Easy Vegetarian Baked Gnocchi with Kale and Tomatoes

Looking for a comforting vegetarian dinner that’s easy to prepare? Then this easy baked gnocchi with kale and tomato sauce combines comforting flavours and nutrient-packed veggies all in a quick, midweek-friendly meal.

closeup of cooked vegetarian gnocchi bake with melted and crispy cheesey topping and krispy kale in a ceramic baking dish

Gnocchi is a real unsung hero and makes such a tasty and quick option for a midweek lunch or dinner, like my Green Pesto Gnocchi Recipe. But this vegetarian baked gnocchi with crispy kale and a rich tomato sauce is always one of my go-to dishes for busy weeknights.

Packed with wholesome ingredients and flavours, this baked veggie gnocchi recipe offers a satisfying twist on classic pasta bakes. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or just love a hearty dish, this vegetarian gnocchi bake is sure to become a favourite in your house too!

a closeup of gnochi bake with tomato sauce and krispy kale on a fork in a round dish with the rest of the gnocchi bake in the background

Why You’ll Love This Kale Gnocchi Bake

This bake really is an easy and super tasty midweek meal. But here are a few more reasons to try this vegetarian gnocchi bake recipe:

  • Wholesome Ingredients: This dish brings together nutrient-dense kale, juicy tomatoes, and tender gnocchi for a balanced meal full of flavour.
  • Easy to Make: Perfect for all cooking levels, this gnocchi and vegetables recipe is simple. Toss ingredients together, bake, and enjoy!
  • Bursting with Flavour: The combination of tangy tomato sauce, earthy kale, and gooey cheese makes this vegetarian baked gnocchi an unbeatable option for weeknight dinners.
  • Versatile: You can customise this recipe by adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or even swapping cheeses. Make a vegan version by substituting the cheeses for plant-based alternatives to make a delicious vegan gnocchi bake. Or make it a gluten-free gnocchi bake by substituting the wheat flour gnocchi with a gluten-free option discussed below.

Crowd-Pleasing: If you’re hosting friends or family for dinner, this recipe is perfect for pleasing even the pickiest eaters. With its comforting flavours and satisfying textures, it’s bound to impress everyone at the table – from kids to adults.

What is Gnocchi?

Traditional gnocchi is an Italian dish that is in fact little dumplings made from potatoes, flour and eggs. So like pasta, gnocchi is still high in carbohydrates. But with the addition of fibre and fats, like in this gnocchi bake recipe, it can have a steadier impact on blood sugars.

gluten free Difatti Gnocchi

I will also use a Gluten-free Gnocchi by Difatti instead of wheat flour. This gluten-free gnocchi uses a combination of corn flour and rice flour.

Again it’s still high in carbohydrates but behaves a little differently from its wheat counterpart on blood sugar levels.

Ingredients for Vegetarian Baked Gnocchi with Kale and Tomato

ingredients for vegetarian gnocchi bake including tinned tomatoes, a bag of kale, a bag of gnocchi, a red onion, grated and a ball of mozerella

For this vegetable gnocchi recipe, you’ll need:

For the Tomato Sauce:

  • Tinned Tomatoes – Rich in antioxidants like lycopene, they add a delicious base for this sauce.
  • Onions – Provides essential flavour and sweetness.
  • Garlic -The perfect flavour boost for any tomato sauce.
  • Balsamic Vinegar– Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of tomatoes.
  • Basil (optional) – Adds a fresh, aromatic finish.

Additional Ingredients:

  • Gnocchi – We used a gluten-free option, but any gnocchi works.
  • Kale – This nutrient-dense veggie brings texture and health benefits.
  • Chilli Flakes – Adds a subtle heat. Use sparingly if serving kids!
  • Olive Oil – High in healthy monounsaturated fats.
  • Mozzarella – If you prefer a vegan baked gnocchi, use dairy-free alternatives.

How to Make Crispy Kale Gnocchi Bake

Follow these steps for a comforting baked gnocchi dish in no time

1. Prep the Oven: Heat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan).

rich tomato sauce in a saucepan

2.Make the Tomato Sauce:

Sauté chopped onions in olive oil over low heat for about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.

Add the tinned tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. Simmer on a low heat for about 10 minutes.

shredded kale on a baking tray

3. Roast the Kale:

Spread the kale on a roasting tin, coat with olive oil, salt, pepper, and chilli flakes. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes, or until crispy.

gnocchi and tomato sauce in a ceramic baking dish unmixed

4. Assemble the Bake:

Remember to weigh your dish before assembling for accurate carb counting. In a large baking dish, mix the tomato sauce with the gnocchi.

mixed gnocchi, tomato sauce and krispy kale in a baking dish

5. Assemble the Bake:

Add the crispy kale and add half the grated mozzarella. Mix everything well.

incooked gnocchi bake with ripped mozeralla and grated mozeralla on top

6. Top the Bake:

Top with the remaining kale, grated mozzarella and the ripped mozzarella ball

cooked vegetarian gnocchi bake with melted and crispy cheesey topping ina ceramic baking dish

7. Bake:

Reduce oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and bake for 20 – 30 minutes, when the cheese is golden and bubbling.

