If you have yet to experience the magic of a Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe, you are in for an unforgettable treat. This dish brings together the creamy tang of feta cheese, the sweet burst of roasted cherry tomatoes, and pillowy gnocchi in a harmony of flavors and textures that feel like a warm hug on a plate. It’s delightfully easy to prepare, yet elegant enough to impress anyone at your table. Every bite offers a comforting richness balanced by fresh herbs and a touch of spice, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a special weekend indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe is how simple, fresh ingredients come together to create such a soul-satisfying dish. Each component plays a vital role—the creamy feta melts to a luscious sauce, the gnocchi soaks up all those vibrant flavors, and the cherry tomatoes bring juicy sweetness and a pop of color to every forkful.
- 8 ounces feta cheese: The star ingredient that melts into a creamy, tangy base for the sauce.
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes: These burst open in the oven, releasing their natural sweetness and juiciness.
- 17.5 ounces gnocchi: Soft and pillowy, perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
- 1/2 red onion (finely diced): Adds a subtle sharpness and a bit of texture.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic depth and warmth.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Creates a silky coating while roasting everything to golden perfection.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (finely chopped): Offers a fresh, herbal note that complements the richness.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors throughout the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides gentle heat and depth of flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a pleasant, subtle kick that wakes up the palate.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves: Brightens and freshens the finished dish with an aromatic touch.
How to Make Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature is essential for roasting the cherry tomatoes until they burst and caramelize, while melting the feta into a luscious, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the gnocchi.
Step 2: Arrange Your Ingredients
Place a block of feta cheese right in the center of a large rimmed sheet pan or baking dish. This will be the star melting point of the dish. Next, surround the feta with cherry tomatoes, gnocchi, finely diced red onion, and minced garlic. This neat arrangement ensures everything cooks evenly and mingles beautifully.
Step 3: Season and Toss
Generously drizzle the olive oil over the feta, tomatoes, gnocchi, and aromatics. Sprinkle with fresh thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for a well-rounded punch of flavor. Use a gentle toss or your hands to evenly coat all the ingredients in this flavorful mixture, ensuring every bite is packed with savory, herby goodness.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfect
Pop the baking dish into the oven for about 35 minutes. During this time, the cherry tomatoes will release their juices and burst open, the feta will soften and bubble into a creamy sauce, and the gnocchi will develop a slight golden hue, soaking up all those delightful flavors.
Step 5: Stir and Finish with Fresh Basil
Once baked, take the dish out and give everything a good stir, melding the textures and flavors into a cohesive, creamy masterpiece. Finish it off by scattering fresh basil leaves on top. Their vibrant, slightly sweet aroma and flavor lift the dish, adding a fresh contrast to the rich, melted cheese and roasted veggies.
How to Serve Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe truly pop, garnishing is key. Fresh basil leaves provide a gorgeous green color and a burst of fragrance. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the feta’s tangy creaminess. For those who love some extra heat, a few more red pepper flakes on top are always a great idea.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a few simple sides rounds out the meal beautifully. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess perfectly. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are ideal for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans add freshness and color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving the Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe straight from the baking dish to the table, ideal for a casual, rustic feel. Alternatively, plate it neatly and add a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a few whole basil leaves on top for a refined menu-worthy presentation. For a whimsical touch, serve it in individual ramekins—perfect for personalized portions and a charming dinner party vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to cool it completely before storing. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even more delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, the baked gnocchi can be frozen. Transfer portions into freezer-safe containers and store for up to two months. Keep in mind the texture may soften a bit when thawed and reheated, but the flavors remain intact and comforting.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until just heated through. You might want to add a splash of olive oil or a few fresh basil leaves to revive that fresh, vibrant taste and prevent the dish from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Feta is key to achieving the creamy, tangy sauce in this recipe, but if you want to experiment, consider using halloumi or goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture and melting quality will vary.
Is it necessary to use fresh thyme in the recipe?
Fresh thyme brings a subtle herbaceous freshness, but if you don’t have it on hand, dried thyme works as well—just use about one-third of the amount. You can also try substituting with fresh oregano or rosemary for a unique twist.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To adapt this Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe for a vegan diet, use plant-based feta alternatives and vegan gnocchi. Nutritional yeast or cashew cream can help mimic the cheesy creaminess. Keep in mind, the flavor will differ but remain delicious.
How do I know when the gnocchi is fully cooked?
The gnocchi is perfectly cooked when it develops a light golden color and a slightly crisp exterior while remaining soft inside. The roasting process melts the feta and juices from the tomatoes help cook the gnocchi through in the oven.
Can I add other vegetables to this Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add veggies like zucchini slices, spinach, or mushrooms. Just be mindful of cooking times—add firmer vegetables early enough to roast thoroughly, while delicate greens like spinach can be stirred in after baking.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that feels nurturing yet effortlessly special. It’s a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can come together to create pure comfort food with a burst of vibrant flavors. I can’t recommend it enough for your next meal—gather your ingredients, bake it up, and enjoy every creamy, tangy, tomato-packed bite!
Print
Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Feta Gnocchi recipe combines creamy feta cheese, sweet cherry tomatoes, and pillowy gnocchi baked together with aromatic herbs and spices for a comforting and delicious meal ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces feta cheese
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 17.5 ounces gnocchi
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Oils
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the ingredients evenly.
- Assemble Ingredients: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a large rimmed sheet pan or baking dish. Arrange the cherry tomatoes, gnocchi, red onion, and minced garlic evenly around the feta.
- Season and Coat: Drizzle olive oil over the entire pan, making sure the feta, tomatoes, and gnocchi are well coated. Sprinkle fresh thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes on top. Gently toss everything to evenly distribute the seasonings and oil.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the cherry tomatoes have burst and the gnocchi are cooked through, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Combine and Garnish: Remove the pan from the oven and stir the baked feta, tomatoes, gnocchi, and other ingredients into a creamy mixture. Top with fresh basil leaves before serving for an added burst of freshness.
Notes
- Use a large rimmed baking sheet or dish to allow even baking and space for tossing ingredients.
- Fresh herbs enhance flavor but can be substituted with dried if necessary (use half the amount).
- For a spicier dish, increase red pepper flakes to taste.
- Serve this dish hot and fresh for best texture and flavor.
- Can be paired with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
