Gnocchi Tomato Bake

$To make a tasty Gnocchi Tomato Bake, you will need: - 1 package (17 oz) potato gnocchi - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) You can make this dish your own with a few swaps. Use any gnocchi type, like whole wheat or gluten-free. If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, you can use canned diced tomatoes. Spinach can be replaced with kale or Swiss chard. Instead of ricotta, try cottage cheese or cream cheese. If you want a different taste, use feta or goat cheese instead of mozzarella. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste. Fresh spinach adds a vibrant color and a nice crunch. Juicy cherry tomatoes give a sweet burst of flavor. They also help to create a rich sauce as they bake. Fresh herbs, like basil, add a lovely aroma. Using fresh ingredients ensures your Gnocchi Tomato Bake is healthy and delicious. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, fill a large pot with water. Add salt and heat it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the potato gnocchi. Cook them until they float, which takes about 2-3 minutes. This shows they are done. Drain the gnocchi and set them aside. In a large bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Add minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil to the bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the top. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Mix gently so you do not bruise the spinach. This mixture will bring flavor to your bake. Grab a baking dish and spread half of the gnocchi mixture on the bottom. Use a spoon to dollop half of the ricotta cheese over it. Next, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat this with the rest of the gnocchi and ricotta. Finish with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. Look for bubbly, golden cheese. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy! To make gnocchi that is soft and fluffy, follow these tips: - Use fresh potato gnocchi. It cooks quickly and tastes great. - Boil water with a bit of salt. This adds flavor as the gnocchi cooks. - Cook gnocchi until they float. This usually takes around 2-3 minutes. - Avoid overcooking. Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy. To get that perfect cheese melt, try these steps: - Use a mix of cheeses. Combining mozzarella and Parmesan gives great flavor and texture. - Layer cheese generously. Make sure to cover each layer well for a gooey result. - Bake covered first. This keeps moisture in. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to brown the cheese. When serving your gnocchi tomato bake, consider these ideas: - Pair with a crisp salad. A simple green salad adds freshness to the meal. - Serve with crusty bread. Bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. - Add a sprinkle of fresh basil. It adds color and flavor to your dish. - Enjoy with a glass of red wine. A light red wine complements the flavors well. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique twist. Don’t Skip the Herbs: Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor; just adjust the quantity as needed. Make Ahead: You can prepare this dish a day ahead and store it in the fridge; just bake it when you’re ready to serve. {{image_2}} You can easily boost flavor by adding meat. Ground beef or turkey works well. Just brown the meat in a pan before mixing it with the tomato and spinach. For a smoky taste, try adding cooked bacon bits or Italian sausage. These options add richness and extra protein to the dish. If you want a lighter dish, skip the meat. You can add more veggies instead. Try mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor. Roasted eggplant can also add a nice texture. If you need a protein source, consider chickpeas or lentils. They blend well with the gnocchi and keep it filling. Cheese is key to this dish, so feel free to mix and match. Besides ricotta, try goat cheese for a tangy twist. Feta cheese can add a salty bite that complements the tomatoes. For a creamier texture, use cream cheese instead of ricotta. You can also experiment with different types of mozzarella, like smoked or burrata, for a unique taste. To keep leftovers fresh, let the dish cool first. Place the gnocchi tomato bake in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well. This helps keep the flavors intact and prevents drying out. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the gnocchi tomato bake to an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. If you want a crispy top, remove the foil for the last five minutes. If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool completely first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags for easy storage. Make sure to label the bags with the date. This dish can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, bake it in the oven until warm. The best way to cook gnocchi is in boiling water. Use a large pot and add salt. Bring the water to a full boil. Add the gnocchi to the pot. Cook them until they float, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Once they float, they are ready. Drain them carefully to avoid breaking. Cooking gnocchi this way ensures they stay soft and fluffy. You can also sauté them in olive oil for a crispy finish afterward. This adds a nice texture and flavor to your dish. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the gnocchi and the tomato mixture as usual. Layer them in the baking dish but don’t bake it right away. Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. You can keep it there for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just preheat your oven and remove the cover. Bake it as directed. This makes it easy to serve a warm meal for your family or guests. You can try many fun variations for this recipe. For meat lovers, adding cooked sausage or chicken is great. Just mix it in with the gnocchi and veggies. If you want a vegetarian twist, consider adding mushrooms or bell peppers. You can also experiment with different cheeses. Goat cheese or feta will add a nice tang. Swap out the ricotta for something creamier, like mascarpone. A sprinkle of chili flakes can give it a spicy kick. Let your taste guide you! In this post, we explored the best ingredients for gnocchi, plus how to prepare and bake it. I shared tips on cooking, serving, and even storage for leftovers. Remember, fresh ingredients change the dish. You can customize with meats or cheeses. This dish is flexible and forgiving, making it fun to make. Don't hesitate to try different variations. Cooking should be enjoyable, so jump in and create your perfect meal!$

A delicious baked dish featuring potato gnocchi, fresh tomatoes, spinach, and a blend of cheeses.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

17 oz potato gnocchi
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
optional fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes). Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the tomato and spinach mixture until combined.
In a baking dish, spread half of the gnocchi mixture on the bottom. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese across the surface.
Add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta. Repeat the process with the remaining gnocchi, ricotta, and then top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes, and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor.

Keyword bake, cheese, gnocchi, vegetarian