Cheesy Baked Gnocchi (with Broccoli) Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal that perfectly balances creamy cheese with fresh vegetables, this Cheesy Baked Gnocchi (with Broccoli) is an absolute winner. The tender gnocchi absorb the luxurious, cheesy sauce while the roasted broccoli adds a delightful pop of green and a subtle crunch. From start to finish, this dish fills your kitchen with inviting aromas that promise a satisfying dinner perfect for any night of the week. Trust me, once you try this Cheesy Baked Gnocchi (with Broccoli), it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for cozy nights and happy gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential to creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in this dish. Each component plays a special role, from the lightly roasted broccoli bringing freshness and color, to the creamy, cheesy sauce that ties everything together in pure comfort.
- 300 g (11 oz) Broccoli, cut into very small pieces: Roasting these tiny florets adds a slight caramelized sweetness and vibrant green color.
- 1 Onion, peeled and chopped: Adds a subtle depth of savory flavor when roasted with the broccoli.
- 2 tbsp Olive oil: Helps create that crisp, roasted texture while adding richness.
- 500 g (1.1 lb) Gnocchi (dried recommended): The pillowy base that soaks up all the cheesy goodness perfectly.
- 25 g (1 oz) Cornflour: Used to thicken the creamy sauce without any lumps.
- 300 ml (1.25 cups) Milk: Creates the base for the sauce, keeping it smooth and silky.
- 300 ml (1.25 cups) Crème fraîche: Adds richness and a slight tang, boosting the sauce’s complexity.
- 75 g (3 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated: Delivers sharp, nutty flavor and a golden topping after baking.
- 1 tsp Wholegrain mustard: Brightens and layers the flavor in the sauce with a gentle tang.
- 1 tsp Garlic granules: Infuses the dish with warm, savory notes without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasoning that brings everything alive.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Gnocchi (with Broccoli)
Step 1: Roast the Broccoli and Onion
Start by preheating your oven to the right temperature – 200℃ fan or 220℃ conventional. Toss the broccoli pieces and chopped onion in 1 tablespoon of olive oil with a generous pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Spread them out in a shallow roasting tin to ensure even roasting. Pop the tray into the oven for 10 minutes. This roasting step gently caramelizes the veggies, bringing out their natural sweetness and intensifying their flavor in a way that makes the whole dish pop.
Step 2: Add Gnocchi and Roasting Continues
Once your broccoli and onions have begun to roast, it’s time to add the star of the show—the gnocchi. Pour in the dried gnocchi and drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over them. Stir everything together inside the roasting tin so that the gnocchi get a light coating of oil and mingle with the veggies. Return the tin to the oven and roast for another 10 minutes. This step slightly crisps the gnocchi while allowing them to soak in the flavors of the roasted broccoli and onion.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce
While roasting continues, whisk up the luscious sauce that will transform this dish into a decadent delight. Start by mixing the cornflour with a small amount of the milk until you have a smooth paste—this prevents lumps from forming later. Then stir in the crème fraîche and whisk until silky smooth. Gradually add the rest of the milk, whisking continuously to create a velvety base. Next, fold in two thirds of the Parmesan cheese, the wholegrain mustard, garlic granules, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This combination gives you a perfectly balanced sauce that is creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Bake to Perfection
Once the gnocchi and veggies are roasted, pour your creamy cheese sauce over them directly in the roasting tin. Give everything a good stir to ensure each piece of gnocchi is coated beautifully. Finally, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top for that golden, bubbly crust. Return the dish to the oven for a final 10 minutes of baking. This last step allows the cheese to melt and brown, creating the irresistible finish that makes this Cheesy Baked Gnocchi (with Broccoli) truly special and unforgettable.
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Gnocchi (with Broccoli)
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor further, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the dish just before serving. A light drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a scattering of toasted pine nuts adds wonderful texture and a fresh aroma. For a touch of brightness, you can also add a few lemon zest flakes—this contrast pairs perfectly with the richness of the Cheesy Baked Gnocchi (with Broccoli).
