Description
This comforting Cheesy Baked Gnocchi with Broccoli recipe features tender gnocchi roasted with fresh broccoli and onion, then baked in a creamy Parmesan sauce. Quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying family dinner, it blends roasted vegetables with a rich, cheesy béchamel-like sauce for a deliciously hearty meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 300 g Broccoli (Cut into very small pieces)
- 1 Onion (Peeled and chopped)
Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
Main
- 500 g Gnocchi (dried)
Sauce
- 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 and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200℃ (400°F fan), or 220℃ (425°F conventional), or Gas Mark 7 to ensure it’s hot enough for roasting.
- Roast Broccoli and Onion: Toss the chopped broccoli and onion with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, plenty of salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a shallow roasting tin. Spread evenly and roast in the oven for 10 minutes to soften and slightly caramelize.
- Add Gnocchi and Continue Roasting: Remove the roasting tin, add the dried gnocchi and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix everything well to coat the gnocchi with oil and return to the oven for another 10 minutes to roast the gnocchi until tender and slightly golden.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the gnocchi roasts, blend the cornflour with just enough milk in a small bowl to create a smooth paste, avoiding lumps. In a larger bowl, whisk in the crème fraîche until smooth, then gradually add the remaining milk while whisking continuously to combine thoroughly.
- Mix Sauce Seasonings: Stir in two-thirds of the grated Parmesan cheese, wholegrain mustard, garlic granules, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk well to incorporate all ingredients into a creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the prepared crème fraîche sauce over the roasted gnocchi and vegetables in the tin, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top and bake for a further 10 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and golden on top.
Notes
- Using cornflour helps thicken the sauce for a creamy consistency without lumps.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste, adding more garlic or mustard if desired.
- You can use fresh gnocchi but reduce roasting time as fresh gnocchi cooks faster.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary before roasting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
