Crispy Garlic Gnocchi Recipe
This Crispy Garlic Gnocchi is an easy dish ready in about 10 minutes! Gnocchi is sautéed in olive oil with freshly minced garlic until it is perfectly crisp then tossed with basil and parmesan.
If you love your pillowy gnocchi with a crisp texture and simple herb finish, you are going to love this crispy garlic gnocchi! It’s incredibly versatile and quick, the perfect light meal or side dish. You will find so many opportunities for this delicious dish!
Want more gnocchi? Try it in this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup or One Pan Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi!
What is Gnocchi?
Gnocchi is basically bite-sized potato-based dough that is often used similarly to pasta. They boil in just 2-4 minutes (depending on the type) for a soft, delicious dumpling. That’s not all, though! If you pan sear the boiled gnocchi, you get a gloriously soft inside with a crisp, flavorful outside. This recipe starts with packaged gnocchi that has already been boiled (a great, quick meal prep task that gives you a great snack or meal starter in the fridge for several days).
Ingredients for Garlic Gnocchi:
Here is a quick overview of what you will need. Find exact measurements in the printable recipe card below.
- Gnocchi – I used gluten-free shelf-stable gnocchi that had been boiled according to package directions. I’m sure that you could use fresh homemade gnocchi or refrigerated gnocchi as well.
- Extra virgin olive oil and Minced garlic – We will sauté the gnocchi in this light, flavorful mixture. Feel free to substitute unsalted butter, avocado oil, or even bacon grease for the oil.
- Garlic powder, Kosher salt, and Black pepper – These easy, basic seasonings bring out a lovely flavor in the gnocchi and are sure to pair well with anything you serve with the gnocchi.
- Shredded parmesan cheese and Fresh basil – We sprinkle these over our toasted garlic gnocchi for light, fresh flavor. If you are vegan, make sure to use parmesan without animal rennet. Other optional garnishes: Red pepper flakes, other herbs like fresh thyme or parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, etc.
How do you make Crispy Gnocchi?
After you boil your gnocchi, you want to heat a large skillet to medium heat and add a couple tablespoons of olive oil. Make sure you have enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. For the crispiest texture, pat the gnocchi dry with a paper towel while the pan is warming up.
When the oil is hot, add a few cloves of minced garlic and stir. Then add the gnocchi in a single layer and sprinkle with salt, pepper and a pinch of garlic powder.
You want the gnocchi to get nice and crispy, but you do not want it to stick to the pan, so stir it occasionally, making sure it toasts evenly. When the gnocchi has reached your desired crispness, remove it from the pan and sprinkle with fresh parmesan and basil. Voila! That is it!
What to serve with crispy gnocchi
You can serve this recipe as a light entree with an easy salad, eggplant parmesan bites, or stuffed mushrooms on the side. For a heartier meal, serve it as a side with Italian Meatballs, this Chicken with Pesto Cream Sauce, or our favorite Salmon and Broccoli Sheet Pan. For an impressive little brunch, try it with Bacon-Wrapped Scallops and Blood Orange Mimosas!
How should I store and reheat gnocchi?
If you have leftovers, store these in an air-tight container in the fridge. This should keep for 2-3 days. To reheat, you can microwave, pan-sear, or air fry them.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, tossing between blasts until gnocchi is warmed throughout. You’ll lose some of the crispy texture this way, but it’s the quickest way to reheat.
- Air Fry: Reheat at 350 degrees F for 2-4 minutes depending on how crispy you like them. This is great for the crispy texture but can dry them out.
- Pan-sear: Warm a pan over medium heat and add a touch of olive oil. Add in gnocchi, cover with a lid, and shake occasionally until gnocchi is warmed through.
Can I make gnocchi ahead of time?
Yes and no. If you want to boil the gnocchi 1-2 days ahead of time so that the dinner comes together super quickly, you can do that and store the gnocchi in a closed container in the fridge. However, if you sear the gnocchi ahead of time, it’s likely to lose its nice, crispy texture. It’ll still taste great (and I still love the leftovers for lunch), but you do lose that great exterior.
Unfortunately, freezing cooked gnocchi doesn’t work well either. As it thaws, it becomes very mushy and can sort of disintegrate into your sauce. I recommend only refrigerating gnocchi once it is cooked.
More Gluten-Free Dinner Ideas:
- The Best Keto Crab Cakes
- Keto Pepperoni Pizza Bites
- Grilled Salmon Kabobs with Greek Marinade
- One Pan Pork Chops with Cream Sauce
- Keto Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Hot Pocket
Get the Recipe: Crispy Gnocchi
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet to medium heat and make sure you have enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan.
- When the oil is hot add a few cloves of minced garlic and stir, add the gnocchi in a single layer and sprinkle with salt, pepper and a pinch of garlic powder.
- You want the gnocchi to get nice and crispy and you do not want it to stick to the pan so stir it occasionally making sure it toasts evenly.
- When the gnocchi has reached your desired crispness remove it from the pan and sprinkle with fresh parmesan and basil.
This gnocchi looks incredible! I have some sitting in my pantry and I’ve been wondering what to do with it- you’ve solved my problem 🙂 Pinning!
Crispy, garlic, and gnocchi are three of my favorite words 😀 and together in one recipe title? I’m swooning! I’ve got to make these for dinner soon. This is such a delicious meal!
Crispy gnocchi is the best! And when garlic is involved…I’m in heaven! Sounds like such a delicious comfort dish, Annie! Love all of the flavors in here!
This looks SO delicious, Annie! I love crispy gnocchi and pairing it with the yummy salad kits make this the perfect meal! So easy for busy weeknights too!
Haha, I like all kinds of dough-based treats but rarely eat it raw! Even cookie dough! LOVE this crispy gnocchi — the perfect complement to those gorgeous salads!
This is the ultimate in comfort! I can imagine that crispy deliciousness from the first bite to the last! YUM!
I loooooove crispy gnocchi!!! It is seriously the best. And i’m with you, raw dough is gross (cookie dough exception, of course.) There is nothing worse than biting into a cinnamon roll that’s not quite done in the middle. Great idea pairing gnocchi with a prepared salad!
I love gnocchi, and eating it crispy is my favorite! I love the addition of the garlic and basil, and those Eat Smart Salad kits are truly delicious!
So I totally am guilty of ordering chicken and dumplings with extra dumplings at Cracker Barrel. It’s one of my favorite things! I’ve actually never tried gnocchi before, but I feel like I need to pick some up. This looks seriously delicious!
I’m with you– raw dough doesn’t sound too great unless it’s packed full of chocolate chips! 😉 But these gnocchi…. these look to die for!! Can’t go wrong with those delish little bites!
I hardly ever think to cook gnocchi, but this recipe is making me want to have some right now!
Those salad kits look so good! Can’t wait to try them. 🙂
I love gnocchi so this is right up my street. Ideal for a midweek meal.
I’ve never made gnocchi before. It intimidates me for some reason. But this crispy garlic versions sounds good enough to try!
Psst… I ate a full circle of pie dough last night, Annie Poo. I regret nothing! But I also will be making this.
hahahah! You are crazy! But yes, make this! It is so good!