Crispy Parmesan Gnocchi Crisps: An Irresistibly Easy Recipe
Forget everything you thought you knew about gnocchi! While often served boiled and sauced, these potato dumplings can be transformed into incredibly addictive, crispy parmesan gnocchi crisps. This recipe is simple, quick, and delivers an explosion of flavor and texture in every bite. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a sophisticated crouton replacement for salads, these parmesan gnocchi crisps are guaranteed to become a new favorite.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Easy and Quick:** This recipe requires minimal effort and comes together in under 30 minutes.
* **Incredibly Flavorful:** The combination of pillowy gnocchi, salty parmesan, and optional herbs creates a symphony of flavors.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy them as an appetizer, snack, salad topping, or side dish.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Everyone will love these crispy, cheesy bites.
* **Adaptable:** Easily customize the flavors with different cheeses, herbs, and spices.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **1 (16-20 ounce) package of shelf-stable gnocchi:** Look for gnocchi that is shelf-stable, not refrigerated. These are typically made with potato and flour. Refrigerated gnocchi can be used, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time and might not get quite as crispy. Pre-made fresh gnocchi can also be used.
* **2-3 tablespoons olive oil:** Olive oil is essential for achieving that perfect golden-brown crisp. You can use regular or extra virgin olive oil, depending on your preference. Avoid using oils with a low smoke point, such as butter or coconut oil, as they will burn at the high heat required for crisping the gnocchi.
* **1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese:** Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is crucial for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting and crisping properly. Use a microplane or fine grater to grate the cheese into a fluffy consistency.
* **1/4 teaspoon garlic powder:** Garlic powder adds a subtle savory note that complements the parmesan cheese perfectly. You can also use fresh minced garlic, but be careful not to burn it.
* **1/4 teaspoon onion powder:** Onion powder adds another layer of savory flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional):** A blend of dried Italian herbs, such as oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme, adds a touch of herbaceousness. You can also use fresh herbs, but add them towards the end of cooking to prevent them from burning.
* **Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste:** Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
* **Red pepper flakes (optional):** For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
* **Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish):** Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large skillet or frying pan:** A large skillet or frying pan is essential for cooking the gnocchi evenly and preventing overcrowding.
* **Spatula:** A spatula is needed for flipping and stirring the gnocchi.
* **Microplane or fine grater:** For grating the parmesan cheese.
* **Measuring spoons:** For measuring the ingredients.
* **Paper towels:** For draining excess oil.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
**Step 1: Prepare the Gnocchi**
* Open the package of gnocchi and pour them into a colander. Rinse them under cold water to remove any excess starch. This step is important because it helps the gnocchi crisp up better.
* Pat the gnocchi dry with paper towels. This will further help them crisp up in the pan. Excess moisture will steam the gnocchi instead of allowing them to fry.
**Step 2: Heat the Oil and Add Gnocchi**
* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be shimmering but not smoking. If the oil is not hot enough, the gnocchi will absorb too much oil and become soggy. If the oil is too hot, it will burn.
* Add the gnocchi to the hot oil in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and prevent the gnocchi from crisping properly. If necessary, cook the gnocchi in batches.
**Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi**
* Cook the gnocchi for 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the bottom. Resist the urge to stir them too frequently, as this will prevent them from developing a crispy crust. Let them sit undisturbed for a few minutes to allow them to brown properly.
* Flip the gnocchi and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the other side. Again, avoid stirring them too frequently.
**Step 4: Add the Parmesan Cheese and Seasonings**
* Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the gnocchi.
* Add the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs (if using), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss gently to coat the gnocchi evenly with the cheese and seasonings. The parmesan cheese will melt and create a crispy, cheesy coating around the gnocchi.
**Step 5: Cook Until Cheese is Melted and Crispy**
* Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the Parmesan cheese is melted and crispy. Watch carefully to prevent the cheese from burning.
**Step 6: Remove and Drain**
* Remove the gnocchi crisps from the skillet and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
**Step 7: Garnish and Serve**
* Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately. These parmesan gnocchi crisps are best enjoyed hot and crispy.
## Tips for the Best Crispy Parmesan Gnocchi Crisps
* **Use shelf-stable gnocchi:** Shelf-stable gnocchi tend to crisp up better than refrigerated gnocchi.
* **Dry the gnocchi thoroughly:** Pat the gnocchi dry with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture. This will help them crisp up in the pan.
* **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** Cook the gnocchi in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and prevent the gnocchi from crisping properly.
* **Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese:** Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts and crisps better than pre-grated cheese.
* **Don’t stir too frequently:** Resist the urge to stir the gnocchi too frequently, as this will prevent them from developing a crispy crust.
* **Watch the cheese carefully:** The Parmesan cheese can burn easily, so watch it carefully and reduce the heat if necessary.
* **Serve immediately:** These parmesan gnocchi crisps are best enjoyed hot and crispy.
## Variations and Additions
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or mozzarella. Add a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
* **Herbs and Spices:** Try different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, sage, chili powder, or smoked paprika. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be added at the end of cooking.
* **Garlic:** Add fresh minced garlic to the pan along with the olive oil. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add a touch of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Truffle Oil:** Drizzle with truffle oil after cooking for a decadent treat.
* **Pesto:** Toss the cooked gnocchi crisps with pesto for a flavorful and easy dish.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Balsamic Glaze:** Drizzle with balsamic glaze after cooking for a sweet and tangy flavor.
* **Vegetables:** Add chopped vegetables, such as sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or roasted red peppers, for a more substantial dish. Add the vegetables after the gnocchi have been cooked and crisped.
* **Prosciutto or Bacon:** Add crispy prosciutto or bacon for a salty and savory flavor. Cook the prosciutto or bacon separately and crumble it over the gnocchi crisps after cooking.
## Serving Suggestions
* **Appetizer:** Serve as a standalone appetizer with a dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, pesto, or aioli.
* **Snack:** Enjoy as a quick and easy snack any time of day.
* **Salad Topping:** Use as a sophisticated crouton replacement for salads.
* **Side Dish:** Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables.
* **Pasta Dish:** Add to pasta dishes for extra flavor and texture.
* **Charcuterie Board:** Include on a charcuterie board with other cheeses, meats, and crackers.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
These parmesan gnocchi crisps are best enjoyed immediately, but you can prepare some of the components ahead of time.
* **Gnocchi:** The gnocchi can be rinsed and dried ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** The Parmesan cheese can be grated ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
## Storage Instructions
* Store leftover parmesan gnocchi crisps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, they will lose their crispness as they sit.
* To reheat, spread the gnocchi crisps on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, but be careful not to burn them.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 250-300 per serving
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-10g
* Cholesterol: 30-40mg
* Sodium: 400-500mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 1-2g
* Protein: 8-10g
*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Recipe Card
**Crispy Parmesan Gnocchi Crisps**
**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 5 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (16-20 ounce) package of shelf-stable gnocchi
* 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* Red pepper flakes (optional)
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. Rinse the gnocchi under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the gnocchi to the hot oil in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the bottom.
4. Flip the gnocchi and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the other side.
5. Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs (if using), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the gnocchi.
6. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the Parmesan cheese is melted and crispy.
7. Remove the gnocchi crisps from the skillet and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
8. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Enjoy your delicious and easy crispy parmesan gnocchi crisps! This recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.