Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce

Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce is a comforting, cheesy dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to perfectly cooked gnocchi every time. The golden, bubbly cheese sauce and tender broccoli make this dish irresistible. Try it with my Crispy Mexican Street Corn Fritters for a complete meal. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Crispy Mexican Street Corn Fritters with Spicy Lime Sauce and Easy Smoky Grilled Mushroom Skewers for Dinner.

What You'll Need for Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

• 1 lb gnocchi
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes

How to Make Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce

1. Cook gnocchi: Boil gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the top. Drain and set aside.
2. Steam broccoli: Steam broccoli florets until tender. Drain and set aside.
3. Make cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan. Add flour and whisk to create a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until the sauce thickens.
4. Assemble the bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine cooked gnocchi, steamed broccoli, and cheese sauce. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Storing & Reheating Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: This dish can be assembled up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.

Freezing Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce

Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Recipe Notes

• Chef tip: For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese.
• Best substitution: Substitute spinach or cauliflower for the broccoli.
• Make-ahead: This dish can be assembled up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.
• Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled to serve a larger crowd.
• Troubleshooting: If the cheese sauce isn't thickening, cook it a little longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).

Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce

⏱

Prep

15 minutes

🍳

Cook

25 minutes

⏳

Total

40 minutes

🍽

Serves

6 servings

🥗

Diet

Gluten-free

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb gnocchi
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Toppings

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Cook gnocchi: Boil gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the top. Drain and set aside.
2. Steam broccoli: Steam broccoli florets until tender. Drain and set aside.
3. Make cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan. Add flour and whisk to create a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until the sauce thickens.
4. Assemble the bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine cooked gnocchi, steamed broccoli, and cheese sauce. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Notes

• Chef tip: For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese.
• Best substitution: Substitute spinach or cauliflower for the broccoli.
• Make-ahead: This dish can be assembled up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.
• Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled to serve a larger crowd.
• Troubleshooting: If the cheese sauce isn't thickening, cook it a little longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Make ahead: This dish can be assembled up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.

Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 580
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbs: 52g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 880mg
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sat. Fat: 17g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy Cheese Sauce FAQs

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with Creamy 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!