Gnocchi is a brilliant option for toddlers because it’s soft, pillowy, and easy for little hands to pick up, making mealtimes far less stressful. In this tray bake, the gnocchi roasts until lightly crisp on the outside while staying tender inside, giving toddlers a fun mix of textures without anything being tough or chewy. The sausage adds protein, the tomatoes bring natural sweetness, and the roasted red onion melts down into flavours they instinctively enjoy. Finished with basil and pine nuts for gentle aromatics and healthy fats, it’s a balanced, colourful dish that feels comforting for toddlers and effortless for you.

Time

5 mins - Prep Time

30 mins - Cook Time

Portion

Sufficient to feed a family of 2 adults and 2 toddlers.

Equipment

1 deep filled roasting tin

Ingredients

500g fresh gnocci

4 - 6 sausages, cut into chunky pieces

200g of cherry tomatoes chopped in half

1x red onion roughly chopped

A handful of fresh basil leaves

2x tablespoons of pineuts

Olive Oil

Optional: Grated parmesan

Method

1. Turn the oven onto 180C. 
2. Tip all the ingredients into the baking tray except for the basil and pine nuts. Coat in the olive oil and ensure everything is scattered evenly. 
3. Roast for 25 - 30 minutes, giving it a shake halfway through. You're looking for browned sausages, juicy but soft tomatoes and crisp gnocci but soft inside. 
4. Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan for 2 - 3 mins until golden. Scatter them over the tray bake with torn basil leaves. 
5. Scatter over the parmesan if using and serve!