Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake

$To make Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake, you will need: - 500g store-bought gnocchi - 400g canned diced tomatoes - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 150g mozzarella cheese, shredded - 50g grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) These ingredients come together to create a warm and comforting dish. You can swap some ingredients for different flavors or dietary needs: - Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a brighter taste. - Substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a different flavor. - If you don’t have mozzarella, try using cheddar cheese. - For a dairy-free option, you can use vegan cheese. - Fresh herbs can replace dried ones; just use a bit more of them. These changes allow you to customize the dish while keeping it delicious. When choosing ingredients, freshness makes a big difference: - Look for gnocchi that feels firm and not mushy. - Choose canned tomatoes that have no added sugars or preservatives. - Select garlic that is firm and has no sprouting. - Fresh basil should be vibrant green and not wilted. - For cheese, seek out blocks instead of pre-shredded for better melting. Selecting fresh ingredients will elevate your Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake to new heights. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to get your oven ready. Preheat it to 200°C (400°F). This step is key for cooking the dish evenly. While the oven heats, take a large baking dish. You can use glass or ceramic. Make sure it is big enough for the gnocchi and sauce. Grab a large skillet and put it on medium heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Let it heat for a moment. Now, add two minced garlic cloves and stir. Cook it for about one minute until it smells great. Next, pour in 400g of canned diced tomatoes. Add one teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well and let it simmer for about five minutes. This will blend the flavors nicely. Now, it's time to bring it all together. In your large baking dish, add 500g of cooked gnocchi. Pour the tomato sauce over the gnocchi. Stir gently to coat the gnocchi well. After that, sprinkle 150g of shredded mozzarella cheese and 50g of grated Parmesan cheese on top. This will create a delicious, cheesy layer. Place the baking dish in the oven. Bake it for about 20 minutes. When it's done, the cheese should be bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool for a couple of minutes, then serve. Enjoy your easy gnocchi and tomato bake! For the best cheese melt, use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan. Mozzarella gives that stretchy pull, while Parmesan adds a nice crust. Make sure to shred the cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can affect melting. When you layer cheese on top of the gnocchi, ensure it covers evenly. This helps it melt well and creates a golden top. Bake your dish until the cheese is bubbly and has a light brown color. This will give you that perfect cheese melt. To cook gnocchi just right, always follow the package instructions. Boil water in a large pot and add salt. This adds flavor to the gnocchi. Once the water is boiling, drop the gnocchi gently into the pot. They will sink at first, then float to the top. This floating means they are done! Drain them carefully and add them to the sauce right away. This keeps them tender and prevents sticking. Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake pairs well with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the dish. You can also add garlic bread for a crunchy side. If you want a protein boost, grilled chicken or sausage complements this meal nicely. For a light touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves. They add color and enhance the flavor. Enjoy your meal with a glass of red wine for a cozy night in. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil can elevate the flavor of this dish significantly. Consider adding some chopped fresh herbs just before serving for a burst of freshness. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix and match different cheeses. Adding a bit of goat cheese or feta can introduce a tangy flavor that complements the tomatoes beautifully. Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce while it simmers for a spicy kick. Pre-Cook Gnocchi: For a firmer texture, consider lightly boiling the gnocchi before adding them to the sauce. This can help prevent them from becoming too soft during baking. {{image_2}} You can boost nutrition by adding vegetables. Spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers fit well. Chop them small to mix easily. Sauté them with garlic before adding tomatoes. This adds color and flavor. Plus, you sneak in more vitamins and minerals. Want more protein? Chicken or sausage works great. Cook the chicken in the skillet until golden. Slice it and mix it with the gnocchi. If you prefer sausage, slice it thin and brown it first. This adds a hearty touch and keeps you full longer. If you need gluten-free, choose gnocchi made from potatoes or rice. They taste just as good! For a dairy-free option, skip the cheese or use vegan cheese. Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without the dairy. These swaps help make the dish fit your needs. To keep your gnocchi and tomato bake fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature first. This way, it won’t steam and get soggy. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within three days. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Place the bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. Check if it’s hot in the center. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Just use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between. If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, portion it into smaller containers for easy meals. Wrap each container tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Label them with the date. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above. Freezing keeps the dish good for up to three months. Yes, you can use homemade gnocchi. Fresh gnocchi adds a nice touch. Just remember to cook it briefly before adding it to the dish. This will help it mix well with the sauce. Homemade gnocchi may taste richer than store-bought versions. Your gnocchi and tomato bake will last about three to four days in the fridge. To store it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from drying out. Reheating is easy; just pop it in the oven or microwave. You can serve a simple salad with greens and a light dressing. Garlic bread pairs well too, as it soaks up the sauce. For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or sautéed vegetables. These options make your meal more balanced and tasty. This blog post covered everything you need for an Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake. We talked about the best ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for great results. I shared ideas for variations, including adding protein or vegetables. We also discussed how to store and reheat leftovers. In the end, this dish is fun to make and easy to change. Enjoy your tasty creation and share it with friends!$

Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake

A simple and delicious baked dish featuring gnocchi and a flavorful tomato sauce topped with cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

500 g store-bought gnocchi
400 g canned diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
150 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
50 g grated Parmesan cheese
to taste Salt and pepper
optional Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, and add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
In a large baking dish, combine the cooked gnocchi with the tomato sauce. Stir until the gnocchi are well coated.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the gnocchi mixture.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor.

Keyword bake, cheese, gnocchi, tomato