The first time I made gnocchi feta, I was chasing comfort food without the effort. I had already fallen for the viral baked feta pasta, but I wanted something heartier, something that felt like a hug a bowl. That’s when I swapped pasta for gnocchi, and I’ve never looked back. The soft, pillowy dumplings soak up the creamy feta-tomato sauce in a way that feels both indulgent and rustic, perfect for those evenings when you want dinner to be equal parts simple and satisfying.

In my kitchen, this dish has become a regular partly because it’s so easy, but mostly because it feels special without needing fancy ingredients. A block of feta, a tray of cherry tomatoes, a drizzle of olive oil, and a package of gnocchi are all it takes to create a dish that tastes like you’ve spent hours on it. It’s the kind of recipe that always draws people back to the table for seconds.
Table of Contents
Whate is Gnocchi Feta
If you’re craving a cozy meal that’s equal parts creamy, tangy, and comforting, this gnocchi feta recipe is the one to try. It’s inspired by the viral baked feta pasta but with a heartier twist pillowy gnocchi baked with a block of feta, sweet tomatoes, and a touch of olive oil until everything melts together into a luscious sauce. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend comfort dish, this recipe comes together easily and tastes like something straight out of a restaurant kitchen.

Ingredients & Substitutions
The beauty of gnocchi feta is how it transforms a handful of simple ingredients into something that feels gourmet. Whether you’re making a feta cheese gnocchi skillet or a baked gnocchi with feta for dinner, the foundation stays the same: pillowy gnocchi baked with tangy feta, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant herbs until everything melts into a creamy sauce.
Core Ingredients

- Gnocchi
Potato gnocchi is the most traditional, and its pillowy texture is what makes gnocchi with feta cheese so comforting. Shelf-stable gnocchi holds up well in the oven, while fresh gnocchi gives a softer, more delicate bite. Curious about different styles? Check out my guide to gnocchi noodles. - Feta cheese
Choose a block of feta over crumbles. A block melts down beautifully, creating the creamy base that makes creamy feta gnocchi so irresistible. Authentic Greek feta, made with sheep’s milk, gives the dish its signature tang. For more inspiration on sauces, you might love my potato gnocchi sauce recipe. - Tomatoes
Cherry or grape tomatoes burst as they bake, releasing their juices into the feta. If you want a deeper, richer flavor in your gnocchi and feta, sun-dried tomatoes are a great option too. - Olive oil
Just a drizzle helps roast the feta and tomatoes, adding richness to the sauce. - Garlic and onion
Fresh garlic cloves and thinly sliced red onion add aromatic depth, making your gnocchi feta bake even more flavorful. If you enjoy onion-forward dishes, try my crispy gnocchi with tomato and red onion. - Fresh basil
This herb adds a fragrant finish that balances the creamy sauce.
Substitutions and Gnocchi Feta Variations
- Cheese swaps
Not in the mood for feta? Try goat cheese for tang, ricotta for creaminess, or parmesan for a nutty edge. Each option gives a slightly different spin on feta and gnocchi, but feta delivers the most authentic flavor. - Gnocchi choices
Stick with potato gnocchi for the classic experience, or experiment with gluten-free and chickpea gnocchi. Each type changes the texture of your baked feta gnocchi, making the dish uniquely yours. - Vegetable add-ins
Spinach, zucchini, or roasted peppers fit seamlessly into the sauce. For a nutrient boost, stir in fresh spinach just before serving. Pair it with my ideas in what to eat with gnocchi for a complete meal. - Extra flavor
Enhance your gnocchi feta bake with a pinch of chili flakes, lemon zest, or fresh oregano.
This recipe adapts beautifully to your kitchen. Whether you keep it simple or load it with extras, your baked gnocchi with feta will always be creamy, cozy, and full of flavor.
Gnocchi Feta Recipe Step-by-Step Instructions
One of the reasons I love making gnocchi feta is how easy it is to pull together. Everything bakes in one dish, and the result is a creamy, tangy sauce that clings to every bite of gnocchi. Here’s how I make it at home:
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the feta soften and the tomatoes burst, creating that signature sauce for feta cheese gnocchi.

Step 2: Prep the baking dish
In a 9×13-inch dish, place the block of feta right in the center. Scatter cherry tomatoes, gnocchi, and sliced onion around it. This setup makes for an easy baked gnocchi with feta that feels rustic and hearty.

Step 3: Add flavor
Drizzle everything with olive oil. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently so the gnocchi, tomatoes, and onion are coated but keep the feta in the middle. For more ideas on sauces and seasoning, check out my gnocchi and pasta sauce guide.

Step 4: Bake until tender
Place the dish uncovered in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. The feta should look soft and slightly golden, the tomatoes should burst open, and the gnocchi should be tender. This is where creamy feta gnocchi magic begins.

Step 5: Mash and mix
Use a fork to mash the baked feta and stir it with the roasted tomatoes. The mixture turns into a creamy sauce that coats the gnocchi perfectly. For a twist, you can crisp the gnocchi in a skillet first, similar to my method in crispy gnocchi with tomato and red onion.

Step 6: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle fresh basil over the top and add a little parmesan if you like. Serve your gnocchi feta bake immediately while it’s hot and saucy.

Tips, Variations & Serving Ideas
The fun part about making gnocchi feta is how customizable it is. Once you’ve mastered the basic method, you can easily add your own spin. Here are some of my favorite ways to keep this dish exciting.
Tips for Perfect Baked Gnocchi with Feta
- Use a block of feta, not crumbles – The block melts into a creamy sauce, while crumbled feta stays dry. This is the secret to the best creamy feta gnocchi.
- Don’t skip the olive oil – A drizzle helps the feta roast and keeps the gnocchi tender.
- Crisp your gnocchi first – For extra texture, pan-fry the dumplings in olive oil before baking. It adds a golden, crispy layer similar to my cheesy gnocchi recipe.
- Balance the flavors – Feta is salty, so taste before adding extra salt. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the whole dish.
Delicious Variations
Spinach and feta gnocchi – Stir in a handful of baby spinach after baking. It wilts quickly and pairs perfectly with the tang of feta.