Side Dishes
This hearty dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp salads like a peppery arugula or a tangy tomato and red onion salad with balsamic vinegar. If you’re after something warm, garlic bread or a simple green vegetable like steamed asparagus complements the richness and balances the meal nicely without overpowering the star flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner guests or a special occasion, try serving your Cheesy Baked Gnocchi (with Broccoli) in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. Alternatively, layer it in a beautiful ceramic dish and sprinkle colorful microgreens on top right before serving to add elegance and a hint of freshness. Either way, this dish looks as good as it tastes, making it a real crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers—and I hope you do because this dish tastes even better the next day—store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. When you’re ready, you can reheat them gently to bring back that cheesy, comforting warmth.
Freezing
Cheesy Baked Gnocchi (with Broccoli) freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain that heavenly texture and flavor.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in the oven to preserve the creamy sauce and crisp topping. Cover the dish loosely with foil and warm at 180℃ (350℉) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it on medium power, but the oven method keeps the texture closer to freshly baked perfection.
FAQs
Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh gnocchi will work wonderfully in this recipe, though you may need to adjust cooking times slightly since fresh gnocchi cook faster than dried. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
You can make a vegan version by swapping the crème fraîche for a plant-based cream alternative and using a dairy-free cheese substitute for the Parmesan. Roasting the broccoli and gnocchi the same way will still give you excellent flavor and texture.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers would all add wonderful layers of flavor and color while complementing the broccoli’s texture.
What if I don’t have cornflour? Can I use something else?
If you don’t have cornflour, plain all-purpose flour can be a substitute to thicken the sauce, but use slightly less—around 2 tablespoons—and mix it carefully to avoid lumps.
Can I prepare this dish entirely ahead of time and bake later?
Yes, you can assemble the dish up to the point of adding the cheese sauce and baking. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then add the sauce and bake just before serving for the freshest result.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Baked Gnocchi (with Broccoli) recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s comfort food at its best—simple to make but packed with so much flavor and texture that everyone will ask for seconds. Whether you’re feeding family or just treating yourself, this recipe is a must-try in your culinary repertoire. Go ahead and give it a whirl—you won’t regret adding this cozy, cheesy delight to your meal rotation!
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Cheesy Baked Gnocchi (with Broccoli) Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Baked Gnocchi with Broccoli is a comforting, easy-to-make dish featuring tender gnocchi roasted with fresh broccoli, onion, and a creamy cheesy sauce made with Parmesan and crème fraîche. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe combines a crispy roasted top with a rich, smooth interior.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 300 g (11 oz) Broccoli, cut into very small pieces
- 1 Onion, peeled and chopped
Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
Main Ingredients
- 500 g (1.1 lb) Gnocchi, dried
- 25 g (1 oz) Cornflour
- 300 ml (1.25 cups) Milk
- 300 ml (1.25 cups) Crème fraîche
- 75 g (3 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Wholegrain mustard
- 1 tsp Garlic granules
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 200℃/400F fan, 220℃/425F conventional, or Gas Mark 7 to prepare for roasting.
- Roast Vegetables: In a shallow roasting tin, combine the broccoli, chopped onion, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together so the vegetables are evenly coated in oil and seasoning. Roast in the oven for 10 minutes.
- Add Gnocchi: Remove the roasting tin from the oven, add the dried gnocchi along with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir well to mix and coat the gnocchi with the oil and vegetables. Return the tin to the oven and roast for another 10 minutes.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: While the gnocchi roasts, place the cornflour in a small bowl and mix with just enough milk to form a smooth paste. Stir in the crème fraîche and whisk until fully combined and smooth. Add the remaining milk and whisk again until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Season Sauce: Add two-thirds of the grated Parmesan cheese, wholegrain mustard, garlic granules, and additional salt and pepper to the creamy mixture. Whisk thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
- Combine and Bake: Remove the roasting tin from the oven once more, pour the crème fraîche mixture over the roasted gnocchi and vegetables. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat everything in the sauce. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for a further 10 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling.
Notes
- Using dried gnocchi is preferred for this recipe as it holds its shape better during roasting. If using fresh gnocchi, reduce the roasting time slightly to prevent overcooking.
- Cornflour acts as a thickener for the sauce, ensuring it binds well with the ingredients for a creamy texture.
- Feel free to substitute crème fraîche with sour cream or a thick Greek yogurt for a slightly different tang.
- Adding extra Parmesan on top before the final bake helps create a golden crust.
- If you want to add a protein boost, cooked chicken or vegetarian sausage slices can be mixed in before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 250 g)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: baked gnocchi recipe, cheesy baked gnocchi, gnocchi with broccoli, vegetarian gnocchi, easy oven gnocchi dish
