If you are craving a dish that captures all the comfort and flavors of a classic pizza but with a fun, hearty twist, then this Pepperoni Pizza Gnocchi Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together pillowy gnocchi, rich tomato sauce, loads of melty mozzarella, and spicy pepperoni in a bubbly baked casserole that’s pure magic in every bite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe delivers all the pizza goodness in a cozy, satisfying form that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pepperoni Pizza Gnocchi Bake Recipe calls for simple ingredients that work in perfect harmony to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each one is essential to bringing that classic pizza taste right into your bake.
- Delallo Gnocchi Kit: The soft, pillowy base for this dish that soaks up all the sauce and flavor beautifully.
- Delallo Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a rich, fruity undertone when sautéing garlic.
- Minced Garlic: Gives the sauce a fragrant boost that starts the flavor journey.
- Delallo San Marzano Crushed Tomatoes: Offers a sweet, balanced acidity that forms the heart of the sauce.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the sauce’s vibrant flavors.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings the herby warmth and traditional pizza flair.
- Grated Parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty depth to the sauce and gnocchi mixture.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Provides gooey, melty texture that pizza is famous for.
- Whole Milk Mozzarella Slices: Create luscious, creamy layers on top.
- Pepperoni Slices: Deliver that spicy, smoky punch that pizza lovers crave.
- Fresh Basil: Adds a fresh, aromatic finish that brightens up the entire bake.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Gnocchi Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the gnocchi
Start by cooking the gnocchi exactly as directed on the package. This ensures they’re perfectly tender and ready to absorb all the delicious sauce. If you want a pro tip, try tossing them gently to prevent sticking and achieve an even cook.
Step 2: Preheat your oven
Set your oven to 350°F. Preheating is key because you want to slide your dish into a hot oven to melt the cheese to perfection and create that iconic bubbling bake.
Step 3: Sauté the garlic
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat until it shimmers. Add the minced garlic and cook just a minute or two until fragrant but not browned, releasing that incredible aroma that sets the base for your sauce.
Step 4: Make the sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir well and bring it to a simmer so the flavors meld beautifully and the sauce thickens slightly, creating a robust foundation for the bake.
Step 5: Combine sauce with gnocchi and parmesan
Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated parmesan along with your cooked gnocchi. This step creates a creamy, cheesy coating that binds the dish and amps up every forkful with rich flavor.
Step 6: Assemble with cheeses and pepperoni
Spread the gnocchi mixture evenly in your baking dish. Generously top with shredded mozzarella, then lay down the pepperoni slices followed by the whole milk mozzarella slices. Layering these cheeses results in a gooey, melty, irresistible top crust.
Step 7: Bake until bubbly
Bake the dish for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is perfectly melted, golden, and bubbling. This final bake pulls all the elements together and gives you that delightful contrast of textures—from soft gnocchi beneath to stretchy cheese on top.
Step 8: Garnish and enjoy
Once baked, finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fragrant freshness that balances the richness. Now it’s time to dive in and enjoy your homemade Pepperoni Pizza Gnocchi Bake Recipe!
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Gnocchi Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil is all you need to elevate this dish to restaurant-quality. If you want to get fancy, add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that wakes up the palate.
Side Dishes
This baked gnocchi pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread also make easy, tasty companions that round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it straight from the baking dish for a comforting family-style experience that encourages passing plates and sharing. For a fun twist, portion individual servings in cute ramekins and sprinkle basil on top, making it feel special whether for guests or cozy nights at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pepperoni Pizza Gnocchi Bake Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for even tastier leftovers that are quick to reheat.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or foil pans, then freeze for up to two months. When you want a comforting meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly again—this helps to maintain the texture better than microwaving. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, just add a splash of water and cover to keep moisture in.
FAQs
Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of the kit?
Absolutely! Fresh gnocchi can be a delicious upgrade, offering a tender texture that blends beautifully with the sauce. Just cook according to package or homemade instructions before assembling the bake.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the pepperoni or swap it for vegetarian-friendly toppings like sautéed mushrooms, artichokes, or olives. The rich tomato and cheese flavors still make it absolutely satisfying.
What type of cheese works best for this bake?
Mozzarella is your go-to for classic stretch and melt, but you can add provolone or a touch of fontina for extra creaminess and flavor complexity while keeping that gooey texture.
Can this be made gluten-free?
If you find gluten-free gnocchi, this entire recipe can be gluten-free! Just be sure all your other ingredients, like the seasoning blends and cheese, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
How spicy is the Pepperoni Pizza Gnocchi Bake Recipe?
The slight spiciness comes from the pepperoni, which usually has a gentle kick. If you want more heat, adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or topping with spicy peppers is an easy way to boost that flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that combines the best of pizza flavors with the comforting, tender bite of gnocchi, this Pepperoni Pizza Gnocchi Bake Recipe is pure joy in a casserole. It’s straightforward to prepare, remarkably satisfying, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Next time you want something cozy but exciting, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!
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Pepperoni Pizza Gnocchi Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Pepperoni Pizza Gnocchi Bake is a delicious and comforting Italian-inspired casserole that combines pillowy gnocchi with a rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and savory slices of pepperoni. Baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh basil, this dish brings the classic flavors of pizza into a hearty, easy-to-make bake that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Gnocchi Preparation
- 1 package Delallo Gnocchi Kit
- 1 tablespoon Delallo Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
Tomato Sauce
- 28 ounces Delallo San Marzano crushed tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
Cheese and Toppings
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices whole milk mozzarella cheese
- 12 pepperoni slices
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare gnocchi: Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole later.
- Sauté garlic: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat until glistening, then add the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Make tomato sauce: Pour in the crushed San Marzano tomatoes, then season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and allow the sauce to heat until it begins simmering.
- Combine gnocchi and sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the cooked gnocchi until well combined with the sauce.
- Assemble the bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the gnocchi mixture in the skillet or transfer to a baking dish. Layer the pepperoni slices and then the whole milk mozzarella slices on top.
- Bake: Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve hot. Enjoy your hearty and cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Gnocchi Bake!
Notes
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor and vibrant presentation.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the tomato sauce.
- You can substitute pepperoni with your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms or olives.
- Make sure not to overcook the gnocchi initially to avoid them becoming mushy after baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
