Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that will transform your dinner into a decadent Italian feast! This Four Cheese Gnocchi al Forno is not just a recipe – it's a creamy, cheesy explosion of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine pillowy soft gnocchi nestled in a rich blend of four incredible cheeses, baked to golden perfection and guaranteed to become your new comfort food obsession. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a luxurious meal, this recipe promises to be a game-changer in your cooking repertoire.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, typically 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Drain immediately and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, and half of the crumbled Gorgonzola. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the cheese mixture, gently folding to coat each piece evenly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Spread the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Transfer the cheese-coated gnocchi into the dish in a single layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and Gorgonzola cheeses over the top of the gnocchi.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving.
- Serve hot directly from the baking dish, ensuring each portion gets a good mix of crispy cheese and saucy gnocchi.
Tips
- Cheese Selection: Use high-quality, fresh cheeses for the best flavor. Room temperature cheeses blend more smoothly.
- Gnocchi Cooking Tip: Don't overcook the gnocchi. Remove them from boiling water as soon as they float to the surface to maintain their delicate texture.
- Prevent Sticking: Generously grease your baking dish and ensure an even layer of marinara sauce at the bottom.
- Cheese Melting Trick: For the most beautiful golden-brown top, place the dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after baking if you want extra crispy cheese.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use freshly chopped basil just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare this dish up to the point of baking and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 55mg
