Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce
Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce is a comforting, better-than-takeout dinner ready in 30 minutes. After making this many times, I’ve perfected the creamy, cheesy center with a crispy, golden top. The trick I discovered is using a mix of cheeses for extra flavor. This dish is cozy and perfect for busy weeknights. Try it with my Easy Tomato and White Bean Soup with Garlic Toast for a complete meal. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Tomato and White Bean Soup with Garlic Toast and Easy Baked Sea Bass with Olives and Cherry Tomatoes.
Why This Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce Is Pure Comfort
- Creamy, cheesy center with a crispy, golden top
- Ready in 30 minutes for a quick, easy dinner
- Better than takeout and perfect for busy weeknights
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables or proteins
What You'll Need for Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes
- Optional: Extra grated Parmesan cheese
📝 Ingredient Notes
- gnocchi: You can use homemade or store-bought gnocchi for this recipe.
- broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli florets work well in this recipe.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Food processor — Saves time and effort in chopping broccoli and mixing cheese sauce. → See on Amazon
- Baking dish — Ensures even cooking and a crispy, golden top. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce
- Cook gnocchi: Boil gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook broccoli: Steam or microwave broccoli florets until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Make cheese sauce: In a saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat. Add grated cheeses and stir until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the bake: In a baking dish, combine cooked gnocchi, cooked broccoli, and cheese sauce. Mix well to combine. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the gnocchi and broccoli bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is crispy and golden.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce
- Common mistake and fix: Undercooking the gnocchi can lead to a soggy texture. Make sure to cook the gnocchi according to package instructions before adding them to the baking dish.
- Pro tip: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce or sprinkle some on top before baking.
- Pro tip: To make this recipe ahead, prepare the gnocchi and broccoli, then mix with the cheese sauce. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake as directed.
Storing & Reheating Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezing Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce
Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir halfway through cooking.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the broccoli with cauliflower or spinach for a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the gnocchi and broccoli, then mix with the cheese sauce. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake as directed.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the top of the gnocchi and broccoli bake isn't crispy enough, broil it for 2-3 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Want to level up this recipe?
Non-stick baking mat — Prevents the gnocchi and broccoli bake from sticking to the baking dish, making cleanup a breeze. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook gnocchi: Boil gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook broccoli: Steam or microwave broccoli florets until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Make cheese sauce: In a saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat. Add grated cheeses and stir until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the bake: In a baking dish, combine cooked gnocchi, cooked broccoli, and cheese sauce. Mix well to combine. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the gnocchi and broccoli bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is crispy and golden.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the broccoli with cauliflower or spinach for a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the gnocchi and broccoli, then mix with the cheese sauce. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake as directed.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the top of the gnocchi and broccoli bake isn't crispy enough, broil it for 2-3 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir halfway through cooking.
- Make ahead: This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sat. Fat: 13g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the gnocchi and broccoli, then mix with the cheese sauce. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake as directed.
Overcooking the gnocchi and broccoli bake can lead to a dry texture. Make sure to keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as the top is crispy and golden.
Yes, you can freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
No, this recipe is not suitable for the air fryer. It's best to bake it in the oven for even cooking and a crispy, golden top.
You can substitute the broccoli with cauliflower or spinach for a different flavor profile.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
