Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Gnocchi Bake
- One-Tray Wonder 🥳 – No more juggling pots and pans. This bake is all about simplicity.
- Hearty and Affordable – With filling sausages and gnocchi, you’ll stretch that $20 far!
- Kid-Friendly and Fuss-Free – No complicated steps, and the flavours are familiar and comforting.
- Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day (if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers).
Tips and Tricks for the Ultimate Sausage and Gnocchi Bake
- Use fresh gnocchi from the refrigerated section if possible – they have the best soft, chewy texture that crisps up beautifully in the oven. If you’re using shelf-stable gnocchi, just cook them briefly in salted water before baking.
- Go for high-quality sausages. I love Italian-style pork sausages with herbs and a hint of fennel. But feel free to swap in chicken or spicy chorizo for an extra kick. 🌶️
- Don’t skip the spinach! It wilts beautifully in the oven and sneaks in some greens. If you have any kale or silverbeet hanging around, they’re excellent swaps too.
- Tomato paste + cream = magic. This combo adds richness and tang to the sauce. You can substitute half the cream with crème fraîche or mascarpone for an even silkier texture.
- Cheese lovers, take note! 🧀 Want to make it extra indulgent? Sprinkle some mozzarella or Parmesan over the top for a bubbly, golden crust.
Serving Suggestions
This Sausage and Gnocchi Bake is rich and filling, so I love serving it with a simple rocket salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess.
For drinks, a chilled glass of white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc works beautifully. If you’re feeling fancy, try pairing it with an Italian Pinot Grigio for that true Mediterranean vibe. 🍷
Customise Your Sausage and Gnocchi Bake
One of the best things about this sausage and gnocchi bake is how easily you can tweak it to suit your taste or make the most of whatever ingredients you have at home. Here are a few customisation ideas to get creative with:
1. Spice It Up! 🌶️
If you’re a spice lover, add a pinch of chilli flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the cream mixture. For a more robust kick, try using spicy Italian sausages or adding a spoonful of harissa paste to the sauce for a warm, smoky depth.
2. Herbs and Seasonings 🌿
Fresh herbs make a big difference. Add a handful of fresh basil leaves or thyme for a touch of brightness. Rosemary also pairs beautifully with sausage, lending a more aromatic note to the dish.
3. Change Up the Cheese 🧀
While the bake is delicious as-is, adding cheese on top (like mozzarella or provolone) brings a lovely, golden layer. If you want a bit more sharpness, try scattering some grated Parmesan or pecorino over the bake just before serving.
4. Make it Saucy 🍅
For a more robust tomato flavour, add a tin of diced tomatoes along with the tomato paste. This adds juiciness, and the sauce will absorb even more of the sausage flavour as it bakes.
5. Boost the Veggies 🥦
If you’re trying to squeeze in more veggies, add sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli florets. These bake well and add colour and nutrition. If you’re feeling bold, roasted eggplant pieces or a handful of artichokes would add a Mediterranean touch.
By making it your own, you’ll keep this recipe feeling fresh every time you bake it. This sausage and gnocchi bake really is a blank canvas for whatever flavours you’re craving!
Storage and Leftovers
If there are any leftovers (unlikely, trust me!), pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can either use the oven at 180°C for 10 minutes or microwave it until piping hot. Add a splash of cream or a spoonful of broth before reheating to bring the sauce back to life.
Can you freeze Sausage and Gnocchi Bake? Yes! Freeze individual portions for quick lunches. Just let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and they’ll be just as delicious. ❄️
Other Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re hooked on this Sausage and Gnocchi Bake (and you will be!), try these tray bakes next:
Share Your Creations!
This Sausage and Gnocchi Bake is an instant crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and full of flavour. Perfect for the whole family or just for meal prepping throughout the week. Give it a go and let me know how it turns out! 🌟
If you snap a pic 📸, don’t forget to share it with me over on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff. I love seeing your kitchen creations!
Happy cooking, legends! 🍝
Sausage and Gnocchi Bake
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Hey lovely foodies! 🍝❤️ Day 3 of our $20 dinners and we are heading back to tray bake land! Let’s whip up some dreamy, creamy gnocchi bake today, and believe me, it’s a game changer! ✨
Ingredients
Instructions
- Whisk together the cream, garlic, tomato paste, oregano, and that pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl until it’s all smooth and dreamy. 😍
- Grab your oven tray! Lay out the spinach leaves first, followed by the mushrooms and tomatoes.🍃🍄🍅
- Now, using kitchen scissors ✂️, snip each sausage into about 6 yummy pieces right over the top.
- Sprinkle that gnocchi magic over your tray and finally drizzle with your luscious sauce.
- Get it all cozy in your oven at 200C for about 25 minutes or until those sausages turn a lovely golden brown.
- Once out, give it a gentle mix to let all those incredible flavors marry together! 🤗
Serve warm and watch those plates empty in seconds! Bon Appétit! 🍽️💖
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! This Sausage and Gnocchi Bake works perfectly with vegan or vegetarian sausages. Just be mindful of the cooking time – they may need a few minutes less.
Of course! Bell peppers, zucchini, or onions would fit right in. Roast them with the sausages for that caramelised goodness.
No worries! You can use coconut milk for a dairy-free version or substitute with sour cream for a tangy twist.