Savory Garlic Butter Gnocchi Bake

$To make a tasty sheet pan garlic butter gnocchi, you'll need the following ingredients: - 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 5 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that rich flavor. The gnocchi serves as a soft and chewy base. Garlic brings a bold taste, while butter adds creaminess. Cherry tomatoes provide sweetness, and spinach adds color and nutrition. The Italian herbs give your dish a warm aroma. Salt and pepper balance everything out. Finally, Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick, and fresh basil gives a fragrant finish. Make sure to gather these items before you start cooking. Enjoy the process of preparing this delightful meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps the gnocchi turn golden and crispy. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup and helps cook evenly. Next, grab a small saucepan. Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add 5 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant but not burnt. Once done, remove it from heat and set it aside. Now, take your prepared sheet pan. Spread 1 pound of gnocchi evenly across it. Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh spinach. Make sure everything has space. This helps each piece cook well. Drizzle the garlic butter over the gnocchi and veggies. Toss everything gently using your hands or a spatula. Make sure every piece is coated in that rich butter. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, salt, and freshly ground black pepper on top. Spread the ingredients into an even layer. Place the sheet pan in the oven. Bake for about 20 minutes. The gnocchi should be golden, and the tomatoes will blister. After baking, stir the dish gently to mix the flavors. Let it cool for a minute before serving. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy it hot for the best taste! For the best gnocchi, start with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Use store-bought gnocchi for ease or make your own for a fun twist. When cooking, boil gnocchi in salted water until they float. This means they are done. After boiling, dry them off gently to help them crisp up in the oven. When you bake them, space them out well on the sheet pan. This helps them become golden and crispy. Toss them with the garlic butter evenly, ensuring each piece gets coated. This step is key for flavor. If you want to switch things up, try using olive oil instead of butter. Olive oil gives a nice, rich flavor and is a bit lighter. You can also use garlic-infused oil for extra garlic taste without the bits. For a vegan option, try a plant-based butter. It works well and keeps the dish creamy. For added flavor, mix in herbs like rosemary or thyme into your butter or oil. You can also use crushed red pepper for a bit of spice! Garnishing adds a nice touch to your dish. Fresh basil leaves bring a bright flavor that really lifts the dish. For a bit of zest, sprinkle some lemon zest on top right before serving. It adds freshness. Don't forget the Parmesan cheese! Freshly grated cheese is best. It melts beautifully and gives a savory finish. For an extra touch, drizzle a little more melted butter on top just before serving for that rich, buttery experience. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish, making it more vibrant and delicious. Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley instead of dried Italian herbs for a more pronounced flavor profile. Perfecting Gnocchi Texture: For extra crispy gnocchi, consider pan-frying them briefly in the butter before baking to achieve a delightful golden crust. Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a light salad or crusty bread to create a well-rounded meal that balances flavors and textures. {{image_4}} You can add many vegetables to your sheet pan meal. Try bell peppers for sweetness. Zucchini adds a nice crunch. Broccoli is also a great choice. Just chop them up and mix them in. You want to keep the cooking time in mind. Cut vegetables thinly to cook well in the oven. This way, you get a colorful and tasty dish. Adding protein makes this dish even heartier. Cooked chicken or sausage pairs well with gnocchi. Shrimp is another tasty option. Just toss it in with the other ingredients. If you want a meat-free option, try chickpeas. They add flavor and nutrition. Make sure to adjust cooking times if you use raw meat. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer this now. You can also make your own with gluten-free flour. Just follow the same steps for cooking. You won’t miss out on taste or texture. This dish can easily fit into a gluten-free diet. Enjoy every bite without worry! After you enjoy your meal, store the leftovers in an airtight container. Let the dish cool completely before sealing it up. This helps keep the gnocchi fresh. Place the container in the fridge. It will stay good for about three days. To reheat, you can use the oven or a microwave. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Spread the gnocchi on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. This helps keep them crispy. For the microwave, heat in 30-second bursts until warm. Stir between heating to get even warmth. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. It can stay in the freezer for about two months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use homemade gnocchi. It can add a fresh touch to your dish. Just make sure your gnocchi is cooked properly. If you make it from scratch, follow a reliable recipe to ensure the right texture. Homemade gnocchi may need a bit more time in the oven to crisp up, so keep an eye on it. You can easily use other greens instead of spinach. Kale or Swiss chard works well. If you want something different, try arugula for a spicy kick. You can even use frozen spinach if fresh isn't available. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to your dish. To achieve crispy gnocchi, spread them out evenly on the sheet pan. Do not overcrowd them. The hot oven will help them brown nicely. Drizzling enough garlic butter also helps. Bake at 425°F until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Stir halfway through for even cooking. Yes, you can prep some parts in advance. You can cook the garlic butter and chop the veggies ahead. Just store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, toss everything together and pop it in the oven. It’s a great way to save time on busy days. This blog post covered a simple and tasty recipe for baked gnocchi. We shared a list of easy-to-find ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for cooking. I also discussed fun variations, storage options, and answered common questions. Try this dish to impress your family or friends. Cooking can be fun and easy with the right steps. Enjoy your meal, and don’t forget to experiment!$

Savory Garlic Butter Gnocchi Bake

A delicious and comforting bake featuring gnocchi, garlic butter, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
for serving Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper to facilitate easy cleanup and ensure even cooking.
In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic to the butter and sauté for approximately 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, taking care not to let it burn. Once fragrant, remove from heat and set aside.
On your prepared sheet pan, evenly distribute the gnocchi, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped spinach, spreading them out to allow for proper cooking.
Drizzle the prepared garlic butter over the gnocchi and vegetables, making sure everything is thoroughly coated in that luscious mixture. Sprinkle the dried Italian herbs, along with salt and freshly ground black pepper, evenly over the top.
With a gentle hand, toss the ingredients together on the sheet pan until well combined, ensuring each piece is flavored beautifully.
Use a spatula to spread everything out into an even layer, then place the sheet pan in the oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the gnocchi are golden and crispy and the cherry tomatoes have blistered attractively.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and give it a gentle stir to combine the flavors further. Allow the dish to cool for a minute to enhance the flavors before serving.
Finish by generously topping the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnishing with aromatic basil leaves. Serve while hot for the best experience.

Notes

Serve directly from the sheet pan for a rustic feel or transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle with extra melted butter for added flavor.

Keyword bake, butter, garlic, gnocchi, vegetarian