There's something incredibly satisfying about a meal that comes together on just one pan, packed with bold flavors and cozy textures. This Boursin Gnocchi Sheet Pan Bake Recipe is exactly that—a fuss-free dish where creamy cheese meets golden gnocchi and sweet roasted veggies in perfect harmony.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I genuinely enjoy how this Boursin Gnocchi Sheet Pan Bake Recipe effortlessly hits all those comfort-food notes without any complicated steps. It’s one of those recipes that makes you look forward to dinner—even on busy nights.
- One-pan ease: Toss everything together and bake—minimal dishes, maximum flavor.
- Hands-off roasting: The veggies and gnocchi develop beautiful caramelized edges.
- Rich, creamy sauce: Boursin cheese melts perfectly, mingling with roasted tomatoes for an indulgent finish.
- Customizable comfort: Easily swap veggies or herbs to suit your mood or pantry.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe’s ingredients create a delightful blend of textures and flavors that feel fancy but are incredibly approachable. Each component brings its own magic while complementing the others beautifully. Here’s a bit about why I chose each and some shopping tips.
- Zucchini: Adds freshness and a slight crunch; go for firm, unblemished squash for the best texture.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness intensifies when roasted, creating a jammy, bursting flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Thin slices infuse the dish with a warm, savory aroma without overpowering it.
- Gnocchi: No need to pre-cook; these fluffy potato dumplings crisp up nicely on the sheet pan.
- Olive oil: Helps everything roast brilliantly and enhances flavor.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
- Dried thyme: Its earthy, herbal notes marry well with the cheese and roasted veggies.
- Boursin cheese: The star—creamy, herby, and melts into a dreamy sauce that wraps around the gnocchi.
- Basil: Fresh, chopped basil leaves brighten the dish with their sweet, peppery edge.
- Parmesan: Adds that irresistible umami depth and a slight nuttiness on top.
Make It Your Way
I love playing around with the veggies depending on what’s in season or what’s hanging out in my fridge. This Boursin Gnocchi Sheet Pan Bake Recipe invites creativity—you can jazz it up or keep it simple. Here’s how I like to switch things up:
- Variation: Adding mushrooms or bell peppers adds another layer of earthiness and texture—tried and tested, totally worth it.
- Make it vegan: Swap Boursin and parmesan for your favorite vegan cheese alternatives to keep the creamy vibe with a plant-based twist.
- Extra heat: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika before roasting for a subtle kick that sneaks through every bite.
- Herb swaps: Sometimes I use fresh oregano or rosemary instead of thyme, depending on what I’m craving.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Boursin Gnocchi Sheet Pan Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep your oven and pan
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). I reach for a roomy 14-inch by 9-inch baking dish or a large sheet pan with a rim. You want space so everything roasts instead of steams—this is key for those golden edges on the gnocchi and veggies.
Step 2: Arrange your ingredients
Put the diced zucchini, whole cherry tomatoes, sliced garlic, and uncooked gnocchi into your dish. Sprinkle over the dried thyme and salt, then drizzle with olive oil. Toss it gently until everything is evenly coated. Make a little space in the center for the Boursin cheese—nestle it right there.
Step 3: Roast until bubbly and golden
Slide the dish into the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye out for those telltale signs: tomatoes should be softly blistered and starting to jam, gnocchi with golden, crispy edges, and the Boursin turning a deliciously deep golden brown.
Step 4: Create that creamy sauce
Carefully remove the pan (it’ll be hot!). Use the back of your fork or spoon to press down the molten Boursin and roasted tomatoes, then mix everything together. This step transforms the ingredients into a luscious, cheesy sauce coating every bite.
Step 5: Finish with fresh herbs and cheese
Scatter the chopped basil and grated parmesan over the top, give it another gentle mix, then serve immediately while it’s warm and comforting.
Top Tip
From experience, roasting the gnocchi directly on the sheet pan without pre-boiling is a total time-saver without sacrificing texture. Still, a few pointers will guarantee the best result every time.
- Room to roast: Don’t overcrowd your pan—roasting needs air circulation to crisp up ingredients instead of steaming them.
- Even coating: Mixing everything thoroughly with olive oil and seasoning before roasting helps each piece develop beautiful flavor and caramelization.
