Gnocchi pizza is a fun twist on two favorites! It features fluffy gnocchi as the base topped with your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings. It’s easy to make and super satisfying!
Who knew gnocchi could be a pizza? 🎉 I love how you can customize it with whatever toppings you crave. It’s a great way to surprise your friends at dinner! Trust me, they’ll love it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potato Gnocchi: The base of our pizza! Use store-bought gnocchi for convenience. If gluten-free, you can find gluten-free gnocchi or make your own using potato flour.
Olive Oil: This helps crisp up the gnocchi. Feel free to substitute with canola oil or avocado oil if you prefer something lighter.
Pizza Sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade tomato sauce. For a twist, try pesto or a white sauce if you want something different!
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: It melts beautifully! If unavailable, shredded mozzarella or a non-dairy cheese can work perfectly as alternatives.
Pepperoni: This is classic but feel free to swap it for veggies, cooked sausage, or even a meat substitute like tofu or seitan.
How Do I Get the Gnocchi Perfectly Crispy?
Achieving that crispy texture on your gnocchi is key to a successful pizza. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cook the gnocchi in boiling water until they float, indicating they are done. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat before adding the gnocchi.
- Sauté the gnocchi in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
- Don’t crowd the pan; give them space to crisp up!
When you spread the sauce and add toppings, make sure to return the skillet to the preheated oven so everything melts nicely. Enjoy your delicious creation!
How to Make Gnocchi Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (about 16 oz) potato gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 20-25 slices pepperoni (or your preferred pizza topping)
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, whole, for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This gnocchi pizza takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 20 minutes to cook. So, you can have a delicious meal on the table in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). We need it nice and hot for baking our pizza!
2. Cook the Gnocchi:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the gnocchi and cook them according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface. Once they do, they’re ready! Drain them well and set aside.
3. Sauté the Gnocchi:
Next, take an oven-safe skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your cooked gnocchi to the skillet, and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes or until they are golden brown on all sides. This is where the magic happens, giving the gnocchi that delicious crispiness!
4. Assemble the Pizza:
Once the gnocchi are golden, remove the skillet from heat. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the gnocchi. Now, layer the sliced fresh mozzarella on top of the sauce, followed by the pepperoni slices (or whatever toppings you like).
5. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully place the skillet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just beginning to brown. You’re going to love the smell!
6. Garnish and Serve:
When it’s done baking, carefully take the skillet out of the oven. Sprinkle the thinly sliced basil and freshly ground black pepper over the top. For a final touch, add whole basil leaves for garnish.
7. Slice and Enjoy:
Slice your gnocchi pizza while it’s warm and serve it up! Enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite of your unique pizza creation!
This gnocchi pizza transforms fluffy gnocchi into a hearty and delicious pizza base that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy!
Can I Use Store-Bought Gnocchi?
Absolutely! Store-bought potato gnocchi is convenient and works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for cooking time.
What Toppings Can I Use Besides Pepperoni?
You can customize your pizza with any toppings you like! Try veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives. You could even use cooked sausage or a mix of cheeses for added flavor. The options are endless!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover gnocchi pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through, or microwave it for a quick fix.
Can I Freeze Gnocchi Pizza?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just allow the pizza to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It should stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above.