Sun-dried tomato twist – Swap fresh cherry tomatoes with sun-dried ones for a deeper flavor in your gnocchi with feta cheese.
Add protein – Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage turn this baked feta gnocchi into a heartier meal.
Greek-inspired gnocchi – Toss in olives, oregano, and roasted peppers for a Mediterranean feel.
Spicy kick – A pinch of red pepper flakes takes gnocchi and feta from cozy to bold.
Serving Ideas
I love serving my gnocchi feta bake with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables. If you’re looking for pairings, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in my guide on what to eat with gnocchi. A slice of crusty bread also makes a wonderful addition, perfect for soaking up the creamy feta sauce.
No matter how you prepare it, feta and gnocchi never fail to deliver a comforting, satisfying meal that brings everyone back for seconds.

Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating
One of the things I love about gnocchi feta is that it reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches. While it’s best enjoyed fresh from the oven, here’s how to keep it delicious even after storing.
Storage
- Transfer leftover baked gnocchi with feta to an airtight container once it has cooled.
- Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The gnocchi will firm up slightly in the fridge, but the sauce can easily be revived.
Reheating
- Skillet method (best choice): Warm leftovers in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil. This loosens the sauce and keeps your creamy feta gnocchi silky instead of dry.
- Microwave method (quick): Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Add a spoonful of water or broth before reheating if the sauce seems thick.
- Oven method (for large portions): Place the gnocchi and feta in an oven-safe dish, cover lightly with foil, and bake at 350°F until warmed through.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze feta cheese gnocchi, I don’t recommend it. The texture of both gnocchi and feta changes after thawing, and the sauce loses its creamy quality. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated only.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble everything in your baking dish (gnocchi, feta, tomatoes, and olive oil), then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- When ready, bake as directed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes since the dish will start cold.
- This is my favorite trick when I’m hosting, since I can prep ahead and still serve hot, bubbling gnocchi feta bake straight from the oven.
For more comforting gnocchi ideas you can prepare in advance, check out my cheesy gnocchi recipe.
FAQ’s Gnocchi Feta Recipe
Does feta go with gnocchi?
Absolutely! Feta’s salty, tangy flavor balances beautifully with the soft, pillowy texture of gnocchi. Baking them together creates a creamy sauce that clings to every dumpling. If you’re curious about other pairing ideas, take a look at my gnocchi marinara recipe for another classic combo.
Do feta and pasta go together?
Yes, feta is a great cheese to use with pasta. It doesn’t melt in the same way as mozzarella or parmesan, but when baked with tomatoes and olive oil, it softens into a creamy, tangy sauce. Many people love the viral baked feta pasta, and this gnocchi with feta cheese recipe is a heartier version of that idea.
Can I use feta instead of parmesan in pasta?
You can, but the flavor will be quite different. Parmesan is nutty and sharp, while feta is tangy and briny. If you’re looking for creaminess and bold flavor, feta works wonderfully in pasta and feta cheese gnocchi dishes.
What to pair with gnocchi pasta?
Gnocchi pairs well with roasted vegetables, fresh salads, or proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp. For a lighter option, I love serving gnocchi and feta with a simple side salad. If you want more pairing ideas, check out my guide on what to eat with gnocchi.
What are gnocchi traditionally served with?
Traditionally, gnocchi is served with light butter sauces, tomato sauces, or fresh herbs. In Italian cooking, you’ll often see baked gnocchi with feta-style dishes that use simple, fresh ingredients to highlight the dumplings.
What pairs well with feta?
Feta is incredibly versatile. It pairs well with tomatoes, spinach, cucumbers, olives, and fresh herbs like basil and oregano. In a gnocchi feta bake, the cheese works as both the sauce base and the main flavor booster. For more cheesy ideas, visit my gnocchi and pasta sauce collection.
Conclusion
Every time I make gnocchi feta, I’m reminded how comforting simple ingredients can be. A block of feta, a tray of tomatoes, and a package of gnocchi come together to create a creamy, tangy, and deeply satisfying dish. Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist, this recipe always delivers cozy flavors that feel special without being complicated.
If you enjoyed this dish, you’ll also love trying my gnocchi Amalfitani for a traditional Italian flavor, or my cheesy gnocchi recipe when you’re craving even more indulgence. And if you’re looking for a classic tomato-based option, gnocchi marinara is another favorite in my kitchen.
Now it’s your turn: bake up this feta and gnocchi for dinner tonight, share it with your family, and see just how quickly the pan disappears. Trust me, once you’ve tried this, it will become a regular at your table too.
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Recipe
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Gnocchi Feta Bake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: vegan Lunch
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy gnocchi feta bake combines pillowy gnocchi, tangy feta cheese, and juicy tomatoes into a cozy one-pan meal. Inspired by the viral baked feta pasta, this dish is richer and heartier, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 16 oz potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or fresh)
- 8 oz block of feta cheese
- 24 oz cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes)
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Optional: grated parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the block of feta in the center of a baking dish.
- Scatter gnocchi, cherry tomatoes, onion, and garlic around the cheese.
- Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until tomatoes burst and feta softens.
- Mash feta and tomatoes with a fork to form a creamy sauce.
- Stir gnocchi into the sauce until fully coated.
- Garnish with fresh basil and optional parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
For crispier gnocchi, pan-fry in olive oil before baking.
Add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Spice it up with chili flakes or brighten with lemon zest.
Leftovers reheat best in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil.










