Name: Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 pints (682g) cherry tomatoes; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup chopped basil leaves (plus more for garnish, if desired); 1 8oz (227g) block feta cheese; ½ cup extra virgin olive oil; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 ½ pounds (750g) packaged gnocchi (approximately 5 ½ cups); Salt for boiling water

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 45 reviews

If you are searching for an irresistibly creamy, tangy, and delightfully simple comfort dish, this Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe will be your new go-to. Imagine golden, pillowy gnocchi enveloped in a luscious sauce made from roasted cherry tomatoes and melted feta cheese, infused with fragrant garlic and fresh basil. It’s one of those elegant yet easy recipes that turns humble ingredients into an extraordinary meal — perfect for any weeknight or casual dinner party. Once you try this Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a flat lay of fresh ingredients on a white marbled surface. At the center bottom is a white plate holding a block of crumbly white cheese. In the top left, a clear bowl is filled with pale yellow gnocchi, and next to it on the top right, another clear bowl holds bright red grape tomatoes. Scattered around are fresh green basil leaves, whole garlic cloves, a small clear bowl with salt and pepper, and a glass container filled with golden olive oil. A few grape tomatoes are also placed loosely on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe starts with simple, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, contributing fresh flavors, creamy textures, or vibrant colors that make this dish truly special and satisfying.

Cherry tomatoes (2 pints): Bursting with sweetness and juiciness, they become silky and rich when roasted.
Extra virgin olive oil (½ cup): Adds smooth richness and helps roast the tomatoes to perfection.
Feta cheese (8 oz block): The star ingredient that melts into a tangy, creamy sauce.
Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Balances and enhances all the flavors.
Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick of warmth.
Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Introduces an aromatic depth that brightens the sauce.
Basil leaves, chopped (¼ cup plus extra): Fresh herbaceous note that makes everything sing.
Packaged gnocchi (1 ½ pounds): Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
Boiling salted water: For perfectly cooking the gnocchi to tender, pillowy perfection.

How to Make Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Tomatoes and Feta

Start by preheating your oven to 425ºF, which is perfect for roasting the tomatoes and melting the feta into a luscious sauce. Place the cherry tomatoes in a large 9×13 baking dish, then drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss gently so every tomato gleams in oil and seasoning. Make a cleared spot in the center and nestle the entire block of feta there. This careful arrangement allows the feta to bake evenly and soak up the tomato juices perfectly.

Step 2: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Place the baking dish in your oven and let the magic happen for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the feta is soft and bubbly, and the tomatoes look blistered and luscious. When the clock hits about 10 to 15 minutes before the end, bring a large pot of tap water to a boil and salt it generously—this will be for cooking the gnocchi.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi to Perfection

Drop the gnocchi gently into the boiling salted water and watch them dance to the top, which usually takes 3 to 5 minutes. This floating is the sign they’re cooked tenderly through. Use a colander set over the sink to collect them as they rise. This quick cooking process ensures the gnocchi stay pillowy and perfect.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce with Garlic and Basil

Once the baking time is almost up, if your dish can safely handle the broiler, switch your oven to broil for 2 to 3 minutes. This step brings out a lovely golden crust on the feta and lets the tomatoes develop a slight char, adding a smoky depth to the sauce. Keep an eagle eye here since broiling can turn from perfect to burnt quickly. Then, remove the dish from the oven and stir in the minced garlic and fresh basil leaves. Break up the block of feta and tomatoes with a wooden spoon or spatula, transforming everything into a chunky, creamy sauce.

Step 5: Combine Gnocchi and Sauce

Finally, add your cooked gnocchi into the sauce and toss everything together lovingly so every dumpling is coated with that dreamy feta-tomato cream. Serve immediately while warm, and if you’re feeling extra fancy, sprinkle with more fresh basil for a bright, fresh finish.

How to Serve Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe

A white rectangular dish filled with gnocchi and roasted cherry tomatoes in a creamy sauce. The first layer shows bright red roasted cherry tomatoes mixed with white creamy cheese and green basil leaves, all in a yellow oily sauce. The second layer adds pale yellow gnocchi being poured onto the tomato mixture. The third layer shows the gnocchi mixed evenly with the tomatoes and cheese, with a woman's hand holding a wooden spoon stirring the mixture. The last layer shows the dish fully combined and cooked, with the yellow gnocchi, red tomatoes, white creamy cheese, and scattered green basil leaves, all resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil not only brightens the plate but also lifts the flavor beautifully. You can also add a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a crack of fresh black pepper to add texture and aroma right at the table. For a little extra indulgence, shaved Parmesan or a pinch of chili flakes works wonders too.

Side Dishes

This Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts add earthiness and crunch. A crusty artisan bread is another crowd-pleaser, perfect for soaking up every bit of that decadent sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive dinner, serve the gnocchi in individual shallow bowls garnished with basil and edible flowers to impress your guests. Alternatively, you can turn this into a hearty bake by layering it with mozzarella and breadcrumbs, then popping it under the broiler to create a golden crust. The versatility of this Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe really shines when you let your creativity flow.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers — and believe me, it happens rarely because this dish disappears fast — store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce thickens slightly overnight, making it perfect for an easy lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

While gnocchi don’t always freeze well after cooking, you can freeze the baked feta tomato sauce on its own in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, then toss with freshly cooked gnocchi for a quick weeknight meal.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. This helps maintain the sauce’s creamy texture and prevents the gnocchi from getting too soft or mushy. Adding a splash of water or olive oil while reheating can bring back some of the original creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use regular mozzarella instead of feta in this Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe?

While mozzarella melts beautifully, feta gives the dish its signature tang and creaminess that mozzarella can’t replicate. You can experiment, but the flavor profile will change significantly without feta.

Is it better to make gnocchi from scratch for this recipe?

Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly here and keeps things super quick and easy. If you love making gnocchi from scratch and want the extra fresh touch, feel free to do so—it’ll complement the roasted sauce wonderfully.

Can I prepare the tomato and feta sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can roast the tomatoes and bake the feta a day in advance, then cool and refrigerate the sauce. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked gnocchi when ready to serve for a speedy meal.

What if I don’t have fresh basil on hand?

Fresh basil is ideal for its vibrant flavor, but you can substitute with a teaspoon of dried basil or herbs like oregano or thyme. Add these earlier in the cooking process so their flavors have time to bloom.

Can I add protein to this Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon bits all make excellent additions if you want a heartier meal. Just toss them in with the gnocchi before serving.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe enough — it’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent yet is unbelievably simple to make. The blend of creamy, tangy feta with sweet roasted tomatoes and tender gnocchi is pure magic in every bite. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a permanent fixture in your recipe rotation. You’ll be sharing it with friends and family before you know it!