Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that celebrates the rich, velvety flavors of autumn, the Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake is an absolute must-try. This hearty casserole brings together tender pumpkin cubes, pillowy gnocchi, and a blend of creamy cheeses with a hint of sage and crunchy pecans. It’s the perfect bake to warm your soul and impress your family or friends with a dish that’s both rustic and elegant. Once you dive into this Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one helping!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake plays a vital role, bringing together flavors and textures that create the perfect harmony in each bite. From creamy cheeses to fragrant sage, every item is simple but essential for that ideal balance of taste, color, and mouthfeel.

• Pumpkin (350g): Peeled and diced into bite-sized cubes to provide sweet, tender bites throughout the bake.
• Gnocchi (500g): Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavors in the dish.
• Blue cheese or soft goat’s cheese (50g): Adds a creamy tang and depth that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin.
• Sage leaves (6g): Fresh herbs that bring an earthy, slightly peppery note and crisp up beautifully when cooked.
• Vegetable stock (400ml): Provides moisture and savory background flavor to keep everything luscious.
• Single dairy cream (¼ cup): Enriches the bake, making it irresistibly creamy and indulgent.
• Mozzarella or cheddar cheese (50g): Melts on top to give a golden, bubbly finish with a rich cheesy flavor.
• Pecans (30g): Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty contrast to the creamy textures.

How to Make Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin

Start by peeling and dicing your pumpkin into small cubes about 2cm wide. This size ensures that they cook evenly and become tender within 30 minutes or less, without falling apart. Whether you choose the air fryer or oven method, this step is crucial to building the base flavor for your bake.

Step 2: Soften the Pumpkin

If you’re using an air fryer, combine the pumpkin cubes with 100ml of vegetable stock, plus a pinch of salt and pepper, and air fry at 170°C for 15 minutes. You’re aiming for tender but still slightly firm pumpkin pieces. For oven lovers, place the pumpkin in an ovenproof dish with the same seasoning and stock, then roast at 180°C for 20 minutes for that perfect softness.

Step 3: Add the Gnocchi and Cheese

Next, spread the gnocchi around the softened pumpkin cubes in your cooking vessel. Crumble the blue or goat’s cheese evenly over the mix and pour the cream on top. Give everything a gentle stir to make sure the flavors start mingling, and the cream coats the gnocchi and pumpkin beautifully.

Step 4: Cook Until Bubbling

If using the air fryer, increase the temperature to 220°C and cook for 12 minutes until the gnocchi and pumpkin are fully cooked and the mixture is bubbling. For oven preparation, roast at the same temperature for 10 to 15 minutes, keeping a close eye for that bubbly, inviting texture.

Step 5: Add Cheese, Pecans, and Crispy Sage

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top along with the pecans and continue cooking—air fry for 2 more minutes or roast for 2-3 additional minutes until the cheese is melted and golden. Toss the sage leaves in a light drizzle of oil, scatter them over the top, and give the bake a final minute in the heat so that the sage crisps up, adding a wonderful aromatic crunch.

How to Serve Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake

Garnishes

A few extra crispy sage leaves sprinkled on top before serving elevate this dish to a whole new level. You could also add a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a handful of fresh chopped parsley to bring freshness and brightness alongside the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

This hearty Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake pairs beautifully with a simple mixed green salad dressed with tangy vinaigrette or some steamed greens like broccoli or green beans. The freshness cuts through the creaminess and creates a well-rounded, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake in individual ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties or spoon it into a big rustic casserole dish for casual family-style dining. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds over the top before serving to echo the pumpkin theme and add texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers of the Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld and deepen overnight, making it perfect for next-day meals.

Freezing

This bake freezes beautifully. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and taste.

Reheating

Reheat your Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake gently in a preheated oven at 180°C until warmed through, which helps keep the gnocchi soft and the top crispy. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent the gnocchi from becoming mushy.

FAQs

Can I use butternut squash instead of pumpkin?

Absolutely! Butternut squash is a fantastic substitute and offers a similar sweetness and texture. Just be sure to dice it into similarly sized cubes for even cooking.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries! The oven instructions work perfectly and give you that lovely roasted flavor and texture. Just follow the temperature and timing guidelines closely.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, swap out the dairy cream for a plant-based cream and replace the cheeses with vegan alternatives. You can still enjoy rich flavors by adding nutritional yeast or vegan cheese blends.

Is it okay to use pre-packaged gnocchi?

Definitely. Fresh or store-bought gnocchi both work well for this bake. Just ensure it’s fully cooked or ready to cook as per package instructions when assembling the dish.

How can I make the bake extra creamy?

Adding a bit more cream or a splash of milk when mixing the gnocchi and pumpkin is a simple way to increase creaminess without overpowering the other flavors.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the comforting blend of creamy textures, warm spices, and fresh ingredients in this Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy weeknight or feeding a crowd on a special occasion, it’s a dish that invites smiles and second helpings. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and fall in love with every spoonful!

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