Often people believe that Italian cuisine means two things, pasta and pizza. While these are globally popular, they aren’t the only thing Italians eat.
For instance, gnocchi is a traditional Italian dish that cannot be technically put in the same category as that of pasta.
So, it will be a good dish for you to explore the variations in Italian cuisine. Truth be told, baked gnocchi is easy to make and is considered healthier as you won’t be using flour.
Usually, it has to be boiled first and then added to the cooked sauce just like pasta. But here, we have leveled up the recipe by explaining a new technique.
Instead of following the traditional method, let’s explore what baked gnocchi will taste like. From the name itself, it sounds extremely delicious, especially since you will be using a good amount of cheese to add that creamy texture. With this being said, let’s not delay much and check the detailed recipe.
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What is Baked Gnocchi and How is It Different?
Most Italians prefer baking over other culinary techniques. But it’s not always used, especially for traditional dishes like that of gnocchi.
If you follow the authentic recipe, you just have to prepare the sauce of your choice and toss the boiled potato dumplings in it. Although this tastes heavenly, baking can add another notch to the flavor profile.
Here, you will have to mix the boiled gnocchi with the sauce and add cheese to the top. Baking the entire dish will make the edges crispier and add a creamy texture.
Truth be told, having baked gnocchi is more about tasting a cozy and comforting dish where minimal effort is needed for the entire cooking.
Why Bake the Dish? Benefits of Baked Gnocchi
- Baking will melt the cheese layer perfectly, adding a creamy and gooey texture. You can either mix everything after baking is complete or serve it as lasagna.
- You will have crispier edges caused by baking the dish at higher temperatures. It will add a variation in the texture since the insides will still retain the soft texture.
- Reheating leftover baked gnocchi the next day won’t alter its taste or texture. It means zero food wastage.
- Having baked gnocchi is all about intensifying the flavors. Whether you use tomato sauce or alfredo sauce, the flavors will deepen further in the oven.
- Baking is much easier than cooking the gnocchi traditionally. It can be a great time saver, especially when you are too tired to use the spatula or have other tasks to do.
- Also, baking will give you the leverage to mix proteins of your choice in the traditional recipe. For instance, add a layer of meatballs or butter-tossed shrimp to elevate the overall taste.
How to Make a Creamy and Cozy Baked Gnocchi?
Making the Gnocchi Dumplings
To make the soft, chewy gnocchi, you will require:
- Two large-sized Russet potatoes weighing up to 450 grams approximately
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour with some extra that will be needed for dusting
- Half a teaspoon of salt
- One egg yolk with no traces of white in
Now it’s time to make the gnocchi dumplings. For this, follow the instructions below.
- Boil the potatoes in water for approximately half an hour till they become fork-tender. Take them out and place them in cold water.
- Use a fork or a potato ricer to mash the boiled potatoes. A food processor shouldn’t be used as it will destroy the soft texture.
- Now, make a well at the center to add the egg yolk and salt. Sprinkle about 3/4th of the flour and start kneading everything together. Add the rest of the flour gradually so that the dough won’t become too tight.
- Divide the prepared dough into four parts. Take one piece and roll it to a medium thickness. You need to cut this long rope into pieces, each having approximately 3/4th length. Take a fork and roll the smaller pieces over the ridges to get the gnocchi shape.
- Once all the gnocchi dough is ready, put them in boiling water with a pinch of salt. Once they are done, they will start floating. Take them out of the hot water and spread them evenly in a baking dish.
Cooking the Sauce
You can prepare a variety of sauces to make baked gnocchi as per your taste preferences. Some of the best options you can try are:
- Classic tomato sauces
- Bolognese sauce
- Arrabbiata sauce
- Marinara sauce
- Cheese base
- Four-cheese sauce mix
- Alfredo sauce
- Herb and pesto base
- Basil pesto sauce
- Sundried tomato and pesto sauce
- Sage with brown butter sauce
Whatever sauce you will prepare, ensure it’s not runny. Consistency should be proper so that you can make proper layers before baking the dish.
Baking Everything Together
- Now, to make baked gnocchi, take a deep baking dish like the one used for making lasagna. Add the sauce prepared and the boiled gnocchi dumplings to it. The sauce should form a proper coating around all the gnocchi balls. Only then will the flavors be infused properly, and you will be able to enjoy every bite.
- Avoid using a sharp instrument to mix them as it can break the shape of the boiled soft dumplings. Also, do not add any seasoning, as everything will be present in the sauce beforehand.
- Add about one and a half cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. You can either go with the packaged, store-bought cheese or make the cheese freshly at your home.
- For the crispiness, you need freshly grated parmesan cheese. Sprinkle a medium-sized layer of the same on the top.
- Do not leave any space uncovered by cheese as you want the baked gnocchi to have a smooth, creamy texture.
- Now, put everything together in your oven. Ensure it’s preheated to a temperature of a minimum of 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Leave the setup undisturbed for 20 minutes at the top. It will be enough to melt the cheese and form a golden brown color.
Closing
Making baked gnocchi is perhaps the easiest way to enjoy different textures together. The creaminess from the sauce and molten mozzarella cheese are unparallel.
Besides, the crispiness of the edges will elevate the overall texture by several notches. On top of everything, you can also add proteins of your choice to make it a complete meal for the day.
