If you are craving a comforting meal that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the irresistible smokiness of bacon, you are going to adore this Cheesy Bacon Baked Gnocchi Recipe. It’s a delightful dish that brings together pillowy gnocchi baked in a luscious half-and-half sauce, infused with fresh basil and lemon zest, then crowned with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping. Every bite is an amazing contrast of textures and flavors that feels indulgent yet totally doable on a weeknight. This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Cheesy Bacon Baked Gnocchi Recipe lies in its simplicity, where each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the soft gnocchi to the crispy bacon and the fresh basil adding a pop of green, every component elevates this dish beautifully.
- Prepared gnocchi (2 packages, 13 ounces each): These little potato dumplings cook quickly and soak up all the creamy flavors.
- Bacon (8 strips, cut into ½ inch strips): Adds smoky crunch and depth to the dish.
- Fresh basil (2 tablespoons, chopped): Offers a fresh, aromatic pop to balance the richness.
- Half-and-half (1½ cups): Creates the silky base for the creamy sauce.
- Lemon juice (½ lemon): Brightens the flavors with a subtle zing.
- Garlic salt (½ teaspoon): Brings savory warmth throughout.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a hint of spice and complexity.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melts beautifully, creating that classic cheesy pull.
- Breadcrumbs (¼ cup): Provide a crisp topping that contrasts the creamy interior.
- Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons grated + ½ cup grated): Intensifies the cheesiness and adds a nutty finish.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Used to melt into the breadcrumbs for a golden topping.
How to Make Cheesy Bacon Baked Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F. Lightly butter or spray a 2-quart baking dish to ensure your gnocchi doesn’t stick as it bakes to perfection. This small step helps your masterpiece slide out easily when it’s ready to serve.
Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi
Boil the gnocchi according to the package instructions until they float to the surface, signaling they’re perfectly cooked. Drain and set aside — these tender pillows are the base for all the gooey goodness to come.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s cooked through but just shy of crispy. This keeps a bit of chew while still offering that wonderful bacon flavor. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
Step 4: Save the Bacon Fat
Pour the rendered bacon fat into a heat-proof bowl to use later. This flavorful fat is a secret ingredient that will deepen the dish’s richness.
Step 5: Mix Ingredients in the Baking Dish
Into your prepared casserole dish, add 1 tablespoon of the reserved bacon fat, the cooked bacon, fresh basil, half-and-half, lemon juice, garlic salt, kosher salt, black pepper, shredded mozzarella, and the drained gnocchi. Stir everything together until the gnocchi is evenly coated with the creamy, savory mixture.
Step 6: Prepare the Topping
Melt butter in a small bowl and mix it with breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. This buttery, cheesy crumb topping will bake to a gorgeous golden crust, adding a perfect textural contrast.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture evenly over the gnocchi in the baking dish. Place it in your preheated 375°F oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned and bubbly, ensuring each bite has a delightful crisp finish.
Step 8: Ready to Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving. This Cheesy Bacon Baked Gnocchi Recipe is best enjoyed hot, straight from the oven, where the cheese is melty and the bacon aroma irresistible.
How to Serve Cheesy Bacon Baked Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped fresh basil or a little cracked black pepper can elevate the dish’s appearance and flavor, making it taste as vibrant as it looks.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich and hearty gnocchi bake with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to bring freshness and balance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in individual ramekins for a cozy, personal touch, or create a family-style presentation in a rustic cast iron skillet to encourage sharing and casual dining vibes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Bacon Baked Gnocchi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for equally delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked dish before baking—just assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until warmed through and bubbly again. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the crispy breadcrumb topping intact.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought frozen gnocchi works perfectly and saves you time, just be sure to cook it according to package instructions before baking.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Just omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for a smoky, savory twist that still pairs beautifully with the cheesy sauce.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, mixing in cheeses like Fontina or Gouda can add interesting depth. Just remember that mozzarella’s melting quality makes it ideal for the creamy texture you want here.
What can I substitute for half-and-half?
If you don’t have half-and-half, a mix of milk and cream works well, or just heavy cream for a richer sauce, though it will be creamier and thicker.
How do I make sure the breadcrumb topping stays crispy?
Using melted butter mixed with the breadcrumbs and Parmesan ensures crispness. Also, try to bake uncovered so steam doesn’t make it soggy.
Final Thoughts
With bold flavors, contrasting textures, and a comforting creamy sauce, this Cheesy Bacon Baked Gnocchi Recipe is the kind of dish that brings people together around the table. Once you try it, I’m sure it will join your rotation of cherished comfort foods. So grab those ingredients and get ready for a delightfully cheesy, bacon-packed meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make!
Print
Cheesy Bacon Baked Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Cheesy Bacon Baked Gnocchi is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender gnocchi with crispy bacon, fresh basil, and a creamy half-and-half sauce, all topped with a savory breadcrumb and Parmesan crust. Perfect as a hearty dinner, it bakes to a golden bubbly perfection, blending crispy and creamy textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 packages prepared gnocchi (13 ounces each)
- 8 strips bacon, cut into ½ inch strips
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1½ cups half-and-half
- ½ lemon, juice only
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
Topping
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Garnish
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter or spray a 2-quart baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Gnocchi: Cook the gnocchi according to the package directions until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, fry the bacon strips until they are cooked through and just shy of crispy.
- Drain Bacon: Transfer the cooked bacon pieces onto a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess fat.
- Save Bacon Fat: Pour the rendered bacon fat from the skillet into a heat-proof bowl for later use.
- Combine Ingredients: In the prepared casserole dish, add 1 tablespoon of the reserved bacon fat, the cooked bacon, chopped basil, half-and-half, lemon juice, garlic salt, kosher salt, black pepper, shredded Mozzarella cheese, and the cooked gnocchi. Stir everything well to combine evenly.
- Make Topping: Melt the butter and combine it with the breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Apply Topping: Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture evenly over the gnocchi mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the sauce is bubbling.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with the additional ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese and ¼ cup chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the topping for 1-2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- If half-and-half is unavailable, you can substitute with a mixture of milk and cream for richness.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and increase the basil for added flavor.
- Reserved bacon fat enhances flavor but can be omitted for a lighter dish—substitute with a bit of butter if desired.
- Prepare the dish ahead up to the baking step, then refrigerate and bake before serving.
