Easy Gnocchi Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce
This creamy Gnocchi Broccoli Bake is the ultimate cozy dinner. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the secret to perfectly tender gnocchi and crispy cheese topping. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Breakfast Croissant Sandwiches with Eggs and Cheese and Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas Recipe for Easy Dinner.
Why This Easy Gnocchi Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce Is Pure Comfort
- Creamy cheese sauce that's so easy to make
- Crispy golden cheese topping
- Perfectly tender gnocchi every time
What You'll Need for Easy Gnocchi 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 shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Optional: Breadcrumbs
- Optional: Fresh parsley
📝 Ingredient Notes
- gnocchi: You can use store-bought or homemade gnocchi.
- broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli florets work well.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Stainless Steel Skillet — Even heat distribution for perfect cooking. → See on Amazon
- Box Grater — Makes quick work of shredding cheese. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Gnocchi Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce
- Cook gnocchi: Boil gnocchi according to package instructions until tender. 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 garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
- Assemble casserole: In a greased baking dish, combine cooked gnocchi, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Mix well. Top with breadcrumbs and shredded cheese.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly, and topping is golden.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Gnocchi Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the gnocchi. They can become mushy. To prevent this, boil them for just a few minutes until they float to the surface.
- Tip: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
- Tip: To make ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Storing & Reheating Easy Gnocchi 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 fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Freezing Easy Gnocchi Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce
Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge 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.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Best substitution: You can substitute spinach for the broccoli.
- Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a little more cream to reach your desired consistency.
Want to level up this recipe?
Silicone Baking Mat — Prevents the gnocchi from sticking to the pan and makes cleanup easy. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Gnocchi Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Breadcrumbs
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook gnocchi: Boil gnocchi according to package instructions until tender. 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 garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
- Assemble casserole: In a greased baking dish, combine cooked gnocchi, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Mix well. Top with breadcrumbs and shredded cheese.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly, and topping is golden.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Best substitution: You can substitute spinach for the broccoli.
- Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a little more cream to reach your desired consistency.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge 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.
- Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sat. Fat: 17g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Gnocchi Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce FAQs
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Overcooking can cause gnocchi to become mushy. To prevent this, boil them for just a few minutes until they float to the surface.
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 on the stovetop or in the oven.
You can substitute spinach for the broccoli.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Gnocchi 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!
