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
Scale
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.
