Easy Gnocchi Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce
Easy Gnocchi Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce is a comforting, family-friendly dinner that’s better than takeout. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the secret to perfectly creamy, tender gnocchi every time. The golden, bubbly cheese crust is irresistible. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Spring Carrot and Chickpea Salad with Lemon Dressing and Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Bites in 25 Minutes.
Why This Easy Gnocchi Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce Is Pure Comfort
- Creamy, tender gnocchi in every bite
- Easy, hands-off cooking
- Better than takeout taste at home
- Family-friendly and customizable
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 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes
📝 Ingredient Notes
- gnocchi: Use store-bought or homemade. Potato or sweet potato gnocchi both work.
- broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli florets can be used.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Stainless Steel Baking Dish — Even heat distribution for perfectly cooked gnocchi and broccoli. → See on Amazon
- Box Grater — Effortlessly grate cheese for a smooth, creamy sauce. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Gnocchi Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce
- Cook gnocchi: Boil gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Steam broccoli: Steam broccoli florets until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Make cheese sauce: In a saucepan, heat heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Assemble casserole: In a baking dish, combine cooked gnocchi, steamed broccoli, and cheese sauce. Mix well to coat.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and 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. Fix: Cook gnocchi just until they float to the surface of the water.
- Tip: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
- Tip: Make ahead: Assemble the casserole, but don't bake. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. 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 4 days. Make-ahead tip: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Freezing Easy Gnocchi Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce
Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven.
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, stirring halfway through.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for some of the heavy cream.
- Best substitution: Substitute spinach or cauliflower for the broccoli.
- Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead. 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, thin it out with a little milk.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality Chef's Knife — Effortlessly chop broccoli and grate cheese for a smooth, creamy sauce. → 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
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook gnocchi: Boil gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Steam broccoli: Steam broccoli florets until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Make cheese sauce: In a saucepan, heat heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Assemble casserole: In a baking dish, combine cooked gnocchi, steamed broccoli, and cheese sauce. Mix well to coat.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for some of the heavy cream.
- Best substitution: Substitute spinach or cauliflower for the broccoli.
- Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead. 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, thin it out with a little milk.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven.
- 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, stirring halfway through.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 640
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbs: 62g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1020mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sat. Fat: 22g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Gnocchi Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce FAQs
Yes, assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Overcooking can make the gnocchi and broccoli dry. Fix: Cook gnocchi just until they float to the surface of the water and steam broccoli until tender but still crisp.
Yes, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven.
No, this recipe is best baked in the oven. The air fryer may not heat the cheese sauce evenly.
Spinach or cauliflower can be used as a substitute for 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!
