Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce
Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with creamy cheese sauce is the ultimate comforting dinner ready in just 30 minutes. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to perfectly cooked gnocchi every time. The creamy, melty cheese sauce and tender broccoli make this dish irresistibly cozy. Try it with my Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas for a complete meal. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Try this with my Authentic Nigerian Okra Soup and Serve this with my Easy Breakfast Croissant Sandwiches.
Why This Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce Is Pure Comfort
- Creamy cheese sauce that's better than takeout
- Tender gnocchi and broccoli in every bite
- Easy, one-pan dinner ready in 30 minutes
- Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prepping
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
- Milk
- Cheddar Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese
- Garlic
- Onion
- Salt
- Pepper
- Nutmeg
- Optional: Breadcrumbs
- Optional: Fresh Parsley
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Gnocchi: Use store-bought or homemade. Potato gnocchi works best.
- Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli florets can be used.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- KitchenAid Artisan 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer — Ensures perfectly smooth cheese sauce every time. → See on Amazon
- All-Clad Stainless 12-Inch Skillet with Lid — Even heat distribution for perfectly cooked gnocchi and broccoli. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce
- Cook Gnocchi: Boil gnocchi according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Broccoli: In the same pot, steam broccoli florets until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in flour, then gradually add milk, stirring constantly. Cook until thickened. Stir in cheeses and seasonings until smooth.
- Assemble Bake: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine gnocchi, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Top with breadcrumbs (optional).
- Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook gnocchi. They can become mushy. Keep an eye on them and drain as soon as they float.
- Pro tip: For a lighter version, use evaporated milk instead of regular milk.
- Pro tip: Add cooked, diced chicken or turkey for a heartier meal.
- Pro tip: For a crisper top, broil the bake for 2-3 minutes after baking.
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 in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: Assemble the bake ahead of time and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Freezing Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce
Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
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 vegetarian version, omit the chicken or turkey.
- Best substitution: Use frozen cauliflower florets as a substitute for broccoli.
- Make-ahead: This dish can be made ahead and frozen. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the cheese sauce is lumpy, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before adding it to the baking dish.
Want to level up this recipe?
OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Stainless Steel Steamer Set — Perfect for steaming broccoli and keeping it tender-crisp. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Gnocchi
- Broccoli
- Milk
- Cheddar Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese
Seasonings
- Garlic
- Onion
- Salt
- Pepper
- Nutmeg
Optional Toppings
- Breadcrumbs
- Fresh Parsley
Instructions
- Cook Gnocchi: Boil gnocchi according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Broccoli: In the same pot, steam broccoli florets until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in flour, then gradually add milk, stirring constantly. Cook until thickened. Stir in cheeses and seasonings until smooth.
- Assemble Bake: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine gnocchi, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Top with breadcrumbs (optional).
- Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken or turkey.
- Best substitution: Use frozen cauliflower florets as a substitute for broccoli.
- Make-ahead: This dish can be made ahead and frozen. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the cheese sauce is lumpy, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before adding it to the baking dish.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- 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 bake ahead of time and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sat. Fat: 11g
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 bake ahead of time and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Overcooking gnocchi can cause them to become mushy. Drain them as soon as they float to the surface of the water.
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Steam it according to package instructions before adding it to the bake.
This recipe is not gluten-free as it contains gnocchi. Use gluten-free gnocchi for a gluten-free version.
Yes, add cooked vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
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!
