Baked gnocchi
Discover gnocchi, the delicious Italian pasta-like dumpling, with our easy baked gnocchi recipe. It features soft gnocchi, smoky chorizo, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and is topped with golden, bubbling mozzarella. The rich tomato sauce is simmered with aromatic herbs and a hint of spice, coating each piece of gnocchi for a delightful bite. Fresh basil on top adds the final, colourful touch.
Ingredients
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500 g
Fresh gnocchi
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1 tbsp
Olive oil
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1
Onion
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2
Garlic cloves
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50 g
Sun-dried tomatoes in oil
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100 g
Chorizo sausage
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2 cans
Chopped tomatoes (800 g in total)
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2 tbsp
Tomato purée
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2 tbsp
Balsamic vinegar
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1 tsp
Sugar
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1 tsp
Dried oregano
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½ tsp
Dried basil
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½ tsp
Paprika powder
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½ tsp
Chilli flakes
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½ tsp
Salt
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Freshly ground black pepper
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150 g
Mozzarella, grated
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Fresh basil, to serve
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
If the tomato sauce tastes too sharp or acidic, add a pinch of sugar or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar while simmering. This rounds out the flavours, harmonising the tang of the tomatoes with the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes and the smoky, savoury chorizo, so the sauce stays bright but balanced.
For a more pronounced contrast between soft and lightly crisped gnocchi, try spreading them out in a tray or shallow dish so that more pieces are exposed to oven heat, rather than being buried under sauce. Follow the recipe as usual, but instead of placing the deep frying pan in the oven, transfer everything to a sheet pan or similar. This will make the gnocchi's edges brown and firm up slightly, while the centre stays tender, adding a pleasant textural lift without altering the rich tomato-chorizo character.
Allow the gnocchi to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. The sauce thickens, the cheese sets slightly, and the flavours meld, making it easier to serve. Each portion will hold together better, delivering a harmonious mix of tender gnocchi, savoury chorizo, and sweet tomato notes in every perfectly-textured spoonful.
FAQ: Questions about baked gnocchi
Want to make the baked gnocchi even better? Our FAQ section answers common questions to help you at every step, making sure it turns out delicious every time.
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes, you can use either fresh, homemade, or store-bought gnocchi. Store-bought gnocchi are very convenient and bake well, but they tend to have a chewier or gummier texture than fresh. For a touch of extra texture, you can briefly sauté them before baking to add a slight crispiness.
Do I need to boil gnocchi before baking?
No, you do not need to boil gnocchi before assembling everything and putting it in the oven. It cooks well in the sauce or when roasted on a sheet pan, becoming tender without becoming mushy. If you boil them first, they may become gummy.
Can I prepare baked gnocchi ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and assemble the dish as stated in the recipe, but do not bake it. Instead, cover the pan tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
What should I serve with baked gnocchi?
This baked gnocchi recipe is good as it is, but you can also serve it alongside a simple green salad, garlic bread, focaccia, or roasted vegetables. The rich tomato, chorizo, and cheese sauce pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp sides, but it is also very delicious on its own.
How do I store leftover baked gnocchi?
You can keep leftover baked gnocchi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it thoroughly before serving and add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened. It is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are still tasty.
Can I freeze baked gnocchi?
Yes, you can freeze baked gnocchi if you want to save some for later. However, the texture might become softer than when freshly baked. Let it cool completely before freezing, then wrap it tightly in cling film and foil. It will keep for up to two months. Reheat it in the oven straight from the freezer at 180 °C for 30-40 minutes, covered. If you want to freeze it unbaked, thaw it completely in the fridge before baking.
Nutritional values per serving
Energy:
463 Kcal
| Energy distribution % | Nutritional values per serving | |
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| Fibre | - | 4.3 g |
| Protein | 15.4 % | 17.6 g |
| Fat | 32.6 % | 17.1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 52 % | 59.2 g |
Savour our baked gnocchi with chorizo and sun-dried tomatoes
Our baked gnocchi with chorizo and sun-dried tomato is the perfect combination of comfort and flavour. Pillowy gnocchi nestle in a rich, tomato-based sauce, while smoky chorizo and tangy sun-dried tomatoes bring depth and character. As it bakes, mozzarella melts to a golden, bubbling finish, filling the kitchen with the enticing aromas of herbs, paprika, and garlic. A scattering of fresh basil adds a pop of colour and a fresh, aromatic note that brightens each bite. Every mouthful balances soft, tender gnocchi with slightly chewy chorizo and bursts of sun-dried tomato.
Rich tomato sauce with aromatic herbs and a hint of chilli
The sauce is the heart of the dish. Chopped tomatoes and tomato purée create a rich, tangy base, while oregano, basil, paprika, and a touch of chilli flakes infuse warmth and depth. Garlic and sun-dried tomatoes add subtle sweetness and umami, creating a sauce that clings beautifully to each gnocchi. The result is a fragrant, herb-filled tomato sauce that carries just enough heat without overpowering the delicate gnocchi or the smoky chorizo.
Topped with golden and bubbling mozzarella
Mozzarella is the final flourish, melting into a creamy, bubbling layer that turns golden in the oven. It adds softness and richness that complements the gnocchi, while the slight browning at the edges introduces subtle nuttiness and textural contrast. Finished with fresh basil, it looks like true comfort food that you will want to dig into right away.
An easy and comforting weeknight bake
This baked gnocchi is the ideal weeknight dinner: easy to assemble, full of flavour, and satisfying in every bite. It is an easy one-pot meal that combines tender gnocchi, hearty chorizo, and a rich, herby tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella. You can also serve it on its own or with a simple green salad, some delicious bread, or roasted vegetables; it pairs well with most of your favourite side dishes, making it perfect for treating family and friends with minimal effort.
If you enjoy easy, oven-baked comfort food like this, you might also like our cheesy potato bake, meatball orzo bake, or chicken and mushroom lasagne. They are all simple, satisfying recipes that work well for relaxed weeknight dinners and will be a hit for the whole family or friend group.
Adjust the recipe to your liking
This recipe is easy to adjust. Try swapping chorizo for Italian sausages like salsiccia or nduja, or, instead of meat, adding more vegetables, such as spinach, courgette, peppers, aubergine, or mushrooms. For extra creaminess, stir in a dollop of mascarpone or a splash of cream. Cheese lovers can add Parmesan or another cheesy favourite alongside the mozzarella. Brighten the flavours with juicy cherry tomatoes, add artichokes or olives for a Mediterranean twist, or add some warmth and aroma with a pinch of red pepper flakes or thyme.
