Easy Roasted Gnocchi Caprese Bake (Ready in 30 Minutes)

This One-Tray Roasted Gnocchi Caprese is everything you love about a classic Caprese salad turned into a warm, comforting meal. Soft, golden gnocchi roast alongside sweet cherry tomatoes and bell peppers, all finished with creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze, and on the table in just 30 minutes. The ultimate weeknight winner.

Watch The Recipe Video Below

Easy Roasted Gnocchi Caprese Bake (Ready in 30 Minutes)

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20–25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

500g x Gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable)

2 x Bell Peppers, sliced into strips

400g x Cherry Tomatoes (on the vine if possible)

2 x Balls Fresh Mozzarella

A handful of fresh Basil Leaves

Extra virgin olive oil

Salt and Black Pepper, to taste

For the Balsamic Glaze (optional):

120ml x Balsamic Vinegar

Method

Preheat The Oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan) / 220°C conventional / 425°F.

Cook The Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.Add 500g gnocchi and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface.Drain, then drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.

(If using fresh gnocchi, you can skip the boiling and go straight to roasting.)

Assemble The Tray

Spread the gnocchi evenly on a large baking tray.Dot the cherry tomatoes and sliced bell peppers around the tray.Drizzle generously with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and tear over some fresh basil leaves.

Roast

Place the tray in the hot oven for 15–20 minutes, until the tomatoes burst, the peppers soften, and the gnocchi start to turn golden and crisp in places.

Make The Balsamic Glaze (optional)

While the tray is roasting, pour 120ml of balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan.Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer.Cook until it’s reduced by half and has a glaze-like consistency. Set aside to cool slightly.

(Alternatively, use store-bought balsamic glaze or simply drizzle balsamic vinegar directly over the tray while roasting.)

Add Mozzarella

Once the gnocchi and veg are roasted, remove the tray from the oven.Tear 2 balls of mozzarella into chunks and scatter over the tray.Return to the oven for 5 minutes, until the mozzarella is just starting to melt.

Finish And Serve

Drizzle the roasted gnocchi with the balsamic glaze and scatter over a few more fresh basil leaves.Serve straight from the tray for a relaxed meal, or plate up into individual bowls.

Tips

Make it lighter: Use reduced-fat mozzarella or add extra veggies like zucchini or red onion.

Make it heartier: Add cooked chicken, sausage, or pesto before roasting.

Shortcut: Skip the homemade glaze and use store-bought balsamic reduction.