If you are on the hunt for a cozy, satisfying meal that bursts with bold flavors and creamy richness, the Cheesy Bratwurst Gnocchi Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender potato gnocchi swimming in a luscious tomato cream sauce loaded with savory crumbles of bratwurst, all topped with bubbly melted cheddar cheese. This dish comes together quickly yet delivers a deeply comforting experience perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing friends without fuss. It’s truly the kind of recipe that beckons you back again and again, warming your soul with every cheesy, meaty bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color. From hearty bratwurst to silky cream and sharp cheddar, every item elevates the dish and keeps it delightfully balanced.
- 10.6 ounces bratwurst sausages: Choose quality bratwurst for a juicy, flavorful base loaded with spices.
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped: Provides natural sweetness and a tender crunch after sautéing.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant punch that enhances the sausage’s savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang to brighten the sauce without overpowering it.
- 1/3 cup chicken broth: Helps deglaze the pan and deepen the sauce’s flavor complexity.
- 1 (14 fl oz) can tomato sauce: The rich base that gives the sauce its vibrant, comforting warmth.
- 1/2 cup heavy or whipping cream: Creates a luscious, silky texture that marries perfectly with gnocchi.
- 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi: The pillowy stars of the dish, soaking up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty goodness that crowns the dish with irresistible cheesiness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential to balance and bring out all the flavors fully.
How to Make Cheesy Bratwurst Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Bratwurst and Sauté the Onion
Begin by removing the sausage meat from the casings and crumbling it into a warm skillet. Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté everything over medium-high heat for about 7 to 10 minutes. You want the bratwurst to brown nicely, developing those rich, caramelized edges that add depth, while the onion softens and lends its natural sweetness to the mix.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds. This quick step is important to draw out the garlic’s bold aroma without burning it, which could turn bitter. The scent at this moment is already enough to make your mouth water.
Step 3: Stir in Dijon Mustard and Chicken Broth
Now it’s time to bring a bit of tang and moisture to the pan by mixing in the Dijon mustard and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the mixture bubble for about one minute—these tasty fond pieces dissolve into the sauce, packing it with savory goodness.
Step 4: Combine Tomato Sauce, Cream, and Gnocchi
Pour in the tomato sauce and heavy cream, then add the uncooked potato gnocchi. Lower the heat to medium and cover the pan once the sauce starts to bubble gently. Let everything cook together for 4 minutes, during which the gnocchi will absorb the flavors and soften to that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 5: Stir and Adjust the Sauce
Give the gnocchi a good stir. They should be nearly cooked through by now. If the sauce feels too thin or hasn’t thickened enough, leave the pan uncovered for a little longer, stirring often. This step ensures the sauce clings beautifully to each pillowy bite.
Step 6: Add Cheddar Cheese for Ultimate Creaminess
Stir half of the grated cheddar into the pan until it melts into a gooey, sumptuous layer. Then take the pan off the heat and sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top. Cover the skillet for a few minutes so the cheese can melt perfectly on the surface, giving you that irresistible golden crust that makes the Cheesy Bratwurst Gnocchi Recipe truly shine. Serve immediately!
How to Serve Cheesy Bratwurst Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves adds a lively pop of color and freshness that contrasts the rich sauce delightfully. For some extra indulgence, a few shavings of Parmesan or a light drizzle of good olive oil can elevate the dish even further.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty gnocchi with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Roasted or steamed seasonal veggies like asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts also make excellent companions, providing crunch and nutritional balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small cast iron skillets or rustic ceramic bowls directly from the oven to keep the cheese perfectly melted. Alternatively, add a few dollops of sour cream or caramelized onions on top for an added flavor dimension and a restaurant-worthy presentation at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it rests, so you might want to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to bring back that silky consistency.
Freezing
The Cheesy Bratwurst Gnocchi Recipe can be frozen, but it’s best to do so before adding the cheese toppings to maintain texture quality. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. Adding a little extra cream or broth helps refresh the sauce and keeps the gnocchi tender. Alternatively, reheat covered in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage instead of bratwurst?
Absolutely! While bratwurst brings a unique blend of spices and flavor, Italian sausage or chorizo can be great substitutes that add their own personality to the dish.
Is this dish suitable for freezing and meal prep?
Yes, you can freeze the Cheesy Bratwurst Gnocchi Recipe before adding cheese toppings. It makes a fantastic meal prep option for busy weeks.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap the bratwurst for plant-based sausage alternatives and use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian and still full of flavor.
What if I can’t find potato gnocchi?
Store-bought frozen gnocchi works perfectly fine, or you could try small pasta shapes like cavatappi or even soft dumplings if you prefer.
How spicy is this recipe?
The Cheesy Bratwurst Gnocchi Recipe is mild by default, but you can introduce a bit of heat by choosing spicy sausages or adding red pepper flakes to taste.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting and joyful about the Cheesy Bratwurst Gnocchi Recipe that makes it a standout in any kitchen. It brings together simple ingredients in a creamy, cheesy, and savory dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to share with loved ones. Once you do, it might just become one of your favorite go-to meals too!
Print
Cheesy Bratwurst Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Bratwurst Gnocchi recipe combines savory crumbled bratwurst, tender potato gnocchi, and a rich tomato-cream sauce infused with garlic and Dijon mustard. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, this hearty and comforting one-pan dish comes together quickly on the stovetop, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 10.6 ounces bratwurst sausages, casings removed
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
Sauce and Gnocchi
- 1 (14 fluid ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
Cheese and Seasoning
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Bratwurst and Onion: Remove the bratwurst meat from the casings and crumble it into a skillet. Add the chopped onion and sauté over medium-high heat for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and the onion has softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning it.
- Incorporate Mustard and Broth: Mix in the Dijon mustard and chicken broth. Stir well and let the mixture bubble for about one minute, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet’s bottom to enhance flavor.
- Add Tomato Sauce, Cream, and Gnocchi: Pour in the tomato sauce and heavy cream, then add the uncooked gnocchi. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pan once the mixture begins to gently bubble, and cook for 4 minutes to allow the gnocchi to start softening.
- Finish Cooking the Gnocchi and Thicken Sauce: Stir the gnocchi and check if it is tender and the sauce has thickened. If needed, continue cooking uncovered and stir frequently until the desired texture and thickness are achieved.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Stir in half of the grated cheddar cheese until melted. Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover for a couple of minutes to melt it completely, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- This recipe uses bratwurst sausages—removing the casing before cooking ensures the crumbled texture integrates well with the gnocchi.
- You can use fresh or frozen potato gnocchi; adjust cooking time slightly if frozen.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper towards the end as the tomato sauce and cheese add saltiness.
- For a slightly spicier dish, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the onions.
- Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
