Frederic Melton
Gnocchi is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit a variety of flavours and ingredients. For a cheese-filled gnocchi, a simple tomato sauce with spinach and bacon is a classic combination that is hard to beat. For a vegetarian option, a simple tomato and mozzarella bake is a crowd-pleaser. For a more indulgent option, a three-cheese bake with mozzarella, mascarpone, and parmesan is sure to impress. For a crispy finish, pan-frying the gnocchi in oil or butter instead of boiling will give it a nice bite. To round out the meal, a side salad or vegetables are always a good option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Mozzarella, Parmesan, Mascarpone, Goat's cheese, Danish blue cheese, Cheddar, Havarti |
| Side dishes | Salad, Bread, Vegetables |
| Other ingredients | Spinach, Tomatoes, Sausage, Bacon, Basil, Chicken broth, Shallots, Garlic |
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What You'll Learn
Cheesy gnocchi bakes
Ingredients
The beauty of a cheesy gnocchi bake is that you can get creative with the ingredients and add in your favourites. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Gnocchi (fresh, shelf-stable, or frozen)
- Cheese (mozzarella, provolone, Monterey Jack, asiago, parmesan, or a mix)
- Meat (bacon, Italian sausage, ground beef or pork)
- Vegetables (tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, shallots, onions, garlic)
- Herbs and spices (basil, parsley, oregano, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, black pepper)
- Other (chicken broth, pasta water, sour cream, sugar, paprika, salt)
Method
The general method for a cheesy gnocchi bake is as follows:
- Cook any meat and vegetables in a skillet or pot.
- Add in your favourite tomato sauce, along with any herbs and spices.
- Stir in the gnocchi and let it cook through.
- Top with your choice of cheese and bake until melted and bubbly.
Tips and Variations
- If you like your gnocchi crispy, try frying it in oil or butter instead of boiling it first.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free gnocchi and adjust the liquid in the recipe as needed.
- If you're serving a crowd, scoop the gnocchi into individual cast-iron skillets before topping with cheese for a restaurant-style presentation.
- Get creative with your ingredients! Try different types of meat, vegetables, and cheeses to find your perfect combination.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days and reheated in the microwave, stovetop, or oven.
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Gnocchi with spinach
Ingredients
- Gnocchi (fresh, shelf-stable, or frozen)
- Spinach (fresh or frozen)
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream or half-and-half
- Italian seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, parsley, basil, arugula, kale, or other vegetables
Instructions
- If using frozen gnocchi, there is no need to defrost it first. If using fresh or shelf-stable gnocchi, boil the gnocchi in a large pot of lightly salted water for 2-4 minutes until they float to the top. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté mushrooms and garlic for 2 minutes.
- Add spinach, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic to the pan. Cook and stir until the spinach is wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the pan and stir to combine.
- Optional: For a creamier dish, add heavy cream or half-and-half, and chicken broth to the pan. Stir to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately with optional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs such as parsley or basil.
Variations
For a crispy gnocchi with spinach, you can pan-fry the gnocchi in hot oil or butter instead of boiling it. This gives the gnocchi a crispy texture. You can also add other ingredients like crumbled feta cheese, red pepper, scallions, dill, and mint for a Greek-inspired dish.
For a cheesy gnocchi with spinach, add mozzarella cheese to the dish. You can also add Italian sausage and diced tomatoes for a heartier meal.
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Gnocchi with meat
Gnocchi is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit many different tastes and dietary requirements. While it is traditionally made with potato, you can also find gluten-free gnocchi made from alternative ingredients. Gnocchi with meat is a hearty and comforting meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cosy night in. Here are some tips and recipes to help you create delicious gnocchi with meat dishes.
Meat Sauce Combinations
Baked Gnocchi with Meat
For a baked gnocchi dish, prepare the meat sauce as described above. Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions, then transfer the cooked gnocchi and meat sauce into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, along with tomato slices and basil leaves if desired. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cheesy Gnocchi with Meat
For an extra indulgent option, try adding cheese to your gnocchi and meat dish. You can use mozzarella, Parmesan, or a combination of both. Simply sprinkle the cheese on top of the cooked gnocchi and meat sauce, then bake until melted. Alternatively, stir the cheese through the gnocchi and meat sauce before serving to create a creamy, cheesy dish.
