Creamy Tomato Mozzarella Schupfnudeln Bake

Creamy Tomato Mozzarella Schupfnudeln Bake is a delicious, comforting dish that combines tender potato dumplings (Schupfnudeln) with juicy cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and a creamy tomato sauce. Quick and easy to prepare, this bake is perfect for a weekday dinner yet elegant enough for a weekend gathering. The addition of fresh arugula as a garnish gives it a refreshing hint of bitterness that balances the rich flavors. This recipe will walk you through every step to make this hearty dish and provide extra tips and storage instructions.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 500 g Schupfnudeln (potato dumplings, from the refrigerated section)
  • 250 ml Cooking Cream (or Cremefine 15% fat)
  • 20 Cherry Tomatoes, halved
  • 1 Garlic Clove, minced
  • 125 g Mini Mozzarella Balls, drained
  • 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • Pinch of Black Pepper
  • Handful of Fresh Arugula (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and let it preheat while you prepare the ingredients.
  2. Halve the Cherry Tomatoes: Wash and cut each tomato in half.
  3. Drain the Mozzarella: Drain the mini mozzarella balls and set them aside.
  4. Mince the Garlic: Peel and finely chop or crush the garlic.

Step 2: Sauté the Schupfnudeln

  1. Heat Oil in a Pan: In a large skillet or frying pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium.
  2. Sauté the Schupfnudeln: Add the Schupfnudeln and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly golden and crispy on the edges.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Tomato Sauce

  1. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Push the Schupfnudeln to one side of the pan and add the minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste to the other side. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant.
  2. Pour in the Cream: Stir the garlic and tomato paste mixture with the Schupfnudeln, then add 250 ml of cooking cream.
  3. Season the Sauce: Add ½ teaspoon of salt and a pinch of black pepper. Stir well until everything is combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

  1. Transfer to a Baking Dish: Pour the Schupfnudeln and sauce mixture into an oven-safe baking dish.
  2. Add Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella: Evenly distribute the halved cherry tomatoes and mini mozzarella balls over the top.
  3. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  1. Garnish with Arugula: If desired, add a handful of fresh arugula on top before serving for a fresh, peppery contrast to the creamy bake.
  2. Serve Warm: Enjoy this creamy Schupfnudeln bake hot, right out of the oven, as a main course or side dish.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

  • Yes, you can substitute mini mozzarella balls with grated mozzarella, cheddar, or Gouda for a slightly different flavor.

2. What if I don’t have Schupfnudeln?

  • You can substitute Schupfnudeln with gnocchi or even small pasta like penne or fusilli. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

  • This dish is naturally vegetarian, as it does not contain meat.

4. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

  • Use gluten-free Schupfnudeln or gluten-free gnocchi to make this a gluten-free meal.

Tips for Perfect Schupfnudeln Bake

  • Preheat the Pan: Sautéing the Schupfnudeln first adds a delightful crispiness that will hold up well in the creamy sauce.
  • Adjust Seasoning to Taste: The salt and pepper levels can be adjusted based on your preferences or dietary needs.
  • Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or thyme complements the creamy tomato sauce beautifully. Add them as a garnish or mix them into the sauce.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: While fresh is best, you can freeze this dish for up to one month. Allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Conclusion

This Creamy Tomato Mozzarella Schupfnudeln Bake is a delightful and satisfying dish that combines the richness of cream with the freshness of tomatoes and the comforting texture of Schupfnudeln. Whether enjoyed as a cozy family meal or an impressive dinner for guests, this recipe delivers warmth, flavor, and color to any table. Try it with the peppery freshness of arugula, or customize it with your favorite herbs for a personal twist.