- Boursin placement: Nestle the cheese in the middle to let it slowly melt and mingle with the surrounding veggies—this avoids drying out.
- Don’t skip mixing at the end: Combining that melted cheese with jammy tomatoes and crispy gnocchi is the magic that transforms this dish. Trust me, it’s worth the little extra stir.
How to Serve Boursin Gnocchi Sheet Pan Bake Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish this dish with a handful of fresh basil and a good grate of parmesan—both add fresh, savory brightness that balances the richness. Sometimes, I toss on a few chili flakes if I’m in the mood for a little heat.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette and some crusty bread are my go-to companions. The freshness of the salad cuts through the creaminess beautifully, while the bread soaks up every last bit of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I’ve arranged individual servings in small cast-iron skillets or mini baking dishes right from the oven. It looks charming and keeps the gnocchi warm for longer! I’ve also sprinkled toasted pine nuts on top for an added crunch that always impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After it cools, I transfer leftovers into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times without a hitch. Just make sure to cool it completely, pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until warmed through. Microwave works too, but the oven helps restore a bit of that crispness on the gnocchi.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works perfectly here. No need to thaw—just add it straight to the sheet pan. The roasting will cook it through nicely while giving you those golden edges.
Boursin is a creamy, herbed cheese that melts beautifully, creating a rich, flavorful sauce without needing extra cream or butter. Its herby notes elevate the roasted tomatoes and gnocchi, making the whole dish more indulgent and delicious.
Yes, you can substitute with a soft, herbed cheese like cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs, or even a mild goat cheese. The key is to choose a cheese that melts well and complements the herbs and garlic flavors in the recipe.
To make this recipe vegan, swap Boursin for a dairy-free herbed cheese alternative and use a vegan parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast. Make sure your gnocchi is egg-free as well. Roasting as usual will still give you that comforting, creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Boursin Gnocchi Sheet Pan Bake Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for weeknight dinners because it’s both decadent and so easy. The way that cheesy sauce comes together with roasted veggies makes it feel like a special treat, but without the hassle. Give it a try—you’ll love how little effort brings big flavor to your table.
Print
Boursin Gnocchi Sheet Pan 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
Sheet Pan Baked Boursin Gnocchi is a quick and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender gnocchi roasted to golden perfection alongside zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Nestled with creamy Boursin cheese, this dish creates a rich, cheesy sauce infused with garlic and thyme, finished with fresh basil and Parmesan for an indulgent yet effortless dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large zucchini, finely diced
- 1 lb (500g) cherry tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, sliced
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (500g) gnocchi
- 1 round of Boursin cheese
Seasonings and Toppings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- A handful of basil, chopped
- ½ cup parmesan, grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a large oven dish or sheet pan around 14 inches by 9 inches. Choose one that is large enough so the ingredients can roast without being overcrowded, allowing them to develop charred edges rather than steam.
- Arrange ingredients in the dish: Place the cherry tomatoes, diced zucchini, sliced garlic, and gnocchi evenly in the dish. Sprinkle over dried thyme and salt, then drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss gently to mix all ingredients well.
- Add the Boursin cheese: Create a small well in the center of the mixture and place the whole round of Boursin cheese into this space, nestling it securely.
- Bake the dish: Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until the tomatoes are jammy and slightly charred, the gnocchi has golden edges, and the Boursin is melted and deeply golden on top.
- Combine to create sauce: Remove from the oven and press down the melted Boursin and roasted tomatoes with the back of a spoon or fork. Mix thoroughly with the gnocchi and vegetables to form a creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped basil and grated Parmesan over the top, mix gently once more, then divide the dish between 4 plates. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy.
Notes
- No need to pre-cook the gnocchi; baking it directly on the sheet pan ensures crisp edges and a soft inside.
- Use a large enough baking dish to avoid overcrowding, allowing proper roasting instead of steaming.
- Boursin cheese adds a creamy texture and rich flavor; if unavailable, a similar creamy herbed cheese can be substituted.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or chili flakes before baking.
- This dish reheats well and can be enjoyed as leftovers for a quick meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 200g
- Calories: 475 kcal
- 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 mg
Leave a Reply