Crispy Bacon & Feta Gnocchi Bake is a delightful dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. It combines tender gnocchi with crispy bacon and creamy cheeses, offering a comforting meal that’s easy to throw together. This recipe is special because it brings together rich flavors and textures that everyone will love, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This gnocchi bake is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly quick and simple to make. With minimal prep and baking time, you’ll have a hearty meal on the table in no time. The balance of crispy bacon, smooth cream, and the saltiness of feta creates a unique flavor profile that’s sure to impress. Plus, this dish is budget-friendly, using ingredients that won’t break the bank.
"This dish is a game changer for busy weeknights! My family couldn’t get enough of it." – A delighted reader.
How to Make Crispy Bacon & Feta Gnocchi Bake
Making this Crispy Bacon & Feta Gnocchi Bake is a straightforward process that yields mouthwatering results. You’ll sauté bacon and garlic to build layers of flavor, then mix everything together for a hearty casserole. It’s a perfect way to end a long day with minimal fuss.
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What You’ll Need
Gather the following items for a delicious and satisfying meal:
- 1 package of gnocchi
- 4 strips of bacon, chopped
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
If you’re short on time, frozen gnocchi can work just as well. And if you want to lighten it up, you could swap out heavy cream for a lower-fat alternative.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for a scrumptious meal:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked bacon, gnocchi, heavy cream, feta, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Make sure to keep an eye on it while it bakes. You want that cheese to melt just right without burning!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Crispy Bacon & Feta Gnocchi Bake pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You could even add a drizzle of balsamic reduction over the top for a little extra flair. It’s also great with a slice of crusty bread to soak up any leftover creamy goodness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which may be hard to believe, as it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, or pop it in the microwave for a quicker option. If you want to freeze it, do so before baking; just thaw overnight in the fridge before popping it into the oven.
Helpful Cooking Tips
For an extra touch, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the top just before baking for some heat. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked bacon or diced ham are fantastic shortcuts. Always taste your mixture before baking to adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with this dish! You can try adding roasted vegetables, such as spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, for added flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, opt for turkey bacon or a combination of cream cheese and milk to cut down on calories without sacrificing creaminess.
Common Questions
How long does it take to prepare?
The prep time is about 10-15 minutes, and baking takes roughly 25-30 minutes.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free gnocchi available at many grocery stores, and check for gluten-free cream and cheese options.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze before baking for later use.
Crispy Bacon & Feta Gnocchi Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful dish combining tender gnocchi with crispy bacon and creamy cheeses, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 package of gnocchi
- 4 strips of bacon, chopped
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked bacon, gnocchi, heavy cream, feta, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a lighter option, you can swap heavy cream for a lower-fat alternative or use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg