Baked Gnocchi

Instructions for Making Baked Gnocchi:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the gnocchi will bake evenly and turn golden and bubbly when it’s time to enjoy.

Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions. Fresh gnocchi typically cooks quickly—about 2-3 minutes—so keep an eye on it. Once the gnocchi floats to the top, it’s ready.
2. Drain the gnocchi and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
3. Pour in the marinara sauce, and stir in the basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked gnocchi with the tomato sauce. Stir gently to coat the gnocchi in the sauce, being careful not to break them apart.
2. Add the ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese into the mixture, stirring until the cheeses are evenly distributed throughout.

Step 5: Bake the Gnocchi

1. Transfer the gnocchi mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or any oven-safe dish you prefer.
2. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese on top of the gnocchi mixture, covering it evenly for a cheesy, golden crust when baked.
3. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Once the baked gnocchi is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an added burst of flavor and a pop of color.
• Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Baked Gnocchi:

• Choose the right gnocchi: You can use store-bought gnocchi or make your own from scratch. Fresh gnocchi gives the dish a soft, pillowy texture, but frozen gnocchi works well too—just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions.
• Customize the sauce: Feel free to make your own homemade tomato sauce, or even a creamy white sauce if you prefer a richer version.
• Add extra ingredients: Want to bulk up the dish? You can add cooked ground beef, spinach, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
• Try different cheeses: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like fontina, goat cheese, or cheddar for different flavor profiles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Baked Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food that combines simplicity with mouthwatering flavors. The soft gnocchi, rich tomato sauce, and cheesy, melty topping make this dish a crowd-pleaser that’s both hearty and satisfying. Perfect for busy nights or when you want to impress guests, it’s a great way to bring a touch of Italy into your kitchen without all the fuss.

Whether you’re making it for your family or enjoying a quiet night alone, this baked gnocchi will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. Warm, cheesy, and full of flavor—what’s not to love?