There’s something incredibly comforting about a bubbling, cheesy bake fresh from the oven, and this Boursin Gnocchi Bake Recipe really hits that spot. Soft pillowy gnocchi roasted with fresh zucchini, sweet cherry tomatoes, and that signature creamy Boursin cheese—pure magic in one pan.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I remember the first time I made this Boursin Gnocchi Bake Recipe—how the kitchen filled with that garlicky, cheesy aroma made all the difference after a long day. It’s one of those recipes that just feels like a warm hug, yet it’s so easy to throw together.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything roasts together on a single sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze.
- Effortless Creamy Sauce: The Boursin cheese melts perfectly, creating a luscious sauce without extra steps.
- Fresh and Flavorful: Roasting zucchini, garlic, and tomatoes concentrates their flavors beautifully.
- Quick Weeknight Meal: From prep to table in about 35 minutes—ideal for busy evenings.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient brings something special to this Boursin Gnocchi Bake Recipe. From the silky gnocchi to the zesty herbs, they all come together to make a comforting, flavorful dish that feels homemade but surprisingly simple.
- Zucchini: Adds a tender, slightly sweet vegetable element that roasts nicely without overpowering the dish.
- Cherry Tomatoes: When roasted, they get jammy and intense in flavor, providing bursts of sweetness that balance the savory cheese.
- Garlic: Thinly sliced to mellow out during roasting, giving a subtle aromatic depth.
- Gnocchi: The star starch, perfect for roasting right on the pan without boiling first—it gets golden-crisp on edges, so good!
- Olive Oil: Helps everything roast evenly and adds that lovely richness.
- Dried Thyme: A fragrant herb that complements the cheese and vegetables beautifully.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors forward, so don’t skip this one.
- Boursin Cheese: The creamy garlic and herb Boursin melts into a dreamy sauce that ties this whole dish together effortlessly.
- Basil: Fresh basil tossed in at the end adds a bright, herbal freshness.
- Parmesan: Grated on top for a nutty, salty finish that melts perfectly into the bake.
Make It Your Way
I love to keep this Boursin Gnocchi Bake Recipe flexible depending on what I have on hand or my mood. The base is so forgiving that you can tweak the veggies or cheese without losing the soul of the dish.
- Vegetable Swap: Sometimes I swap zucchini for roasted asparagus or add sauteed mushrooms—both add great texture and umami.
- Protein Boost: Throw in some cooked chicken or crumbled sausage for a heartier main meal, especially during chilly months.
- Herb Variations: Fresh rosemary or oregano instead of thyme works beautifully if you want a slightly different flavor vibe.
- Cheese Alternates: While Boursin is the star here, I’ve occasionally used herbed cream cheese or even a dollop of ricotta in a pinch.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Boursin Gnocchi Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat for Perfect Roasting
First, crank your oven up to 425°F (220°C). The high heat is key for that lovely roasted char and caramelization on the gnocchi and veggies. Grab a big enough oven dish or sheet pan so the ingredients aren’t cramped—it lets everything crisp up instead of steaming.
Step 2: Toss Your Veggies and Gnocchi
Place the diced zucchini, whole cherry tomatoes, and sliced garlic cloves right into the dish. Add your gnocchi on top, then sprinkle the dried thyme and salt over everything. Drizzle with olive oil, then use your hands or a big spoon to mix it all up gently. Make sure every piece is coated lightly with oil and seasoning.
Step 3: Nestle in the Boursin and Roast
Make a little well in the center of the gnocchi and veggies, and tuck your round of Boursin cheese in there. Pop the dish straight into your preheated oven. Roast for 25-30 minutes—look for the tomatoes to get wrinkly and jammy, gnocchi edges golden, and the cheese to be bubbly and golden on top.
Step 4: Stir to Create That Irresistible Sauce
Carefully remove the hot baking dish. Take the back of a fork or spoon and press down on the melted Boursin and roasted tomatoes, mixing them through the gnocchi to create that rich, creamy sauce. Sprinkle freshly chopped basil and grated parmesan over the top, give it another gentle mix, and you’re ready to serve.
Top Tip
From my experience, a few small tricks make all the difference in pulling off a perfect Boursin Gnocchi Bake Recipe. These tips will help you get that golden, bubbly finish and avoid any soggy pitfalls.
- Even Sizing: Dice your zucchini roughly the same size as the cherry tomatoes so everything cooks evenly.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your gnocchi and veggies space to roast; crowded pans steam instead of brown.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Adding basil at the very end keeps its vibrant color and aroma—don't add it before roasting.
- Cheese Temperature: Let the Boursin come to room temperature before baking to help it melt more smoothly.
How to Serve Boursin Gnocchi Bake Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of finishing this bake with a scattering of fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra parmesan. Sometimes I add a few cracked black peppercorns for a little extra bite. A drizzle of good quality olive oil right before serving also elevates the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Since this Boursin Gnocchi Bake is pretty hearty on its own, I usually pair it with a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Crusty garlic bread or roasted green beans also work wonders alongside it.
Creative Ways to Present
One fun time, I served this bake in individual ramekins for a dinner party—it made each portion feel special and cozy. You can even sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts or pine nuts on top for crunch and a nutty contrast. For a festive touch, add a few edible flowers or microgreens to brighten the plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store mine in an airtight container and find that the sauce thickens, which actually makes for a lovely, comforting reheat.
Freezing
This recipe freezes okay, although the texture of the gnocchi softens a bit after thawing. If freezing, portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
I like to reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway. The sauce loosens again and the gnocchi regain a bit of crispness if you uncover for the last 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! Frozen gnocchi works just as well for the Boursin Gnocchi Bake Recipe. No need to thaw it first—just toss it straight onto the sheet pan with the other ingredients and roast as directed.
If you can’t find Boursin, herbed cream cheese or ricotta mixed with garlic powder and fresh herbs can be a good substitute. The key is to keep it creamy and flavorful to create that luscious sauce.
Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the gnocchi roast properly instead of steaming. Also, using a high oven temperature helps develop that nice golden crust on the gnocchi’s edges.
Absolutely! Cooked chicken, sausage, or crispy bacon work beautifully to up the protein and make this dish more filling. Just add them in with the gnocchi and veggies before roasting.
Final Thoughts
This Boursin Gnocchi Bake Recipe has become my ultimate go-to comfort food for busy nights when I still want something flavorful and cozy without the fuss. It feels indulgent but is surprisingly light on effort. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do—trust me, once you try roasting gnocchi with that creamy Boursin sauce, it’s going to become a staple in your kitchen too.
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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: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sheet Pan Baked Boursin Gnocchi is a cozy and effortless meal featuring roasted cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and gnocchi baked together with creamy Boursin cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, the dish requires no pre-cooking of gnocchi and delivers a luscious cheesy sauce with jammy tomatoes and fresh basil.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 large zucchini, finely diced
- 1 lb cherry tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, sliced
- 1 round of Boursin cheese
- A handful of basil, chopped
- ½ cup parmesan, grated
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a large oven dish or sheet pan, approximately 14-inch by 9-inch to allow ingredients to roast evenly without steaming.
- Combine Ingredients: Arrange cherry tomatoes, diced zucchini, sliced garlic, and gnocchi in the dish. Sprinkle dried thyme and salt over the top, then drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix everything well to coat.
- Add Cheese: Create a small hollow in the center of the mixture and place the round of Boursin cheese into the hole.
- Bake: Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 30 minutes until tomatoes are charred and jammy, gnocchi edges are golden, and Boursin is deeply golden.
- Create Sauce: Remove from oven and use the back of a fork or spoon to press down the melted Boursin cheese and jammy tomatoes into a creamy sauce. Stir to mix everything together evenly.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped basil and grated parmesan on top, mix again, then serve hot divided between plates.
Notes
- This recipe requires only one pan and no pre-boiling of gnocchi, making it quick and easy.
- Ensure your pan is large enough so ingredients are spread out to achieve roasting rather than steaming.
- You can substitute the zucchini with other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms if preferred.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 200g
- Calories: 475 calories
- Sugar: 4.8 g
- Sodium: 1313 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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