes, you'll create a creamy and cheesy dish featuring fluffy potato gnocchi, rich tomato sauce, and three types of cheese. Perfect for dinner or a cozy night in, this easy recipe is sure to impress family and friends. Click through to discover how to make this cheesy delight that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings!