Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Cheese Sauce
Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake is a comforting, better-than-takeout dinner ready in just 30 minutes. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to perfectly creamy cheese sauce. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Creamy Moroccan Sweet Potato Soup with Chickpeas and Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes.
Why This Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Cheese Sauce Is Pure Comfort
- Creamy cheese sauce in just 5 minutes
- One-pan easy cleanup
- Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
- Better than takeout taste and texture
What You'll Need for Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Cheese Sauce
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Gnocchi
- Broccoli
- Heavy cream
- Cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Nutmeg
- Optional: Breadcrumbs
- Optional: Extra cheese
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Gnocchi: Use store-bought or homemade.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Heavy-bottomed Skillet — Even heat for perfect cheese sauce. → See on Amazon
- Box Grater — Quickly grate cheese for smooth sauce. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Cheese Sauce
- Step 1: Cook gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in flour to create a roux.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Add milk, cheeses, onion powder, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook until sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Add cooked gnocchi and broccoli to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine. Transfer to a baking dish.
- Step 5: Top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese if desired. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Cheese Sauce
- Common mistake and fix: Don't let the cheese sauce boil or it may curdle. If it does, add a tablespoon of cold butter and stir until smooth.
- Pro tip: For extra flavor, sauté diced onions and mushrooms with the garlic before adding the flour.
- Pro tip: Make ahead and freeze individual portions for easy meals later.
Storing & Reheating Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Cheese Sauce
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the cheese sauce and combine with gnocchi and broccoli up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge and bake as needed.
Freezing Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Cheese Sauce
Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
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.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Best substitution: Use frozen broccoli florets if fresh is not available.
- Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead tips.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality Cheese Grater — Smooth cheese sauce for perfect gnocchi bake. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Cheese Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Gnocchi
- Broccoli
- Heavy cream
- Cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- Garlic
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Nutmeg
Optional Toppings
- Breadcrumbs
- Extra cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in flour to create a roux.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Add milk, cheeses, onion powder, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook until sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Add cooked gnocchi and broccoli to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine. Transfer to a baking dish.
- Step 5: Top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese if desired. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Best substitution: Use frozen broccoli florets if fresh is not available.
- Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead tips.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
- 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.
- Make ahead: Prepare the cheese sauce and combine with gnocchi and broccoli up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge and bake as needed.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sat. Fat: 17g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Cheese Sauce FAQs
Yes, see storage notes for make-ahead tips.
The sauce was boiled or the dairy was too cold. Add a tablespoon of cold butter and stir until smooth.
Yes, use frozen broccoli florets and cook them separately before combining with the cheese sauce.
Ensure the pot is well-oiled and do not overcrowd the gnocchi while cooking.
Yes, add cooked vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with 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!