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian gnocchi bake is delicious on its own, but if you want to add sides, consider these options:

Roasted Tenderstem broccoli

Zesty Pan Fried Courgettes

Herby Green Bean Salald.

Vegan Gnocchi Bake Option

To make this a vegan baked gnocchi with kale and tomatoes, simply replace the mozzarella with plant-based cheeses. You’ll still get that melty, gooey texture with a vegan twist!

a serving of gnochi bake with tomato sauce, krispy kale and cheesey melted mozzeralla in a round dish with the rest of the gnocchi bake in the background

Leftovers and Storage

Leftovers of this vegetable gnocchi bake store well and make a tasty lunch the next day. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat gently in the oven or microwave. The flavours meld together, making it even more delicious the next day!


Diabetes Note

We’ve found that this vegetarian gnocchi bake can be surprisingly gentle on blood sugar levels. Though gnocchi contains carbs, the high fibre content of the kale and tomatoes helps slow digestion. Using gluten-free gnocchi can also make it easier on blood sugar for some people. Make sure to weigh and count for the overall carb count, considering the portion size.

Carb Counting

The overall carb count for a serving of the crispy kale and tomato gnocchi bake if you divide by 4 is

  • @250 g Gluten free Gnocchi (difatti) = 90g of carbs

However, to be more accurate we tend to weigh the total bake (but remember to subtract the weight of your oven-proof dish) and use the following equation

infographic of the diabetic carb counting formula

Please note this carb count amount per portion is based on the standard ingredients listed above and may differ depending on what you use and how much you choose to eat.

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Crispy Kale Gnocchi Bake with Tomatoes

Crispy Kale Gnocchi Bake with Tomatoes

Recipe by Michelle Rorke

Enjoy a comforting vegetarian baked gnocchi with kale and tomatoes. An easy and healthy weeknight meal that’s delicious and nutritious!

Course: MainCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy
4.8 from 5 votes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Total time

50

minutes
Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 1 glug 1 glug olive or rapeseed oil

  • 1 small 1 small onion, chopped

  • 1 clove 1 clove garlic, chopped

  • 2 tins 2 tins tomatoes

  • 2 tsp 2 tsp balsamic vinegar

  • 1 tbsp 1 tbsp basil, chopped

  • Other Ingredients for the bake
  • 400 g 14 oz kale

  • 1 glug 1 glug olive oil

  • dried chilli flakes, to taste

  • 1000 g 2 lb ready-made gnocchi

  • 200 g 2 cup mozzarella, grated

  • 1 ball 1 mozzarella

Directions

  • Heat the oven to 220C /200C fan
  • Make the tomato sauce -Sauté chopped onions in olive oil over low heat for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
    Add the tinned tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. Simmer on a low heat for about 10 minutes.
  • Whilst the tomato sauce is simmering away prepare the kale on a roasting tray. Massage with a little olive oil, salt, pepper and chilli flakes. Combine well so the kale is coated.
    Bake in the oven for 10 minutes, or until crispy.
  • Take your sauce off the heat, season well and add the chopped basil. Mix to combine and make sure to taste it to ensure it’s right for your palate.
  • Assemble the bake – In a large baking dish, mix the tomato sauce with the gnocchi.
  • Add the crispy kale and add half the grated mozzarella. Mix everything well.
  • Top the bake with the remaining kale, grated mozzarella and the ripped mozzarella ball
  • Reduce oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and bake for 20 – 30 minutes, when the cheese is golden and bubbling.

Tips and Notes

  • Use frozen chopped onion, garlic and basil to save time when making the tomato sauce.
  • Diabetes Note – We’ve found that this vegetarian gnocchi bake can be surprisingly gentle on blood sugar levels. Though gnocchi contains carbs, the high fibre content of the kale and tomatoes helps slow digestion.
  • Carb Counting – See above for more details

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gnocchi bake gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free gnocchi! There are many options available that work perfectly in this gnocchi with vegetables recipe.

How can I add more protein to this dish?

You could add roasted chickpeas or some vegan sausage slices before baking for extra protein in this vegan gnocchi bake.

What are other variations I can try?

Feel free to mix in extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. This veg gnocchi recipe is incredibly adaptable!

Michelle Rorke avatar

AUTHOR

2 responses to “Easy Vegetarian Baked Gnocchi with Kale and Tomatoes”

  1. Michelle avatar

    Thanks so much for your lovely feedback and a brilliant idea to swap out the gnocchi for sweet potato instead!

  2. Steve avatar

    Cooking the Krispy Kale recipe for fussy veggies. Whilst I loved it, they have never taken to Gnocci, so swapped the Gnocci for roasted sweet potato cubes, and they cant get enough of it. Great recipe and a good dose of green goodness in the kale. Freezes OK as well for an easy defrost and reheat tea. Great website, please keep the recipes coming. Thanks.

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I’m on a mission to prove how tasty managing diabetes can be with plenty of healthy eating tips and delicious recipes. Enjoy effortless, flavorful meals that support your health.

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