There's just something about a cozy, cheese-filled dinner that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. This Boursin Gnocchi Bake Recipe is one of those simple yet show-stopping dishes that fills your kitchen with irresistible aroma and delivers comfort with every bite—trust me, it’s worth making on any weeknight or casual weekend.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I remember the first time I baked this Boursin Gnocchi Bake Recipe — it was one of those nights when I wanted dinner fast but still crave something luscious and homemade. This recipe does all that and more with minimal fuss. The magic is in how the cheese melts perfectly into the veggies and gnocchi, turning everything into a creamy, golden, cozy mess you’ll want seconds of.
- One-pan wonder: You toss everything on a sheet pan with no pre-cooking needed, which means less mess and more time enjoying your meal.
- Gnocchi with a twist: Instead of boiling, the gnocchi roasts right along with the veggies, creating crispy, golden edges that add great texture.
- Creamy, cheesy sauce: The Boursin cheese melts into the roasted tomatoes and zucchini, making a rich sauce without needing extra cream or complicated steps.
- Quick and comforting: In less than 40 minutes from start to finish, you have a dish that feels indulgent but comes together effortlessly.
Ingredients & Why They Work
All the ingredients here have a purpose and work beautifully together. The juicy cherry tomatoes roast into bursts of sweetness, the zucchini adds a gentle earthiness, and the Boursin cheese brings creamy, herby richness that ties everything perfectly. Here’s a quick rundown with my tips for shopping and prepping:
- Zucchini: Dicing it finely helps it roast evenly and blend smoothly into the sauce.
- Cherry tomatoes: Pick the ripest, juiciest ones you can find for that jammy, roasted tomato goodness.
- Garlic cloves: Sliced thin so they gently roast without overpowering—adds mellow, sweet aroma.
- Gnocchi: Use fresh or store-bought; no need to boil ahead since it roasts right with everything else.
- Olive oil: Essential for roasting—to get those crispy edges and carry flavor.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps the veggies release their natural juices.
- Dried thyme: A little herbal note that complements the cheese and veggies perfectly.
- Boursin cheese: This creamy, herb-infused cheese is the star—melts effortlessly into the sauce.
- Basil: Fresh basil adds brightness and a fresh herbal lift right before serving.
- Parmesan: A sprinkle of parmesan on top finishes the dish with a nutty, tangy punch.
Make It Your Way
I love to tweak this Boursin Gnocchi Bake Recipe depending on what’s in season or what I’m craving. It’s super flexible, so feel free to swap veggies or add a protein for dinner variation. It really invites you to make it your own.
- Variation: I once added some crispy pancetta bits on top before baking, which took this dish from cozy to celebratory in seconds — that salty crunch was a revelation!
- Vegetarian swap: For a meat-free version, adding mushrooms or spinach boosts the veggie count and adds depth of flavor.
- Extra spice: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red chili flakes on top or stir in a dash of cayenne before baking.
- Dairy-free tweak: Although Boursin is the highlight, you could substitute with a creamy vegan cheese if needed, though the flavor will vary.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Boursin Gnocchi Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep & Preheat
First, crank your oven up to 425°F (220°C). This gets it hot enough for roasting to work its magic—you want those gnocchi edges crisping up and the tomatoes to caramelize just right. While it’s heating, finely dice your zucchini, slice the garlic cloves, and get your cherry tomatoes ready.
Step 2: Arrange Your Ingredients
Grab a large oven dish or a big sheet pan—something about 14x9 inches works perfectly. Spread the zucchini, cherry tomatoes, sliced garlic, and uncooked gnocchi evenly across the pan. Then sprinkle in the dried thyme and salt. Drizzle over that good olive oil, and give it all a gentle toss to coat everything evenly.
Step 3: Nestle the Boursin
Make a small well or hole right in the middle of your mixture and plop the whole round of Boursin cheese inside. This little step is the secret: the cheese melts in the center and mingles with the veggies and gnocchi for the creamiest, most irresistible sauce.
Step 4: Roast it to Perfection
Pop the pan into the oven and let it roast for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye out for jammy, charred tomatoes, golden gnocchi edges, and that Boursin crust turning a gorgeous golden brown. That’s your cue that everything’s ready.
Step 5: Mix & Serve
Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Use the back of a fork or spoon to press down on the melted Boursin and roasted tomatoes, mixing them through the gnocchi and veggies to create a creamy, cheesy sauce. Then sprinkle fresh basil and parmesan on top, give it one last gentle mix, and serve warm.
Top Tip
From cooking this Boursin Gnocchi Bake Recipe multiple times, I learned a few tricks that make a big difference in getting it just right. These tips helped me avoid common pitfalls and get that perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and caramelized.
