Name: Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 350 g pumpkin, peeled and diced into bite-sized cubes; 500 g gnocchi; 50 g blue cheese or soft goat cheese; 6 g sage leaves; 400 ml vegetable stock; ¼ cup single cream (or plant-based cream alternative); 50 g mozzarella or cheddar cheese; 30 g pecans; Salt and black pepper, to taste

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A mouthwatering autumn comfort dish, this Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake blends pillowy gnocchi, creamy blue or goat cheese, tender pumpkin, and crunchy pecans under a golden, cheesy crust. With crisp sage on top, it marries soft and crunchy textures, making it an irresistible vegetarian-friendly dinner.

The Best Cheesy Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines creamy, savory, and nutty flavors with contrasting textures
Perfect for chilly fall evenings—a cozy, comforting bake
Easy to make in either air fryer or oven, depending on your setup
Vegetarian, and adaptable if you want to include meat
Combines seasonal pumpkin with pantry staples into a quick meal

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

350g pumpkin, peeled and diced into bite-sized cubes
500g gnocchi
50g blue cheese or soft goat cheese
6g sage leaves
400ml vegetable stock
¼ cup single cream
50g mozzarella or cheddar cheese
30g pecans

directions

Air Fryer Method:

Preheat to 170 °C. In the air fryer basket or compatible baking dish, combine pumpkin cubes, 100 ml vegetable stock, a pinch of salt and pepper. Air fry for 15 minutes, until pumpkin is softened.
Add remaining stock and nestle gnocchi among the pumpkin. Crumble cheese over top, pour cream, and mix gently.
Air fry at 220 °C for 12 minutes until bubbling.
Top with mozzarella or cheddar and pecans; air fry 2 more minutes until cheese melts and browns.
Toss sage leaves in a bit of oil, scatter on top, and air fry 1 more minute until sage is crispy.

Oven Method:

Preheat oven to 180 °C. In an ovenproof dish, combine diced pumpkin, 100 ml vegetable stock, salt, and pepper, then roast for 20 minutes until slightly softened.
Add remaining stock and gnocchi, crumbled cheese, and cream; stir gently.
Roast at 220 °C for 10–15 minutes until bubbling.
Top with mozzarella or cheddar and pecans; roast an additional 2–3 minutes until golden.
Drizzle sage leaves in oil, scatter on top; roast 1 more minute until crispy.

Servings and timing

Serves: 2–3
Total Time: ~40 minutes (includes prep and bake)

Variations

Add crispy ham such as Serrano, Parma, or Speck during cooking for a savory twist
Substitute blue cheese with goat cheese or omit for a milder flavor
Try different nuts—walnuts or hazelnuts work well too
Use spinach or kale in place of sage for added greens

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180 °C or in an air fryer until warmed and crisp—about 5–10 minutes. Microwaving is not recommended, as it may soften the texture.

FAQs

Can I make this in advance?

Yes—you can prepare it in the ovenproof dish and refrigerate. Bake when ready; you may need a few extra minutes of oven time.

Can I add meat?

Absolutely. Place crisped ham (e.g., Serrano, Parma) on top after cooking.

Can I use butternut squash instead of pumpkin?

Yes—just dice into small cubes and follow the same cooking steps.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

The oven instructions work perfectly; just monitor and adjust times as needed.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It depends on the gnocchi you’re using—use gluten-free gnocchi to make it gluten-free.

Can I use plant-based cream?

Yes, use vegan cream alternatives for a dairy-free version.

Why crisp the sage?

Crispy sage adds an aromatic crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy bake.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger baking dish and adjust cooking times slightly to ensure even heating.

What cheese substitutes work well?

Goat cheese adds creaminess with tang; cheddar creates a richer, milder flavor.

How can I make it lower-fat?

Use reduced-fat cream and a smaller amount of cheese, or swap cream for half milk, half broth.

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake is the ultimate fall comfort dish—rich, cheesy, and satisfying, yet with a delightful crunch from sage and pecans. Versatile, quick, and flavorful, it’s perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.