Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Ham and Gnocchi Bake Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an extra layer of flavor, consider tossing the uncooked gnocchi with a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or parsley before adding the sauce. This infuses the dumplings with aromatic notes that complement the garlic cream base beautifully.

Additionally, if you enjoy a bit of heat, a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes over the cheese before baking adds a subtle, warming kick that balances the richness of the dairy.

If you prefer a more pronounced texture, you can add a handful of toasted breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter to the top of the cheese during the last five minutes of baking.

This creates an extra-crispy, golden topping that contrasts wonderfully with the tender gnocchi and creamy sauce. Ensure you monitor the dish closely during this final stage to achieve the perfect balance between crispy breadcrumbs and melted, gooey cheese.

Variations

• Spinach and Ham Gnocchi: Stir in two cups of fresh baby spinach leaves into the cream sauce before pouring it over the gnocchi. The spinach will wilt perfectly during the baking process, adding a pop of color and a fresh, earthy flavor to the dish.
• Mushroom and Ham Bake: Sauté one cup of sliced cremini mushrooms in a little butter until browned, then stir them into the dish with the ham. The mushrooms add a deep, umami richness that complements the savory ham and garlic cream beautifully.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate and the gnocchi texture can become mushy upon thawing and reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave in short intervals, stirring gently to ensure even heating.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than 2 hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Properly stored, the bake can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To maintain the best texture, avoid storing it in a container that is too large, as this can cause the sauce to dry out. When reheating, cover the dish to retain moisture and prevent the cheese from becoming overly hard.

You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, but do not bake it immediately. Cover the assembled dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and store it in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to serve, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes to take the chill off before placing it in the preheated oven. You may need to add 5 minutes to the total baking time.

Serving ideas

This dish is substantial enough to serve as a complete meal on its own. For a balanced dining experience, consider pairing it with a crisp, acidic side salad featuring a light vinaigrette. The brightness of the salad helps cut through the richness of the creamy sauce, providing a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between bites of the cheesy gnocchi and ham.

For a more rustic presentation, serve the bake directly from the ceramic dish it was cooked in. Place the dish on a heat-proof trivet in the center of the table and provide a large serving spoon. This encourages a casual, family-style dining atmosphere where everyone can scoop out their desired portion, ensuring the meal stays warm and inviting from the first serving to the last.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Ham and Gnocchi Bake

Prep 10 minCook 25 minRest 5 minTotal 40 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb potato gnocchi, uncooked
• 1 cup diced cooked ham
• 1 1/2 cups garlic cream sauce, prepared
• 2 cups shredded orange cheddar

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large rectangular ceramic baking dish, combine the uncooked potato gnocchi and the diced cooked ham, ensuring they are evenly distributed across the bottom of the dish.
2. Pour the garlic cream sauce evenly over the gnocchi and ham mixture, making sure every piece is lightly coated. Sprinkle the shredded orange cheddar generously over the top, creating a thick and uniform layer of cheese.
3. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes. Remove from the oven when the edges are bubbling and the cheese has melted into a golden, slightly browned crust. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

520

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

28 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.