Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce
Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake is a comforting, easy dinner ready in 30 minutes. The rich cheese sauce makes this better than takeout! If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes and Easy Lemon Chickpea Orzo Soup.
Why This Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce Is Pure Comfort
- Creamy cheese sauce
- Easy and quick
- Better than takeout
What You'll Need for Easy Gnocchi and 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.
- Gnocchi
- Broccoli
- Heavy cream
- Cheese
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: Breadcrumbs
- Optional: Parmesan
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Gnocchi: Use store-bought or homemade.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Cheese grater — Makes grating cheese quick and easy. → See on Amazon
- Baking dish — Ensures even cooking and perfect presentation. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce
- Cook gnocchi: Boil gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook broccoli: Steam or microwave broccoli until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Make cheese sauce: Melt butter, add flour, then whisk in milk. Stir in cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble and bake: In a baking dish, combine gnocchi, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the gnocchi. They can become mushy. To prevent, cook until just tender and drain well.
- Chef tip: For a richer sauce, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.
- Make-ahead tip: Assemble the dish, but don't bake. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as needed.
Storing & Reheating Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce
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: Yes, assemble ahead and bake when ready.
Freezing Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce
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 spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
- Best substitution: Use frozen broccoli florets if fresh is not available.
- Make-ahead: Assemble the dish, but don't bake. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as needed.
- Scaling: This recipe can be doubled 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?
Food processor — Makes quick work of chopping broccoli and grating cheese. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Gnocchi
- Broccoli
- Heavy cream
- Cheese
Seasonings
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
Optional Toppings
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan
Instructions
- Cook gnocchi: Boil gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook broccoli: Steam or microwave broccoli until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Make cheese sauce: Melt butter, add flour, then whisk in milk. Stir in cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble and bake: In a baking dish, combine gnocchi, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
- Best substitution: Use frozen broccoli florets if fresh is not available.
- Make-ahead: Assemble the dish, but don't bake. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as needed.
- Scaling: This recipe can be doubled 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: Yes, assemble ahead and bake when ready.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbs: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sat. Fat: 15g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce FAQs
Yes, assemble the dish, but don't bake. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as needed.
Overcooking is the most common reason. To prevent, cook until just tender and drain well.
Yes, use frozen broccoli florets if fresh is not available. Thaw and drain before using.
Add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Most store-bought gnocchi is made from potatoes and wheat flour. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free gnocchi.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Gnocchi and 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!