Serving Suggestions
Customisation
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and combinations to suit your taste preferences. You can try using different types of meat, cheeses, or spices. You can also customise the dish by adding ingredients like spinach, fresh herbs, or chilli flakes.
By following these tips and recipes, you can create delicious and comforting gnocchi with meat dishes that are perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cosy night in. Enjoy!
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Gnocchi with vegetables
Gnocchi is a delicious and versatile dish that can be easily adapted to include vegetables. Here are some ideas for serving gnocchi with vegetables:
Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Vegetables
This is a quick and easy option that requires minimal cleanup. Simply toss gnocchi with your choice of vegetables, such as butternut squash, broccoli, red onion, and bell peppers, on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and seasoning, and roast in the oven until tender. You can also add a brown butter sage sauce to enhance the flavour.
Gnocchi with Roasted Vegetables
For this option, you can use a variety of vegetables such as zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, eggplant, and
Cheesy Gnocchi Florentine
This gluten-free option combines gnocchi with baby spinach, tomatoes, Italian sausage, and mozzarella cheese. Start by browning the sausage with shallots, Italian seasoning, and garlic. Then, add canned tomatoes, half-and-half, and gnocchi, and simmer until tender. Finally, stir in the spinach and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Crispy Cheesy Gnocchi
For a crispy take on gnocchi, skip boiling and place the gnocchi directly into hot oil or butter. This method gives the gnocchi a nice crispy finish. You can serve it on a bed of arugula and sliced tomatoes, or with garlic butter, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to experiment with your favourite vegetables and ingredients to create your own unique gnocchi dish!
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Gnocchi with herbs
Gnocchi is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary requirements. Here are some ideas for serving gnocchi with herbs:
Traditional Potato Gnocchi with Herbs
For a simple yet delicious option, you can make traditional potato gnocchi and add herbs of your choice to the dough. Start by steaming or simmering potatoes until they are tender. Then, peel and rice the potatoes, mixing them with an egg yolk, salt, zest, and herbs. Gently mix in flour to form a dough, then roll it out and cut it into small gnocchi pieces. You can cook these right away or freeze them for later use. The type of herbs you choose will significantly impact the flavour of your gnocchi, so experiment with different combinations. Some suggested herbs include tarragon, chervil, thyme, lovage, sorrel, chives, mint, rosemary, sage, parsley, and chives. You can also add alliums like wild onion greens and ramp leaves for additional flavour.
Toasted Gnocchi with Herb Brown Butter
This recipe involves cooking gnocchi and then toasting it in olive oil until golden and crunchy. The gnocchi is then drizzled with herb brown butter and sprinkled with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. To make the herb brown butter, heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat and whisk continuously. After a few minutes, brown bits will form at the bottom of the pan; at this point, remove from the heat and continue whisking. Stir in fresh herbs and garlic to taste. This dish can be served at room temperature and goes well with chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables.
Cheesy Gnocchi Florentine
Cheesy Gnocchi Florentine is a gluten-free option that can be made in one skillet in about 30 minutes. It involves browning ground Italian sausage with shallots, onion, Italian seasoning, and garlic. Canned diced tomatoes, gluten-free gnocchi, and half & half are added, and the mixture is simmered until the gnocchi is tender. Finally, baby spinach is stirred in, and the dish is topped with mozzarella cheese. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can be added, and it is recommended to serve this dish with a side salad.
Crispy Cheesy Gnocchi
For a crispy take on gnocchi, you can cook the gnocchi by melting butter and olive oil in a skillet and adding the gnocchi directly without boiling it first. This gives the gnocchi a crispy texture on the outside while remaining pillowy on the inside. You can add shallots, garlic, and parmesan cheese to the pan, and serve the gnocchi with grated parmesan and fresh basil.
These recipes provide a range of options for serving gnocchi with herbs, allowing you to customise your meal according to your preferences. Enjoy experimenting with different herbs and flavours to find your favourite combinations!
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese-filled gnocchi is a rich and decadent dish, so it is best paired with something light and fresh. A simple side salad or some vegetables are great options.
You can make a vegetarian cheese-filled gnocchi by using vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, basil, and onion. For a simpler option, you can top your gnocchi with just tomato sauce and cheese.
If you want to add meat to your cheese-filled gnocchi, you can try Italian sausage, bacon, or chicken sausage.
Cheese-filled gnocchi can be easily scaled up by using multiple skillets or baking trays. You can also make the dish in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
