Cheesy Baked Gnocchi with Broccoli Recipe
This Cheesy Baked Gnocchi with Broccoli is a comforting and delicious vegetarian dish featuring tender roasted broccoli and onion, combined with chewy gnocchi baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce made from crème fraîche, milk, and Parmesan. It’s an easy-to-make meal perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, delivering rich flavors and a satisfying texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 300 g Broccoli, cut into very small pieces
- 1 Onion, peeled and chopped
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive oil, divided
- 500 g dried Gnocchi
- 25 g Cornflour
- 300 ml Milk
- 300 ml Crème fraîche
- 75 g Parmesan cheese, grated, divided
- 1 tsp Wholegrain mustard
- 1 tsp Garlic granules
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200℃/400F fan, 220℃/425F conventional, or Gas Mark 7 to prepare for roasting.
- Roast broccoli and onion: In a shallow roasting tin, combine the broccoli pieces, chopped onion, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat thoroughly, then roast in the oven for 10 minutes to soften and caramelize slightly.
- Add gnocchi and continue roasting: Remove the tin from the oven, add the dried gnocchi and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, stirring to coat everything evenly. Return to the oven and roast for an additional 10 minutes so the gnocchi cooks and starts to brown.
- Make the creamy sauce: While roasting, prepare the sauce by mixing the cornflour with just enough milk in a small bowl to form a smooth paste. Stir in the crème fraîche and whisk until fully blended. Gradually add the remaining milk, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Season the sauce: Stir in two-thirds of the grated Parmesan, wholegrain mustard, garlic granules, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk again to combine all flavors evenly.
- Combine and bake: Pour the crème fraîche mixture over the roasted gnocchi, broccoli, and onion in the roasting tin. Stir gently to combine, then sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for a final 10 minutes until the dish is bubbling, golden, and creamy.
Notes
- Using dried gnocchi requires roasting to cook through, but fresh gnocchi can be used and may reduce cooking time.
- Cornflour is used as a thickening agent to create a creamy sauce; ensure it is well mixed to avoid lumps.
- For a gluten-free version, verify that the gnocchi used does not contain gluten and use gluten-free cornflour if necessary.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on the saltiness of the Parmesan.
- This dish can be served as a main course or a side dish paired with a fresh salad or grilled protein.
