Few dishes can rival the satisfaction of cheesy, bubbling, oven-baked goodness. Mozzarella Baked Gnocchi is the perfect blend of pillowy gnocchi, tangy marinara, and gooey melted mozzarella, making it the ideal recipe for an easy comfort food dinner. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or simply indulging in a cozy night at home, this family-friendly dinner will have everyone coming back for seconds. The best part? It’s quick and simple to prepare.
Here’s everything you need to know to whip up this irresistible dish.
Ingredients
To make Mozzarella Baked Gnocchi, you’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 pound (500g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (your favorite homemade or jarred variety)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Optional add-ins for extra flair:
- Cooked Italian sausage
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Fresh spinach or kale
- Crushed red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
Follow these easy steps, and your Mozzarella Baked Gnocchi will be ready in no time:
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish (ideally 9x13 inches) or deep skillet with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook for about 2 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce
While the gnocchi cooks, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the marinara sauce along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4. Combine Gnocchi and Sauce
Gently toss the cooked gnocchi into the marinara sauce, ensuring every piece is coated in the rich and flavorful sauce.
5. Assemble the Dish
Pour the gnocchi and sauce mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously over the top, then finish with a dusting of Parmesan cheese for an extra punch of flavor.
6. Bake Until Bubbly
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and slightly golden on top. If you want an extra-crisp topping, broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and allow the gnocchi to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added aroma. Serve hot and watch it disappear!
Tips for Customization
This Mozzarella Baked Gnocchi recipe is already a winner, but here are some ways to make it your own:
- Make it heartier by mixing in cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or rotisserie chicken to the sauce before baking.
- Boost the veggies by adding sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the marinara. It’s a sneaky way to pack in more nutrients.
- Use different cheeses for a flavor twist. Swap mozzarella for fontina or provolone, or add a dollop of ricotta for creaminess.
- Make it spicy by sprinkling red pepper flakes or drizzling hot sauce over the top before serving.
How to Serve
Mozzarella Baked Gnocchi is a stand-alone star, but you can elevate your dinner table by pairing it with:
- A crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or warm, crusty baguette for soaking up all the saucy goodness.
- A glass of red wine or sparkling water with a twist of lemon to balance the richness.
Storing Leftovers
If, by some miracle, you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze the baked gnocchi for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Final Thoughts
Comfort food doesn’t get much easier (or cheesier) than Mozzarella Baked Gnocchi. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a busy weeknight meal. With its hearty flavors and effortless prep, it’s certain to become a household favorite.
Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and prepare for the ultimate cheesy, baked perfection. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow gnocchi lovers!
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