Gnocchi pizza is a fun twist on the classic! Instead of dough, we use soft, pillowy gnocchi as the base. Topped with cheese, sauce, and your favorite goodies, it’s cheesy and delicious.
Honestly, I love how this combines two favorite foods into one amazing dish. Plus, it’s quick to make, so you can enjoy it on busy nights without any fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potato Gnocchi: This is the star of the dish! You can use store-bought gnocchi for convenience or make your own for a personal touch. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free gnocchi available in stores.
Olive Oil: This oil adds flavor and helps crisp the gnocchi. If you want a different taste, feel free to substitute with avocado oil or melted butter, but avoid oils with strong flavors that could overpower the dish.
Pizza Sauce: You can use any type of tomato-based sauce! Homemade sauce is great if you have the time. If you’re in a pinch, store-bought marinara can work as a quick alternative.
Cheese: Fresh mozzarella gives a delightful stretchiness. If you’re short on mozzarella, blended cheeses like provolone or cheese blends for pizza will work out well, but keep in mind they’re less creamy.
Pepperoni: This classic topping adds flavor and texture. Use turkey pepperoni for a leaner option, or substitute with cooked sausage, veggies, or even bacon, depending on your preference.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Crispy Gnocchi?
The key to crispy gnocchi is cooking them in the skillet after boiling. Once boiled, you want to sauté them until golden brown. Here’s how:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the gnocchi. This ensures they fry instead of steam.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet! Cook in batches if necessary, so they have space to brown.
- Keep the heat moderate. Too high can burn the gnocchi too quickly; too low won’t crisp them up.
- If you like extra crispiness, you can let them cook a bit longer, just keep an eye on them!
With these tips, your gnocchi will be wonderfully crispy and the perfect base for your pizza toppings!
How to Make Gnocchi Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup pizza sauce (tomato-based)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Gnocchi Pizza takes about 15 minutes to prep, and then 10-15 minutes to bake in the oven. So, in about 30 minutes, you can have this delicious dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s hot and ready for your pizza!
2. Cook the Gnocchi:
Next, fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Once it’s bubbly, toss in the gnocchi. They’ll cook quickly—wait until they float to the top, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. When they’re done, drain the water well.
3. Sauté the Gnocchi:
Grab a large oven-safe skillet (a cast-iron skillet is perfect!). Pour the olive oil in and heat it over medium. Once hot, add the drained gnocchi to the skillet. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they become slightly golden and crispy on the outside. Don’t forget to season with a bit of salt and pepper!
4. Add the Toppings:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the sautéed gnocchi in the skillet. Next, layer the fresh mozzarella cheese slices on top, followed by scattering the pepperoni slices. Lastly, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and dried oregano over everything.
5. Bake the Pizza:
Now, it’s time to bake! Carefully transfer your skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown on top.
6. Finishing Touches:
Once it’s ready, take the skillet out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle on the fresh sliced basil leaves and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice up your gnocchi pizza and serve hot directly from the skillet. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors—it’s a unique and tasty dish for everyone!
Enjoy this indulgent Gnocchi Pizza—a perfect blend of pillowy gnocchi, rich tomato sauce, melty cheese, and savory pepperoni!
Can I Use Frozen Gnocchi for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just cook the frozen gnocchi according to package instructions. They usually don’t need a lot of extra time—just make sure they float to the top before draining them!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Simply omit the pepperoni and substitute it with your favorite vegetables! Options like bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or spinach add flavor and texture. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese on top for added creaminess!
Can I Make Gnocchi Pizza Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the gnocchi and sauce in advance. Just sauté the gnocchi, layer the sauce and toppings, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to eat, just pop it in the oven for a quick reheat—might need an extra minute or two!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. For best results, reheat in the oven for that crispy texture!
