![- 1 pound (450g) potato gnocchi - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Cooking gnocchi is simple. You only need a few key ingredients to make this dish shine. Start with potato gnocchi. It gives a soft, fluffy texture. Marinara sauce adds a rich flavor. Ricotta cheese adds creaminess. Mozzarella and Parmesan bring that cheesy goodness. Don’t forget the fresh spinach. It adds color and nutrition. Cherry tomatoes offer a juicy burst in each bite. Olive oil helps everything meld together. Garlic powder adds depth. Finally, you can season with salt and pepper to your liking. - Alternative cheeses for different flavors: You can swap ricotta for cottage cheese. Use provolone or gouda instead of mozzarella for a twist. - Gluten-free gnocchi options: Look for gnocchi made with rice or corn flour. They work just as well! - Seasonal vegetables to replace spinach or tomatoes: Try bell peppers or zucchini in place of spinach. Fresh asparagus or roasted squash can replace tomatoes too. These substitutions keep the dish fresh and exciting. You can adjust based on what you have or what is in season. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on how to create this loaded baked gnocchi dish! - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. - Carefully add the potato gnocchi to the boiling water. - Cook until the gnocchi float, about 2-3 minutes. - Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a colander. - In a big mixing bowl, combine the drained gnocchi with marinara sauce. - Add ricotta cheese, chopped baby spinach, and garlic powder. - Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. - Gently fold the mixture so all gnocchi get coated. - Take a baking dish and grease it with olive oil. - Transfer the gnocchi mixture to the dish, spreading it evenly. - Top the mix with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. - Scatter halved cherry tomatoes over the cheese layer. - Drizzle olive oil on top for a nice glaze. - Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. - Look for bubbly and golden cheese. - Once baked, remove the dish and let it cool. - Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. This loaded baked gnocchi dish is a savory delight that brings comfort and joy. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. Enjoy your cooking! To get that perfect gooey cheese texture, use a mix of cheeses. I like ricotta for creaminess and mozzarella for stretch. Bake the dish until the cheese bubbles and starts to brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. For an even golden-brown top, spread the cheese evenly. A light drizzle of olive oil helps too. You can customize this dish for different diets. For a vegan version, swap the cheese with plant-based options. Low-carb eaters can use cauliflower gnocchi instead of potato gnocchi. Try adding different seasonings. Red pepper flakes add heat, while Italian herbs bring freshness. You can also toss in cooked meats for more flavor. Serve the loaded gnocchi in colorful bowls for a nice look. This helps show off the melted cheese and bright tomatoes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper can add an extra touch. For an elegant finish, drizzle a bit of olive oil on top. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can change up the flavor by using different sauces. Pesto sauce gives a fresh taste. It pairs well with the gnocchi's soft texture. Spinach-based sauces add a nice green color and taste. They also boost the nutrition. You can also try a cream or Alfredo sauce. This makes the dish rich and creamy. Each sauce brings its own twist to the meal. Adding proteins makes your loaded baked gnocchi heartier. You can use chicken for a classic touch. Sliced sausage adds a nice zing. If you want a plant-based option, mushrooms work great. They soak up flavors and add depth. Tofu is another good choice for a vegetarian boost. These proteins will fill you up and keep the dish exciting. Want to spice things up? You can add heat with red pepper flakes or jalapeños. They give the dish a nice kick. If you prefer smoky flavors, try smoked paprika or bacon bits. These flavors create a unique twist. You might even consider adding a sweet element, like caramelized onions. This balances the savory notes and adds depth. Each of these enhancements can make your dish special. To keep your loaded baked gnocchi fresh, let it cool. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss. You can also use a glass dish with a lid. Make sure to store it in the fridge. This way, it stays safe to eat for later. When reheating, use the oven for the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the gnocchi in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but it may not keep the texture. If you want to freeze it, do so before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. It can last up to three months in the freezer. In the fridge, loaded baked gnocchi lasts about three to four days. Check for any changes in smell or color to spot spoilage. If you see mold or it smells off, it’s best to throw it away. Enjoy your delicious meal, and don’t hesitate to check out the Full Recipe for more on this tasty dish! Baked gnocchi is done when the cheese is bubbly and golden. It should smell amazing too! Check the edges for a nice brown color. The dish usually takes 20-25 minutes in the oven. Yes, you can make Loaded Baked Gnocchi ahead! Prepare it and store it in the fridge. Just cover it well. When ready to eat, bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Great side dishes include a simple green salad or garlic bread. You can also serve roasted veggies for a healthy touch. Pairing with a light soup can make it a cozy meal too. Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works well for this recipe. Just cook it according to the package instructions. Then, follow the steps in the Full Recipe to make it tasty. Yes, Loaded Baked Gnocchi is perfect for meal prep! You can portion it out for easy lunches or dinners. Just store it in airtight containers in the fridge. Enjoy it throughout the week! Loaded Baked Gnocchi is a fun dish you can easily make. You learned about the great ingredients, simple steps to prepare, and ways to customize it. Remember to enjoy experimenting with flavors and textures. You can adapt it to fit your taste. Whether you're storing leftovers or reheating, you can keep it fresh. This dish not only warms your belly but also sparks creativity in your kitchen. Dive in and enjoy making this delicious meal!](https://goldendishy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/a4704798-2aa5-49c0-949b-2886f6a00168-300x300.webp)
Loaded Baked Gnocchi
Indulge in comfort food with this Cheesy Loaded Gnocchi Bake that's perfect for any occasion! This simple recipe combines soft potato gnocchi, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese baked to bubbly perfection with marinara sauce and fresh spinach. It’s a delicious family-friendly meal ready in just 45 minutes! Click through to explore the step-by-step instructions and make this cheesy delight for dinner tonight. Your taste buds will thank you!