![- 1 pound potato gnocchi - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste Gathering these ingredients is key to making cheesy baked gnocchi. The potato gnocchi serves as a soft, pillowy base. The olive oil brings flavor and helps to sauté the garlic. Minced garlic adds a nice aroma and taste. Marinara sauce gives the dish its zesty kick. Ricotta cheese creates a creamy layer, while mozzarella makes it melty and gooey. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor. Dried oregano enhances the overall taste, and red pepper flakes can add heat if you like it spicy. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper! You can find the full recipe [here]. Enjoy cooking! - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the gnocchi until they float, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside. - In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic until it smells great, about 1 minute. - Stir in the marinara sauce. Bring it to a simmer. Add the cooked gnocchi, salt, pepper, and oregano. Gently mix to combine all ingredients. - In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese until smooth. - In a baking dish, spread half of the gnocchi mixture evenly on the bottom. Add half of the ricotta mixture on top. Layer the rest of the gnocchi mixture on top of that, then finish with the remaining ricotta. - Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. - Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for a bubbly and golden brown top. - Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. If you want, garnish with fresh basil leaves. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. - To cook gnocchi, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add gnocchi and wait until they float, about 2-3 minutes. - Drain the gnocchi and set them aside. This keeps them light and fluffy. - To melt cheese perfectly, use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan. - Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes for a golden top. - Pair cheesy baked gnocchi with a crisp salad for a fresh bite. - Garlic bread is a great side to soak up the sauce. - For wine, a light red like Chianti works well. - If you prefer white, try a dry Sauvignon Blanc to balance the cheese. - If you want an alternative to ricotta, try cottage cheese. - Cream cheese also gives a rich texture. - For sauce, any tomato-based pasta sauce can work. - Alfredo sauce makes a creamy twist on this dish. For the full recipe, refer to the instructions provided earlier. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of cheesy baked gnocchi by adding vegetables. Spinach and mushrooms work well. They add flavor and nutrition. You can also include meat. Ground beef or Italian sausage adds heartiness. Just brown the meat before combining it with the sauce. Cheese is key to this dish. You can use different cheese blends for unique flavors. Try gouda or fontina for a creamy twist. If you want a dairy-free option, choose vegan cheese. Many brands now make tasty vegan cheeses that melt well. Do you like heat? You can easily spice up your dish. Add fresh jalapeños or red pepper flakes for extra kick. Spicy cheeses can also add warmth. Look for pepper jack or spicy cheddar to elevate the flavor. For the full recipe, check out the section above. Enjoy making your cheesy baked gnocchi unique! To store cheesy baked gnocchi in the fridge, place it in an airtight container. It can last for about three to four days. Make sure it cools down before sealing it up. For freezing leftovers, use a freezer-safe container. Wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. It can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat cheesy baked gnocchi and keep its texture, use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the gnocchi in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. This method keeps the cheese gooey and the gnocchi firm. Avoid the microwave if you can. Microwaving may make it mushy. If you must use a microwave, heat in short intervals and stir often. This way, you keep the flavor and texture nice! How long can I store cheesy baked gnocchi? You can store cheesy baked gnocchi in the fridge for up to three days. Just place it in an airtight container. Can I use homemade gnocchi? Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi works great in this recipe. It adds a personal touch and fresh taste. What if I don’t have ricotta cheese? If you lack ricotta, use cottage cheese or cream cheese. Both options give a creamy texture. How to halve or double the recipe? To halve the recipe, use half the ingredients. For doubling, just double each ingredient. Your baking time may stay the same. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it a day early. Just cover and store it in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready. What is the optimal baking time for cheesy baked gnocchi? Bake for 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C). The top should be bubbly and golden. How do I know when it’s done? Check for a golden top and bubbling cheese. A fork should go in easily. Enjoy your delicious meal! For the full recipe, refer to the details provided earlier. Cheesy baked gnocchi is both simple and delicious. We covered key ingredients and step-by-step instructions to create this hearty dish. I shared tips on cooking, serving, and ingredient substitutions to match your taste. We explored fun variations, like adding veggies or using different cheeses. Finally, I provided storage and reheating methods for leftovers. With these insights, you can confidently make and enjoy this dish any time. Happy cooking!](https://mycookingcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1eb278ab-f040-4276-ba7d-49c5b913db96-250x250.webp)
Cheesy Baked Gnocchi
Indulge in the cheesy goodness of Baked Gnocchi with this easy recipe! This delightful dish combines tender potato gnocchi with rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella for a comforting meal everyone will love. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, it takes just 45 minutes to prepare.