- Pan size matters: Using a pan that’s too small means everything steams instead of roasting—so opt for a larger dish to let ingredients roast and brown beautifully.
- Don’t overcrowd: Spread ingredients in a single layer so the gnocchi cooks evenly and gets those crispy edges we all love.
- Press down gently: When mixing the molten Boursin cheese with the veggies, press gently so you don’t mash the gnocchi, keeping the texture inviting.
- Go fresh on herbs: Adding basil right before serving preserves its bright flavor, which contrasts wonderfully with the rich baked cheese.
How to Serve Boursin Gnocchi Bake Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple but fresh—some torn fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top just before serving adds aroma, color, and a little salty punch that makes each bite sing. Sometimes, I also toss on a bit of cracked black pepper for a subtle kick.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own, but when I do pair it, I usually go for a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some garlic-roasted green beans. A simple arugula salad balances the richness perfectly and adds a peppery freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I love serving this Boursin Gnocchi Bake Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets or colorful ramekins. It feels so cozy and special, plus it keeps the dish warm at the table. Adding a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and extra fresh herbs just before serving impresses every time!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well covered in the fridge for 2-3 days. I usually transfer any extras to an airtight container once the bake cools to room temperature. When you reheat, the gnocchi will have soaked up the sauce nicely—yum!
Freezing
I haven’t frozen this exact bake often because it’s so quick to make fresh, but if you want to freeze, do so before adding fresh basil and parmesan. Freeze in a well-sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftovers is in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes to keep the edges crisp. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the top helps retain moisture, but you’ll lose some of the roastiness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works well here—no need to thaw. Just bake it straight from frozen, but you might want to add an extra 5 minutes to ensure everything roasts evenly.
Boursin cheese is soft, creamy, and infused with herbs, which melt beautifully to create a rich, flavorful sauce without needing any extra cream or butter. It’s the heart of this dish’s luscious texture and taste.
You can prep all the veggies and toss everything on your sheet pan in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge, then bring it out and bake when you’re ready. However, it’s best served fresh right out of the oven.
Besides the original veggie mix, adding mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or spinach boosts flavor and texture. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top for crunch and extra richness.
Final Thoughts
This Boursin Gnocchi Bake Recipe holds a special spot in my recipe rotation because it manages to feel indulgent without the fuss. It’s a perfect blend of creamy, crispy, and fresh that feels like comfort food but celebrates simple, fresh ingredients. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s the kind of dish that gets better with every bite and makes weeknight dinners feel a little more special.
Print
Boursin Gnocchi Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sheet Pan Baked Boursin Gnocchi is an easy, one-pan meal that combines golden roasted gnocchi, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and garlic with creamy, melted Boursin cheese. The cheese forms a luscious sauce when mixed with the roasted vegetables, complemented by fresh basil and parmesan for a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large zucchini, finely diced
- 1 lb (500g) cherry tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, sliced
Main
- 1 lb (500g) gnocchi
Seasonings and Cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 round of Boursin cheese
- A handful of basil, chopped
- ½ cup parmesan, grated
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a large oven dish or sheet pan, ensuring it is spacious enough (around 14-inch by 9-inch) so ingredients can roast properly without crowding.
- Arrange Ingredients: Place cherry tomatoes, diced zucchini, sliced garlic, and gnocchi evenly in the dish. Sprinkle dried thyme and salt over them and drizzle with olive oil, then mix everything well to coat the ingredients.
- Add Cheese: Make a small well in the center of the ingredients and nestle the round of Boursin cheese into it.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes until the tomatoes are charred and jammy, gnocchi edges are golden, and the Boursin cheese is melted and golden on top.
- Mash and Mix: Remove the dish from the oven and press down the melted Boursin and roasted tomatoes with the back of a fork or spoon to create a creamy sauce. Stir everything together to evenly coat the gnocchi.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped basil and grated parmesan on top, mix again gently, then divide the gnocchi between plates and serve hot.
Notes
- No need to pre-cook the gnocchi; baking everything together saves time and develops great flavors with minimal effort.
- Use a large enough baking dish or sheet pan to avoid steaming the ingredients and to promote roasting and caramelization.
- Feel free to swap basil for other fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for variation.
- For a slightly different flavor, try adding a pinch of chili flakes or lemon zest before baking.
- This dish can be doubled using a larger baking tray, just adjust cooking time accordingly if crowded.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 200 g
- Calories: 475 calories
- Sugar: 4.8 g
- Sodium: 1313.1 mg
- Fat: 22.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 10.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56.5 g
- Fiber: 1.7 g
- Protein: 12.9 g
- Cholesterol: 45.1 mg
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