Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake
Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake – A comforting, cozy dinner ready in 30 minutes. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to a perfectly creamy sauce. This dish is irresistible with its crispy top and tender, flavorful gnocchi and broccoli. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Mexican Street Corn Style Grilled Zucchini and Easy Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry.
Why This Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake Is Pure Comfort
- Perfectly creamy cheese sauce
- Crispy gnocchi and broccoli topping
- Ready in just 30 minutes
- Better than takeout taste at home
What You'll Need for Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake
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 shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Optional: Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Fresh basil or parsley
📝 Ingredient Notes
- gnocchi: Use store-bought or homemade gnocchi.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- High-quality saucepan — Evenly cooks gnocchi and creates a smooth cheese sauce. → See on Amazon
- Box grater — Quickly shreds cheese for a perfectly cheesy topping. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake
- Cook gnocchi: Boil gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan. Add flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until thickened.
- Combine and bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine cooked gnocchi, broccoli florets, and cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish. Top with shredded cheeses. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook gnocchi. They can become mushy. Drain them as soon as they float to the top.
- Tip: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
- Tip: Use a mix of cheeses for added flavor. I like to use cheddar and mozzarella.
Storing & Reheating Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the gnocchi and broccoli mixture ahead of time. Store in the fridge for up to 1 day. Add cheese and bake as directed.
Freezing Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake
Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of whole milk.
- Best substitution: Substitute spinach for broccoli for a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead tips.
- Scaling: Easily double the recipe for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Want to level up this recipe?
Non-stick baking dish — Ensures easy cleanup and even baking for perfect results. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Cook gnocchi: Boil gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan. Add flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until thickened.
- Combine and bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine cooked gnocchi, broccoli florets, and cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish. Top with shredded cheeses. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of whole milk.
- Best substitution: Substitute spinach for broccoli for a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead tips.
- Scaling: Easily double the recipe for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
- Make ahead: Prepare the gnocchi and broccoli mixture ahead of time. Store in the fridge for up to 1 day. Add cheese and bake as directed.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 470
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sat. Fat: 11g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the gnocchi and broccoli mixture ahead of time. Store in the fridge for up to 1 day. Add cheese and bake as directed.
Overcooking can cause the dish to become dry. Make sure to keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven once the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden.
Yes, you can freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
While you can cook the gnocchi in the air fryer, the broccoli and cheese sauce are best cooked in the oven for this recipe.
This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake 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!
